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-   -   Chrome problems (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/4266320-chrome-problems.html)

C3ForLife1968 04-23-2019 04:14 PM

Chrome problems
 
Does anyone have som tips on how to remove these spots on the chrome? (Sorry for bad light, but you get the point ;) ) I have currently used a very old Autosol Metal Polish, but it dont seem to be working that good (I have bought a new one, maybe that will work better?). Do you guys have any tips or products i can buy to remove these spots on the chrome? Thanks in advance :)
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...74e5b099a.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ffa615de3.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...7d8979c14.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...156582643.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...598b0e662.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...420223f89.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...729516d44.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d46ee129c.jpeg

avalonjohn 04-23-2019 04:56 PM

I am no expert but that appears to be light-moderate pitting, though we have all seen a lot worse. I do not think there is any product that is going to make that look new. May shine up but as far as getting the "spots" out I kinda doubt it. The chrome is just worn. Pieces like the bumpers can be rechromed but it may be more cost-effective to replace parts like the mirror, door handles, and front grill pieces. Just my opinion. I hope others provide theirs.

doorgunner 04-23-2019 05:21 PM

You will not be a le tp polish those parts while they are on the car....it could damage the paint. You may be able to plish the bumpers while they are on the car with a hand-held buffer.`

A set-up like this below with some polishing compound will help and will be- much faster than hand polishing, but it will not remove the worst "pits".

https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP.bJAnG...pr=1.2&pid=1.7

7T1vette 04-23-2019 05:52 PM

You won't be able to polish that out on your chrome, without dulling the finish. [Don't sk me how I know...:toetap:] Your best bet would be to clean them carefully so to not scratch them if they have hard particles on them now; then use #0000 (4-O) steel wool to buff them a bit. If that 'spotting' is just at the surface, you might just come clean. If that won't do it, you can only use some chrome polish and buff them. Trust me, if you 'machine' polish them, they will only get worse.

Kevin68 04-23-2019 05:52 PM

You're going to think I'm nuts but I've had good luck with a light rubbing of 0000 steel wool, followed by a chrome polish.

Kevin68 04-23-2019 05:54 PM


Originally Posted by 7T1vette (Post 1599278834)
You won't be able to polish that out on your chrome, without dulling the finish. [Don't sk me how I know...:toetap:] Your best bet would be to clean them carefully so to not scratch them if they have hard particles on them now; then use #0000 (4-O) steel wool to buff them a bit. If that 'spotting' is just at the surface, you might just come clean. If that won't do it, you can only use some chrome polish and buff them. Trust me, if you 'machine' polish them, they will only get worse.

Dammit, beat me by a few seconds.:lol:

avalonjohn 04-23-2019 06:33 PM

I have a friend who swears by a ball of aluminum foil dipped in ( I think) vinegar. I have never tested it though.
Or, maybe that is for rust on chrome. Pay no attention to me.

L-46man 04-23-2019 06:57 PM

Dear C-3....sorry to be the 'hateful-shoot-the-messenger guy'. This is Chrome pitting. This is PHYSICAL...the chrome has given up the ghost.

splotches yes....physical pits no.

sorry, Unk

C3ForLife1968 04-24-2019 03:27 AM

Will this help
?

derekderek 04-24-2019 06:43 AM

it is not on the chrome. it is IN the chrome. aluminum foil packs aluminum in the holes where the chrome is missing..real repair is replate or replace. the more you polish, the less chrome you have left.

7T1vette 04-24-2019 09:03 PM

Hmmm..... All those Harley guys who use H-D chrome polish on all that 'bling' must not know what they're doing! :eek: Or, maybe, the "car wax only" logic is bonkers....

jeffwebley 04-26-2019 01:44 AM

Before you start rubbing on it with steel wool and completely fu**it up, try some eagle polish. It is a wool looking stuff with a polishing compound in it. I've had some really bad chrome on old motorcycles come back to life after rubbing on it for awhile.
Good luck.

7T1vette 04-27-2019 12:36 AM

Some chrome 'polishes' have abrasives in them. Find out which they are and don't use them!! But, trying to polish the spotting out BEFORE using the #0000 steel wool is a good idea. BTW, #0000 steel wool is much softer than the layer of chrome. All is does is remove 'softer' deposits on the surface. If you have light corrosion and/or rust showing on the surface, #0000 steel wool with clean it off and shine it up (after cleaning all loose debris off, first). It will NOT damage 'good' chrome.

C3ForLife1968 04-28-2019 04:23 PM


Originally Posted by 7T1vette (Post 1599299649)
Some chrome 'polishes' have abrasives in them. Find out which they are and don't use them!! But, trying to polish the spotting out BEFORE using the #0000 steel wool is a good idea. BTW, #0000 steel wool is much softer than the layer of chrome. All is does is remove 'softer' deposits on the surface. If you have light corrosion and/or rust showing on the surface, #0000 steel wool with clean it off and shine it up (after cleaning all loose debris off, first). It will NOT damage 'good' chrome.

Do you know if «Autosol Metal Polish» is good for this? Does it have abrasives in it?

theandies 04-28-2019 05:20 PM


Originally Posted by avalonjohn (Post 1599279039)
I have a friend who swears by a ball of aluminum foil dipped in ( I think) vinegar. I have never tested it though.
Or, maybe that is for rust on chrome. Pay no attention to me.

I've heard of this but using Coke. Never tried it but I have pitting on my bumpers. Not sure if that trick will work on chromed cast parts like the grill surround.

7T1vette 04-29-2019 01:31 AM

The aluminum foil 'trick' is for chrome with some small pits/voids in the surface. As you rub the foil, some aluminum is scraped off and deposited in those open areas, causing them to be filled with shiny aluminum. It's a temporary improvement, as aluminum soon oxidizes and turns into 'dull' aluminum. But, it works for a day or so (maybe enough for a car show). That method will do nothing for your spots.

M A Fry 04-29-2019 01:47 AM


Originally Posted by C3ForLife1968 (Post 1599281131)

Should smell fresh if nothing else.:D


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