how can you tell if its chrome or stainless? i have some pieces around the window that arent really dull, and look like chrome, but are very light. then i have piecnes like around the wheel wells and toward the bottom of the car that are really dull.
this is the one i had laying around. http://www.amazon.com/GAL-Paint-Epo...ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1207102942&sr=8-5 i used it on the rear brake light moldings which is thick chorme metal. So it didnt damage it. i only used it to remove the thick grime. then took it off right away, cuz i had no idea if it would damage it or not.
Thick sheet metal (like bumpers) and die-cast pot metal (thick things like emblems) are candidates for chroming. Thin sheet metal (like window reveals and wheel well trim) are generally not chromed, in part because the chrome might flake off as the item flexes. So these parts are typically polished stainless or aluminum, which is probably cheaper than chroming something anyway. If it's really dull, it might be aluminum, since aluminum oxidizes easier than stainless. If it feels light for its size, it might be aluminum. Otherwise, most trim is stainless. Someone more familiar than I with your model and year of Buick should be able to give you specifics for your trim.
Be very careful with the sandpaper. If you work your way up to 2000 grit, then polish with Autosol (eastwood.com), you can get a nice finish.
I'm surprised no one mentioned to back the sandpaper for a smoother finish. If the piece isn't flat, a firm sponge works well. For aluminum, sandpaper is out because the metal is soft. Try "Mother's Aluminum Polish."
Ok here's the thing, the anodized aluminum has to be stripped of the anodization. This is why I sent it to a professional. You should get your hands on an extra piece to test. DO NOT TRY THIS ON A PIECE FROM YOUR CAR!! Also like 64 BuickCat said the mothers works or bare aluminum. Now I hate the mothers so I use Speedy All Purpose Metal Polish. I can do my 4 Boyd Coddington Aluminum wheels on my ASStro in like 1 Hour. Now if I used the mothers it would take me like 30 minutes each wheel. Speedy is great and in liquid form. If it sits around you can see the 2 different ingredients seperate, 1 white creamy substance that settles on the bottom and the 2nd is clear blue type of liquid that sits on top of the cream. Just shake it up and it is good to go. I been using it on the Polished Tanks and wheels on dump trucks for years!!
see, my moldings are DULL, no shine, this is ONLY on the wheel well trim, the long rocker trim, the peice between the well's and the bumper and the drip rails. Everyhting else i can deal with, window trim is nice. so would i have to send this out, or strip it or just use backed sand paper?
