What can be done to pitted bumbers and grills without having to chrome them. I live about 60 miles south of Chicago and i dont know where to get it done anyhow. I know its expensive too and i need all the money i can save to get the 50 Olds on the road quickly so what are some other options?
Depending on how much chrome is left on the parts, you can always polish the steel. I've done this on other parts before, including a bike frame, but it's time consuming. Basically it's the same process as buffing paint. You start with coarse sandpaper(how coarse depends on how pitted the parts are) and keep going to finer and finer grits, changing direction of sanding with each successive grit change. By the time you get down to 1000 or 1500 you can buff the steel out to a fine finish with compound. Or if you get to a stage where you like the brushed look, you can stop there. At least you'll have a uniform looking finish instead of splotchy peeling chrome. If you get to a fine finish, you've taken the first steps a good chromer would take too. You can do a search on here for tips on removing chrome. After you get to the stage of finish you like, you'll have to coat it with something to protect it from moisture 'cuz it'll rust as soon as you turn your back. Clear laquer or rattle can clear will keep it looking good for a while. If it needs it you can sand through the clear and rebuff, then repaint. Just like buffing paint, the results you get will depend on how much time you took to do it right, the condition of the metal to start with, and other factors. I
polishing is always the best option..i've done it on parts that were even rusted to the bare metal and i think it was my best option..back in the day they put chrome tape on stuff instead of having it chromed..i've seen cover cars with tape chrome grills and chrome tape strips cleared over on roofs..either chrome tape was better then or they just knew how to apply it! creepy
DRIVE CAR AT DUSK OR AFTER DARK LEAVE FULL OF ROAD GRIME..AND DON'T WASH IT FIND REPLACEMENTS IN BETTER COND..... SWAP meets post here on wanted hamb?????
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