Polished Stainless on Classic Car

[dschribs]

I have a '68 Camaro convertible that has polished stainless trim all around the windshield.

This gives you an idea of what I'm taking about..not a close up though, sorry..

Windshield Trim

All the trim was polished to an awesome shine by a pro at the begining of the Summer but towards the end of the Summer I noticed fine scratches begining to form on the trim peices. I used terry cloth toweling (DOH!!) and Mothers Chrome polish to clean them but obviously, either the towels (probably) or the polish was too harsh.

I'm switching over to MF to polish the trim from now on, but I want to know if anyone has any suggestions on:

1. How to remove the scratches other than having them professionally polished again?
- Wondering if a PC with say #80 on a finishing pad might work ? I might buy some scrap pieces on E bay and give those a try first.
- Will something like NXT kind of "fill in" the hairline scratches? I know it has some filling properties...

and

2. What polish I should use to keep them looking nice?
- I was thinking of going with Simichrome. Basically, I want a polish with NO abraisives in it for maintenance.

I know that most new cars don't have the polished stainless trim but I know some of you guys must have run accross this problem on some classics you detailed....

Thanks!!

Love this site!!!!
Dan

[TOGWT]

~One man’s opinion / observations~
Polished Stainless Steel:
Methodology:
·Thoroughly rinse surface to remove any loose surface dirt or dust.
·Wash the surface with a citrus-based APC cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash)
·Use a chemical cleaner (Klasse All-In-One) to remove any surface blemishes
·Apply a mild polish (Iz™ Einszett Metal Polish (Chrompflege) to restore lustre, using a (LC Orange) cutting/polishing foam pad (speed #4) or a terry cloth applicator, repeat as necessary
·Finally apply a polymer sealant (Klasse Sealant Glaze) to provide lasting protection

Due to the softness of the metallic plating it is very easy to induce a swirl marks to the finish so use straight-line motions only. Use a soft brush to remove any dried polish from seams or folds.

Maintenance- use Plexus to remove any finger marks, grease etc.

~Hope this helps~

Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM

[dschribs]

Thanjks TOGWT

I think however, that these instructions are more for the more modern day plated plastic - especially the Plexus recommendation - that's basically a plastic cleaner correct. The stuff on my car is actual real polished stainless steel. I know they don't use that much on (if at all) on new cars but this a 36 year old car.

[dschribs]

Just wanted to bump this one up to see if anyone else had any thoughts...

Thanks!!

[RedondoV6]

Take a look Simichrome, it is a great paste type polish/sealant that is often used in the antique trade, by golf shops and by bikers in Europe to polish brass, chrome, stainless, aluminium etc. Seems to work really well as a light to medium metal polish, works well for me and I always keep a tube handy.

Simichrome is available in small tubes through large 35 oz cans. Use google to find suppliers.

Good luck!