Be VERY careful with a bench grinder and wheel. Try your hand first. There ain't much chrome there. Bill.
Polishing Chrome
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 10
From: Dallas TX
Polishing Chrome
I am thinking about polishing my inside and outside windshield surround while I have all of the pieces off. Can anyone recommend what type of rubbing compound and where to get it?
Are any of the "chrome polishes" (meguiars, turtle wax) any good?
The trim is in pretty good shape, just dull.....
My thought was to use the polishing wheel on my bench grinder.
Any advice?
Are any of the "chrome polishes" (meguiars, turtle wax) any good?
The trim is in pretty good shape, just dull.....
My thought was to use the polishing wheel on my bench grinder.
Any advice?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,264
Likes: 803
From: Georgetown TX
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C2 of Year Finalist
I use a product by Eagle One called Nevr-Dull. Very good on chrome/stainless. You can get at Wal-Mart or O'Reilleys. Makes my 62 look nice....John
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,913
Likes: 60
From: Twin Cities, MN
I'd suggest 3M Metal Polish and Restorer. Worked GREAT for some of my parts.
http://www.shop3m.com/60980035525.html
http://www.shop3m.com/60980035525.html
Pro
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 735
Likes: 174
From: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
Those pieces are stainless steel, not chrome plated.
You will work very hard to buff them by hand, you really need a buffing wheel and rouge to do the job correctly. Buffing SS is not easy and very time consuming. Do you know anyone in your area that can do it for you?
You will work very hard to buff them by hand, you really need a buffing wheel and rouge to do the job correctly. Buffing SS is not easy and very time consuming. Do you know anyone in your area that can do it for you?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 12
From: Woonsocket Rhode Island
The guy who polished my stainless used a large cotton buffer pad mounted to a benched motor. He also used one buffer to "cut" the surface then changed it to bring out the shine. They came out looking like chrome. I noticed several different rouges on his bench including green, while and red.
If you have never used a buffer before, practice on scrap. I have seen pieces fly through the air after being caught and the metal also gets hot so if you are not wearing gloves and let go, disaster strikes; and don't wear loose clothing. One quick tug on a shirt sleeve that gets caught on the wheel and you may get your head buffed as well.
If you have never used a buffer before, practice on scrap. I have seen pieces fly through the air after being caught and the metal also gets hot so if you are not wearing gloves and let go, disaster strikes; and don't wear loose clothing. One quick tug on a shirt sleeve that gets caught on the wheel and you may get your head buffed as well.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 3
From: Felton Ca
Non Abrasive
Wash your chrome thoroughly. Pick a polish with no abrasive in it. Never dull works great but leaves a film even so I have been using it since the 60's. I use cotton diapers for a final wipe. Semichrome is also a good product I don't believe is has any abrasive in it and I have been using it for years as well. I do use a high quality wax sometimes. I am kind of repeating what someone said earlier but I thought I would add my comments. My chrome is original and still looks good for a car built in 58. Greg
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 840
Likes: 12
From: Ventura County CA
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville Ca.
I use Turtle Wax ICE liquid car polish on my chrome, stainless and paint. I never have used it on rubber, plastic, or vinyl, but it works great on paint, chrome, and stainless
ICE® is a clear wax formulated with completely new technology that blends silicone and hydrocarbon polymers to provide extraordinary shine and durability.
Product Benefits
ICE® is a clear wax formulated with completely new technology that blends silicone and hydrocarbon polymers to provide extraordinary shine and durability.
Product Benefits
- Can be applied to all exterior rubber, plastic and vinyl trim to restore color and shine without leaving white residue.
- Unlike conventional waxes, ICE™ can be applied in direct sunlight or on a hot surface without streaking or wax build-up.
- A single application will provide extraordinary shine however, multiple layers will further increase depth of gloss and shine.
- Formulated with light stabilizers to protect your car’s finish from the suns damaging UV rays.
- Complete kit includes a custom applicator and microfiber towel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
Actually, I believe the exterior moldings are stainless,but they are flashed chromed for durability,and ease of maintenance . If you are too aggressive with the polishing,you will polish the flash chrome off. Or if you try and wet sand light scratches out, you will quickly remove the flash chrome layer. The stainless can be polished to a high shine,that will look just like chrome,except it will have a slight yellowish tint to it, where chrome will have a blueish tint.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: WA
I am thinking about polishing my inside and outside windshield surround while I have all of the pieces off. Can anyone recommend what type of rubbing compound and where to get it?
Are any of the "chrome polishes" (meguiars, turtle wax) any good?
The trim is in pretty good shape, just dull.....
My thought was to use the polishing wheel on my bench grinder.
Any advice?
Are any of the "chrome polishes" (meguiars, turtle wax) any good?
The trim is in pretty good shape, just dull.....
My thought was to use the polishing wheel on my bench grinder.
Any advice?
First and foremost be very careful with the trim pieces as they are not chrome but thin SS. I had mine out and they still had the fasteners so I used a long cardboard box and punched holes in the cardboard when I pressed then down which secures them. I used a Dremel with both Mothers Polish and Blue Magic metal polish and they came out very nice
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 68
From: Towanda KS
Actually, I believe the exterior moldings are stainless,but they are flashed chromed for durability,and ease of maintenance . If you are too aggressive with the polishing,you will polish the flash chrome off. Or if you try and wet sand light scratches out, you will quickly remove the flash chrome layer. The stainless can be polished to a high shine,that will look just like chrome,except it will have a slight yellowish tint to it, where chrome will have a blueish tint.
Here is a pic of a piece of buffed stainless and one with the flash chrome reapplied. Unless you do this, the stainless will oxidize over time and loose it's luster.
Areba Chrome used to do flash chrome work, Not sure who does anymore now the Rick Applegate sold out. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate a heads up.
tc