Keeping the star shining

[Cees Klumper]

The chrome on one of my rear bumpers is duller than on the other. I tried chrome polish, but this does not seem to do much good. Is there a more thorough method of polishing the chrome, or should the bumper be re-chromed?
Also, I replaced my hubcaps last year with new, original MB ones. However, these are not equal in appearance: one is shinier than the other. Is there a way to buff these to highest-gloss? I understand that these are stainless steel, where the old ones would have been chromed.

Appreciate any tips!

white 1969 280 SL

[Richard Madison]

Cees:

If the chrome has a mottled yellowish look to it, it's the nickel undercoat showing thru the worn away chrome. If its only dull, maybe some kind of light mechanical buffing with a chrome polish that has a slight abrasive would help. There's a well known blue chrome polish (I think it's called Blue Magic) that is very slightly abrasive. I'm sure there are others.
Richard M

[Douglas]

cees, you can also have the hubcaps polished to bring the shine up a notch. talk to the shop that painted your car. they should be able to help

[Cees Klumper]

OK, the chrome on the bumper is only somewhat dull, I will try a mechanical polish (also on the hubcaps) and see what happens.

white 1969 280 SL

[Bob G]

think of chrom like paint. you have different layers and like paint something too abrasive can rub through to the lower cooper & nickel that give the chrome its dept & clarity. It is best to use a product designed to maintain the luster of chrome. There are many good manufactors that sell their products in a tube and can be gotten at car shows and good auto accessory and auto detail suppliers. Make sure what ever you buy you are purchasing a none abrasive product that will scratch the chrome. Use soft cotton dipers or micro fiber towels to clean and polish your chrome. I use a micro fiber towels and window cleaner to wipe down and maintain the luster of my chrome on my 280SL.
Good products use special solvents and micro abrasives that brake down as you use them and become a polish. There are some very good German companies under Auto chrome cleaners listed.
Bob Geco

[Douglas]

bob,

in your professional opinion, what are the "must-haves" for detailing for pagoda owners?

i'm looking for a list of good, reliable products that you feel are worth the money that are readily available to consumers.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
#11304410018260

[Douglas]

bob,

what kind of soap do you recommend?

i've always been happy with zymol's "clear," but frankly i feel it's too darn expensive. none of the other widely available soaps seem very good, in my opinion. they're either too harsh or too weak.

i've just purchased a bottle of griot's soap & am hoping for better results.

your opinion on the subject would be much appreciated.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
#11304410018260

[Bob G]

Look for my next articles on car washing and detailing 101.

Bob Geco