Hi I’ve got a set of stainless steel hubcaps that were removed from a burnt car. Apparently the fire was so hot the metal emblems melted off them. What’s the best way to make them a little more presentable? Cleaners/ advice/ methods appreciated Thanks
Various increasing grades of sand paper, then increasing grades of polishing soap/mops will get them back. Its only metal after all. Check they aren't too distorted first though and still fit the desired wheel.
Polished stainless that has been subjected to welding takes on a variety of hues. I've found that this polishes off easily with final stage buffing compound, so no need for grinding, sanding etc. I'm not sure about the difference, if any, between being hear affected and burned. It could well be a matter of degrees for all I know. Chris
You don't know it yet - but you may have just started the next "hottest" look.....Burnt Bluish Stainless. Seriously.
It’s just the process involved to get the metal to that burnt bluish state that could be the problem.
. OK... ;D . I would try a good metal polish 1st, before course rubbing compound, & sandpaper/grinding. Think of blued headers. Marcus...
A buffing wheel with blue or white compound on it will make quick work of those stainless hubcaps. I have restored stainless headlights before that were in a fire and they came out looking like new. No need for any sanding just buff thoroughly and all that black or blueish color will disappear. Don't forget that heat rises and if those hubcaps were on the car when the fire took place, the hubcaps would be closer to the ground away from the intense heat and they may turn out just fine.
Friend has very good looking 1/2 breaker bar with gold and blue tones. Many have asket is it expensive to get and he answers yes, you have to burn your old carage.
a lot of 50's caps & trim are flash chromed over the stainless you have to sand it off to metal finish
Thanks everyone for the replies. I will try the easiest method first and work my way up to the most labor intensive method. Here’s a picture of one of the hubcaps.
I am going to have to agree with white buffing compound would probably be the best approach after a thorough cleaning. I had some Model A headlight buckets that made your hubcaps look good and they came out to a pretty nice shine without too much fuss.
As far as the blue is concerned..... Try an acid bath (use about 1/4 cup citric acid per gallon) with a baking soda rinse. The blue should disappear, saving a lot of polishing work. Good luck!
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