tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

I recently bought a used chrome trunk bar off another member for my GS. Being that its used some scratches are expected and i hit it with some M105 and red pad by hand. Did that a few times but they are still there..

Since there are no places to rechrome what are my options? Wet sand? polish?

If wet sanding is my only option please list all the supplies i would need..

Thanks

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Chrome is pretty hard, and removing scratches can be pretty difficult and you can cause some permanent damage if you accidentally "go too far". The chrome plating isn't very thick, so if the scratches are deep enough that you can feel them with a fingernail, then trying to sand/polish that scratch will likely remove more of the chrome than you should without damaging the finish.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...es-chrome.html

^Read through that thread

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

thanks . I'll take a look at that thread

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97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Well from my experience.... I recently got a new set of chrome emblems which I wanted to have painted metallic black.

Chrome is extremely difficult to scuff. The bodyshop said they use 80 grit most of the time to prep chrome pieces for paint, I thought that was crazy, but after giving it a shot, the 80 grit barely put a scratch on it. It took alot of effort to prep the emblems. I feel like anything less than 80-180 grit, and you are going to be wasting some serious time. I would not wetsand and polish anything. Chrome is not paint, it doesn't correct like paint. It's a million times harder than paint.

If I can compare chrome to anything, it's very similar to glass. If you have any experience with a rotary buffer, glass cutting pads, and sanding discs... trying to take out a scratch on automotive glass is very different than taking out a scratch on automotive paint. You cannot use a high grit and work your way in, it will not do anything. Instead you have to use a much coarser grit (again something like 80-180) to get any kind of correction in glass. Afterwards you use cerium oxide and the glass cutting pads and begin the slow process of restoring the finish in the glass. It's very tedious and takes practice and patience.

Chrome is the same way in terms of hardness, but it's alot more risky than glass since chrome is a thinner layer and usually has a copper layer underneath, sand too much and you will have an orange looking spot.

In short, I would not mess with chrome. Either have it refinished or get a new piece. It does not correct (sand) or polish back to a gloss like paint. Two completely different things.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

thanks man. there's a local custom paint shop here in town. I will go there and see if they can refinish it

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rgarjr

iTrader: (1)

I believe the bar is made out of plastic and not actual metal.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

yes it is .

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tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

would it be possible to use a Dremel tool with the polishing attachment with some M105? not sure if it would work but would be worth a try..