Since I got it, the cutlass had no trim around the back window because the previous owner took off the vinyl top. Spent the day at the junkyard on tuesday and other than some interior parts, I grabbed the chrome for the back window. This chrome however has what appear to be water spots all over it. It's some good 50 ft chrome but up close it's nasty looking. Scrubbing with soap and water, light sanding, dremel with a wire wheel, wire brush, and scratching at it with my fingernail haven't done anything to the water spots. Anyone done this before and can let me in on the secret of how to get it nice and shiny and spotless?
Chrome pieces or stainless? The dirtiest, grease covered, mildly scratched stainless can be polished and buffed to look brand new. Chrome that is stained or worn would need to be replated. Let's hear it for stainless steel!!!!! :TU:
It's all chrome. Replacement isn't really an option since it took forever to find a g-body without a vinyl top at the yard.
Have you tried "Never-Dull"? It made my dull faded looking chrome bumpers look new again. It even removes light surface rust. (do not use it on anything that is gold plated though, it will turn it grey)
How to tell if Stainless or Chrome How can we know if the trim on the back glass is chrome or stainless ? I thought it was stainless, but now Im wondering. http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm
Gary, Both your listed cars have s/s trim around the rear glass. Polish away!!!! Off the car of course! If you try to do this on the car make sure you mask everything sorrounding the trim double layer.
Gary, Both your listed cars have s/s trim around the rear glass. Polish away!!!! Off the car of course! If you try to do this on the car make sure you mask everything surrounding the trim double layer.
Water spots are actually dried mineral deposits that can be on the surface or intergranular. Either way, you can try using an acid to put the minerals back into solution to be rinsed away. If the trim is stainless steel a sulfamic or phosphoric acid would be most compatible. If the trim is plated you would want to start with a very dilute acid, maybe citric or even vinegar. The areas that appear to be mineral spots may actually be areas of reduced or lost plating. You can email me if you want more information or suggestions. Good luck.
