Hi all.

There was once a recurring thread on how to shine up the dulled aluminum trim that plagues older MB's once the anodizing wears out, and at one point a forum member claimed to have found a magic elixer for sale at some flea market. Well, having noticed that the trim shined up nicely where I hold my left arm with the window open, plus how it shined up temporarily when I wiped ATF on the trim, I had an idea.

Clearly a light oil erases the cloudy mottled dull spots but only for a short while (like until the first rain or car wash). But I was once a gunsmith, and wondered if a linseed oil based gunstock finish that has hardening agents mixed in might not do the trick.

I used Birchwood Casey Tru-oil (available in most any gun shop) and it worked great! I cannot say how durable the finish will be, but I shined up a test spot two weeks ago and it is still bright with no clouds after a auto wash and driving thru a rainstorm.

The key I think will be to rub the oil in with a soft cloth on a warm day and let it cure for a couple of days (tru-oil dries from the outside in and when totally cured is a very durable finish)

If this shine lasts, boy does it ever make the car look better. Give it a try.