chrome

[Motorsports-X]

i dont think this chrome trim is to far gone, but what do you guys think is the best way to approach it? looks like a combination of acid rain and neglect to me.

[Detailing by M]

Re: chrome

Looks like it has a clear coat on it.
It doesn't look like bare chrome.
Put some wax on a towel and rub it a little if it comes back then you have a cc on it and just treat it accordingly.
If it's chrome you need to use a chrome polish, I like NXT, but use what you want, and do it by hand. I'd even tape the whole area off if your going to use a chrome polish.
It will ruin rubber and paint.

[davey g-force]

Re: chrome

It's not that "plastic" chrome is it?

Looks like it.

If so, I wouldn't use chrome polish or metal polish - it will be way too harsh.

Start with something mild like a cleaner wax first. Maybe even UP or SwirlX applied lightly by hand.

[Motorsports-X]

Re: chrome

ill give it a try tomorrow. im sure its probably plastic.. arent all cars since 72ish?

[bmrfan]

Re: chrome

I think your car is a BMW E46 coupe (made '99 - '06?) - if it is, then the roof molding is clear anodized polished aluminum.

Once the anodizing gets hazy (like those in your pix) it's really difficult (if not impossible) to permanently remove the haze short of stripping the old anodizing and re-anodizing or clear coating.

I have had some luck using fine metal polish (such as NXT metal polish or Marine Metal polish) to reduce the haze but the haze inevitably comes back.

[Motorsports-X]

Re: chrome

it is an e46.. and i guess that means ill be painting it. i wanted it flat black anyways. Do you know anything about replacing the seals behind that trim for the back glass? mine is all cracked up