Best way to clean up old chrome (dull and rust)

I have a 50 Buick. some of the chrome trim and stainless have some very minor scratching and a little dull. someone give me the best remedy to do both. don't like the idea of any type of steel wool for scratches and making it shine. I was thinking of using the Dremel tool to possibly get the scratches out and then polish with the Dremel also. any feedback on this ? thanks

 

You might want to consider a "real" buffer, instead of a dremel.

Good luck...making scratches go away, requires you to remove metal next to the scratch, to the depth of the scratch. The chrome plating is very thin. And very hard.

For stainless, you can get all the scratches out, but it usually requires sanding with ever finer grades, then polishing with ever finer grades. This is usually easier to do off the car.

You might have to settle for just making the chrome a bit shinier, but the deeper scratches will still be there.

 

I just used plain old rubbing compound and a full size buffer where it would reach or just a rag where it wouldn't by hand and had decent results on my 50 Buick.

 

thanks squirrel, maybe I just get it as shiny as possible. thanks.

 

love the grills on these 50 buicks gauthrie. its just really the side moldings that are little scratchy and dull my bumpers front and back are like brand new but I'm very meticulous when it comes to my car lol. I will try the compound though like you said on the trim pieces. thanks.

 

I picked up a couple of 34 bumpers for my project. The chrome is in good condition overall without any flaking or rust. I believe they where re-chromed at some point. Both bumpers had bumper guards attached and you can see the area because its not worn or scratched like the rest of the bumper. This bumper is more noticeable than the other. My plan is to not reinstall the bumper guards. I cleaned them and buffed them with some clearcoat safe polish using a 6" DA buffer and it helped some. The pad was black after with whatever it removed.

Is it possible to use a coarser compound to remove more of the scratches and possibly blend the area away? How coarse can you go before damaging the chrome layer? Should I leave well enough alone?

I am also thinking of using one of the polymer / ceramic paint coatings on them when I am finished.

 

I wouldn't be afraid to hit hat area with a buffer and compound. I'd do it on the lower (less obvious) area first and wade in, light compound (Mothers), medium speed, low pressure. If that doesn't work, step it up. I just polished the front and rear bumper on my Olds, I used Griotts fast correcting creme on a 6" wool bonnet and then Griotts Perfecting creme on a black foam bonnet. Basically, treat it as you would a clear coat over paint. Don't get it too hot or it may discolor like chrome headers.

 

I've always used Dupont #7 rubbing compound. It is the best of both worlds, very aggressive cleaner but gentle on chrome, bringing out a great shine. Easily removes the scum rust and road film on old chrome. Finish with liquid Turtle wax which is also a mild abrasive and great protectant.

That being said, don't know if they still make this stuff! My can is 30 years old at least.

This is it! They still make it.
Amazon.com: No.7 Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound - 10 Fl Oz - Cleans and Restores - Removes Deep Scratches and Stains - Restores Shine to Dull Finishes, Plastic : Automotive

 

I'm going to have to order something, Both my bottle of 3m HD rubbing compound and my plastic tub have dried up hard. I guess its been a while since I used it.

 

my #7 dries up all the time! A drip or two of water and it's back in the game!