How to bring back the shine on my trim?
 

I had to replace some the trim around the side windows on my w123 coupe and I can't seem to get it to shine like the rest of my chrome. I'm not sure what to use or what to do with it. If anyone has any tips for me please feel free to post what you know.

The trim is aluminum, not chrome. It is extremely difficult to get it to shine back up. Some have had luck with aluminum or metal polish, most haven't. Personally, I'm lazy so I live with it. My car isn't anywhere close to a show car.

From what I have read the trim is anodized. To restore the original appearance it would need to be re-anodized, which would require removal of the trim. Not sure where you could have your trim anodized again, or if it would look like new, unless it was done per MB specifications. I keep a coat of wax on all trim to preserve the original condition as long as possible.

Give our MBZ parts specialists a call at 888-280-7799 and they'll be able to recommend a polish that'll work for your car's surface.


-Dmitry

If re anodizing in out of budget. Remove the trim. Then remove the old anodizing with a lye based solution like Eastwood, etc. Smooth out with 1200 sand paper then use a cotton wheel and Semichrome to bring to chrome like luster. Then clear coat. Yes its a lot of time.

Thanks for the info guys