"Chrome" trim pieces discoloration
08-23-2005, 02:33 PM
#1
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"Chrome" trim pieces discoloration
A couple of them have become slightly "polarized", while a couple others seems to have lost their shiny aluminum color altogether, replaced by a powdery, mikly residue. Last time the dealer had to replace them.
Is there a product that can can restore them?
I know for a fact that the ones around the windows are real metal, while the ones between the rear bumper and trunk lid are "plasticized".
Anyone has had experience?
Is there a product that can can restore them?
I know for a fact that the ones around the windows are real metal, while the ones between the rear bumper and trunk lid are "plasticized".
Anyone has had experience?
08-23-2005, 03:18 PM
#2
Yes.
No one, that I know of, has a definitive solution.
I *think* they're clear-coated, and what is needed is to abrade off the clear coat, then al-polish the trim, then wax/Klasse the heck out of them to prevent them from oxidizing. But haven't put in the elbow grease to test this hypothesis.
I *think* they're clear-coated, and what is needed is to abrade off the clear coat, then al-polish the trim, then wax/Klasse the heck out of them to prevent them from oxidizing. But haven't put in the elbow grease to test this hypothesis.
08-23-2005, 05:25 PM
#4
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If you want to try black, this works great...
.. have had it on for over a year now around S6 window trim and it shows no signs of fading, pealing, discoloring at all, even thru the last chgo winter.
<img src="http://www.midwayautosupply.com/images/trimbrite/t9005_3X.jpg">
Stretches very easy to apply seamlessly for a powder coat appearance. Heck for 5 bucks try it on a coupla places.
Adds 5 hp too
<ul><li><a href="http://midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?335">One place to get it.</a></li></ul>
<img src="http://www.midwayautosupply.com/images/trimbrite/t9005_3X.jpg">
Stretches very easy to apply seamlessly for a powder coat appearance. Heck for 5 bucks try it on a coupla places.
Adds 5 hp too
<ul><li><a href="http://midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?335">One place to get it.</a></li></ul>
08-23-2005, 05:31 PM
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I agree with JimR...
...i have found no such way to clean this.
I have also learned that there is a very thin, tough coating of plastic, or clearcoat on these strips, according to the dealer. I even made them try to clean them, and i watched them do it, to see the outcome of their efforts.
They tried the equivalent of the eagle one metal cleaner- to no avail. I assumed that this would not work, since you're not really cleaning the metal (because of the plastic).
Audi messed up on this design- i think. When a car is detailed, this really sticks out like a sore thumb.
Shouldn't these be covered under warranty?
Steve
I have also learned that there is a very thin, tough coating of plastic, or clearcoat on these strips, according to the dealer. I even made them try to clean them, and i watched them do it, to see the outcome of their efforts.
They tried the equivalent of the eagle one metal cleaner- to no avail. I assumed that this would not work, since you're not really cleaning the metal (because of the plastic).
Audi messed up on this design- i think. When a car is detailed, this really sticks out like a sore thumb.
Shouldn't these be covered under warranty?
Steve
08-23-2005, 05:34 PM
#6
Re: how do you abrade? how do you al-polish?
Abrade:
Red polishing compound?
Might even wet-sand with 1000grit emery cloth.
Aluminum Polish:
Lots of products out there. Mothers, Eagle One, etc.
Red polishing compound?
Might even wet-sand with 1000grit emery cloth.
Aluminum Polish:
Lots of products out there. Mothers, Eagle One, etc.
