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Old 09-06-2011, 05:26 AM
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Stretch Stretch is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
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Quote:
Originally Posted by haromaster87 View Post
Hey guys,

So I just got my first w123, a 1984 300D Turbo. The guy who I bought it from put quite a bit of money into it, but due to his circumstances, had to get rid of it. I got a great deal on it, and besides needing a basic diesel tune up, a good bit of cleaning/replacing of interior bits, and some minor exterior fixins, it's a real beauty.

He gave me the receipts of all the work he had done on it and in there was a receipt for a fairly expensive paintjob from a reputable place around here, so the outside pretty much looks tip top, except for one thing. The majority of the chrome trim has faded to the point where it's white and doesn't seem to be able to be polished by any solvent.

I've been involved in quite a few hobbies that would require metal like this to be polished, and I've always turned to the method of wetsanding and gradually climbing up in grit count, then maybe finishing up with a solvent to polish metal. It doesn't necessarily promise a chrome like finish, but it can yield a nice, even polish if proper care is taken.

My question is, has anyone ever tried that on the chrome trim pieces? From what I've found, no one readily makes replacements, and I'm sure mine is not the first to fade, but I can't find any mention of anyone ever trying this. I don't wanna start on a piece and find out that due to some stupid yet obvious reason, this won't work and I just made it look worse. Again, I'm not expecting a chrome finish, just a more even polished finish then what I have now.

On a side note, Anyone ever had there headliner worked on/redone at a shop? If so, would you mind sharing some prices with me? My headliner needs some work. I realized Headliner Express has there main work shop a little over an hour from me, so I'm trying to contact them, but I'd like to get an idea of what others have had done/what they've paid.

Thanks!
You'd probably be better off posting this on the diesel forum.

Chrome - are you talking about the shiny trim around door windows? If so that is anodised aluminium. As far as I'm aware the only real chrome on a W123 is on the bumpers - and may be the wing mirrors.

In all cases however I would refrain from using aggressive abrasives - chrome is a thin coating.

Lots of the shiny trim is still available - even at the dealer. Have a look on ebay and you'll probably see quite a bit for sale. Otherwise post up pictures of the bits that need replacing and do a WTB ad here on this forum.
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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

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