Author Topic: Chrome polish consensus?  (Read 2529 times)

GM

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Chrome polish consensus?
« on: February 23, 2020, 18:45:19 »
I've searched the forum posts for an answer, but there have been no recent posts, so here goes.

I finally got around to removing the vertical rubber bumpers (I like the cleaner look) and find that I have exposed crystal clear chrome "patches" where the vertical pieces were attached, with slightly cloudy chrome to either side.

I've read the posts covering chrome polishing, with everything from aluminum foil rub (with water and with WD-40), coke, Autosol, Quick-Glo, and Nevr-Dull. Given the time passing since the posts I've read, is there any recent consensus to chrome polishing?

Or are you going to tell me either, "you're not rubbing with the aluminum foil long enough" or "sorry, Gary, (forgive the American expression) you're SOL, and if you want to make them shine you'll need to re-chrome?"

Thanks
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

thelews

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2020, 00:34:49 »
Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish after 0000 Steel Wool
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

Cees Klumper

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2020, 00:55:03 »
I am having good results with Mother's metal polish on all the stainless of our boat here in MDR:

« Last Edit: February 24, 2020, 04:12:06 by Cees Klumper »
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
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wayne R

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2020, 02:15:45 »
There are plenty of chrome polishes on the market,that are very good ,
and can provide  terrific finishes and protection from the elements.
A very good old favourite since 1957 is Americas made in  Louisiana,
QUICK GLOW,  available on line,its been used by thousands of classic car owners
for years mainly in US.

mrfatboy

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2020, 02:38:34 »
I have used both Quick Glo and Simichrome. I now prefer Simichrome 👍

Trivia Question:

What Pagoda part was made by the parent company (GHE) of  Simichrome?

1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

wayne R

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2020, 02:50:08 »
Mr fatboy, yes i have used that years ago in CA,can you just confirm
is Simichrome  made in Germany,  thankyou.

mrfatboy

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2020, 02:55:25 »
Google says Simichrome is made in Germany 😜
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

DaveB

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2020, 03:16:45 »
What Pagoda part was made by the parent company (GHE) of  Simichrome?

I think perhaps several parts including the ashtray and sunvisor clips
DaveB
'65 US 230sl 4-speed, DB190

mrfatboy

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2020, 03:18:01 »
I think perhaps several parts including the ashtray and sunvisor clips


Winner 👍
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Cees Klumper

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2020, 04:14:10 »
I've tried both Simichrome and Mother's metal polish on our boat's polished stainless steel and the Mother's is better. Not chrome, but ...
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Garry

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2020, 04:17:56 »
I use simichrome as well.  It’s really good on older chrome.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
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ejboyd5

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2020, 12:07:58 »
Quick-Glo is the best I have used.

GM

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2020, 16:43:59 »
Thanks, all!
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

Tyler S

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2020, 17:16:50 »
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

TJMart

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #14 on: February 24, 2020, 18:56:14 »
I've used SimiChrome for years and continue to use it. I also discovered Liquid Lustre, also an excellent product!
Tony
1970 280SL, 4 Speed

lreppond

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #15 on: February 26, 2020, 04:10:37 »
My preference is Maas. It’s available worldwide.  I like it because it’s only mildly abrasive and contains jewelers rouge that makes chrome sparkle.  Use 0000 steel wool with a light touch and wipe off with cotton toweling.  Buff with microfiber polishing cloth or an old diaper. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

ejboyd5

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Re: Chrome polish consensus?
« Reply #16 on: February 26, 2020, 12:40:49 »
The thought of using steel wool, however fine, on chrome sets my teeth on edge.  Aside from the many tiny scratches imparted on the fragile chrome layer, the steel wool will leave behind many minute particles which are prone to oxidation.

Attached is a picture of how well Quick-Glo works on the treated vs. the untreated areas of a subject bumper.