Milky Chrome and the solution (cosmetic prob not band name!)

AllHailKingVolvo · Sep 2nd, 2018, 12:10

Hi all,
I’m close to finishing the mechanical overhaul of my 744 an am about to turn my attention towards the prettification of the the old beast.

My chrome trim (roof gutters, bars at base of side windows, front and rear windscreen trim) is in good shape structurally, but has gone a bit milky and dull. I found that wiping it over with WD40 brought back the shine and got rid of the milky discolouration, but of course one car wash later and it was all gone!

What would be the best thing to use to bring it back to life long term?

Any and all advice gratefully received as always!

Phil

AndyV7o · Sep 2nd, 2018, 14:18

That is a fantastic band name!

Usually just wants a dose of Autosol unless you've tried that?

360beast · Sep 2nd, 2018, 14:49

Give it a polish, just did the chrome trim on my 940 front grille and it is sorted.

Delta66 · Sep 2nd, 2018, 20:31

This is more my experience with motorcycles than cars, Autosol does polish up well, but the older and duller the chrome, the less effective it is.

AllHailKingVolvo · Sep 3rd, 2018, 16:58

Thanks all. I’ll try Autosol first as I have it to hand. I’d just like the brightwork to be a little brighter!

AndyV7o · Sep 3rd, 2018, 17:37

A cheat (after polishing) if still not quite bright enough, is a light coat of laquer. Its a cheat as opposed to rechroming etc, its like it being permanently wet...

bob12 · Sep 3rd, 2018, 18:25

I am not sure some are actually chrome. The window wiper trims are more like 'stainless' (!!) thin steel.

I have slowly come to the conclusion that the only answer would be taking them to some sort of professional metal 'polisher'. I have seen similar on the 'old' Wheeler Dealers before Ed China left and the whole show went downmarket.

XC90Mk1 · Sep 3rd, 2018, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllHailKingVolvo

Thanks all. I’ll try Autosol first as I have it to hand. I’d just like the brightwork to be a little brighter!

I had it terribally on my 2012 xc90! Autosol on a dreamil polishing cloth was great.

Laird Scooby · Sep 6th, 2018, 09:57

You're just up the road from these people Phil :

https://dorsetaluminium.com/

Might be worth giving them a call for anything you can't revive with Autosol, they used to be amenable and flexible when i knew them (nearly 20 years ago now) and it seems their service portfolio has expanded considerably since then.

barkster1971 · Sep 6th, 2018, 20:21

needs before and after pics.

Sep 2nd, 2018, 12:10	#1
AllHailKingVolvo Ye olde Volvii galore! Last Online: Jun 5th, 2024 15:52 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Sherborne	Milky Chrome and the solution (cosmetic prob not band name!) Hi all, I’m close to finishing the mechanical overhaul of my 744 an am about to turn my attention towards the prettification of the the old beast. My chrome trim (roof gutters, bars at base of side windows, front and rear windscreen trim) is in good shape structurally, but has gone a bit milky and dull. I found that wiping it over with WD40 brought back the shine and got rid of the milky discolouration, but of course one car wash later and it was all gone! What would be the best thing to use to bring it back to life long term? Any and all advice gratefully received as always! Phil __________________ Barges of Distinction: '96 945 SE LPT M90 '95 945 GLE D24TIC M90 ‘88 745 GL B200E M47

Sep 3rd, 2018, 16:58	#5
AllHailKingVolvo Ye olde Volvii galore! Last Online: Jun 5th, 2024 15:52 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Sherborne	Thanks all. I’ll try Autosol first as I have it to hand. I’d just like the brightwork to be a little brighter! __________________ Barges of Distinction: '96 945 SE LPT M90 '95 945 GLE D24TIC M90 ‘88 745 GL B200E M47

Sep 6th, 2018, 09:57	#9
Laird Scooby Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:49 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Lakenheath	You're just up the road from these people Phil : https://dorsetaluminium.com/ Might be worth giving them a call for anything you can't revive with Autosol, they used to be amenable and flexible when i knew them (nearly 20 years ago now) and it seems their service portfolio has expanded considerably since then. __________________ Cheers Dave Next Door to Top-Gun with a Honda CR-V & S Type Jag Volvo gone but not forgotten........

Sep 6th, 2018, 20:21	#10
barkster1971 VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 14:45 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Swineshead/Salford	pics needs before and after pics. __________________ new engine! new car!

Sep 2nd, 2018, 14:18	#2
AndyV7o Premier Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2021 20:47 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Creswell	That is a fantastic band name! Usually just wants a dose of Autosol unless you've tried that?

Sep 2nd, 2018, 14:49	#3
360beast Go redblock or go home Last Online: Yesterday 22:04 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: UK	Give it a polish, just did the chrome trim on my 940 front grille and it is sorted.

Sep 2nd, 2018, 20:31	#4
Delta66 Senior Member Last Online: Feb 23rd, 2020 19:46 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Erskine	This is more my experience with motorcycles than cars, Autosol does polish up well, but the older and duller the chrome, the less effective it is.

Sep 3rd, 2018, 17:37	#6
AndyV7o Premier Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2021 20:47 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Creswell	A cheat (after polishing) if still not quite bright enough, is a light coat of laquer. Its a cheat as opposed to rechroming etc, its like it being permanently wet...

Sep 3rd, 2018, 18:25	#7
bob12 bob12 Last Online: Jun 10th, 2024 21:19 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Woking	I am not sure some are actually chrome. The window wiper trims are more like 'stainless' (!!) thin steel. I have slowly come to the conclusion that the only answer would be taking them to some sort of professional metal 'polisher'. I have seen similar on the 'old' Wheeler Dealers before Ed China left and the whole show went downmarket.

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