Best way to clean and polish the brightwork on the W123? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PackerEdgerton · #1 06-07-2012, 01:46 AM

Hi guys,

I getting around to really detailing my 240D, and I'm looking for advice on the best way to clean up the brightwork and rubber, specifically the various door and bumper trims.

The 'belt line' trim, for example, has a mixture of hard water spots and old wax (previous owner, NOT me!), as does the metal part of the trim.

I've tried using Griot's machine polish, but it definitely doesn't take the spots and haze off.

What do you guys find that works?

Thanks,

PE

Stretch · #2 06-07-2012, 03:12 AM

I've used many an automotive metal polish to get the bright stuff shiny but the adjacent black plastic usually suffers as a result. I'm now of the opinion that I should mask before polishing - but I haven't built up the momentum to be bothered with that just yet.

I get the feeling that I get less trouble on the plastic if that is cleaned and treated first.

The best way for cleaning up bumpers is to remove them in my opinion - but that's probably more work than most will want to do.

As for scratches on the annodised window trim - as of yet I don't have a solution. I'll be working on a solution on some scrap pieces in the near future though...

tee51397 · #3 06-07-2012, 08:04 AM

On the black, Griots rubber prep, let dry, rubber and trim restorer, let dry and finish with long lasting tire dressing.

On the aluminum, pull it off and have it re anodized. Sadly, other than soaking it in some draino polishing and clear coating it's the only option.

For hard water spots on the chrome and metal, paint cleaning clay works great and griots metal cleaner, not the polish but the cleaner in the spray can really makes the chrome shine. Spray it on a microfiber cloth and go to work.

toomany MBZ · #4 06-07-2012, 08:34 AM

The bottle I have is blue, but the same stuff.

I bought it at the local Lowe's.

Needs elbow grease and you'll need some sort of conformable block, such as a sponge or pipe insulation, as it's difficult to get to the grooves in the window/door trim.

Follow this up with a wax, as it offers no protection.

Chad300tdt · #5 06-07-2012, 09:11 AM

Any black trim pieces on the w123s will come up deep black and looking new with a careful pressure washing. You can put some product on after that, but it looks great without anything.

The black items on my 300TD had years of wax buildup and oxidation. I was using my electric 1700psi pressure washer with a 40˚ tip to clean my car and accidentally got too close to the door handle. I was amazed when it blasted off all the stuff I've spent the past five years trying to "rehydrate".

Chad300tdt · #6 06-07-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

I've used many an automotive metal polish to get the bright stuff shiny but the adjacent black plastic usually suffers as a result. I'm now of the opinion that I should mask before polishing - but I haven't built up the momentum to be bothered with that just yet.

I get the feeling that I get less trouble on the plastic if that is cleaned and treated first.

The best way for cleaning up bumpers is to remove them in my opinion - but that's probably more work than most will want to do.

As for scratches on the annodised window trim - as of yet I don't have a solution. I'll be working on a solution on some scrap pieces in the near future though...

Check this out:
Oxidized Aluminum - YouTube

Oxidized Aluminum Treatments | Aluminum Deoxidizers | New Plastic Bumper Touch Up Paint

daw_two · #7 06-07-2012, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Any black trim pieces on the w123s will come up deep black and looking new with a careful pressure washing. You can put some product on after that, but it looks great without anything.

The black items on my 300TD had years of wax buildup and oxidation. I was using my electric 1700psi pressure washer with a 40˚ tip to clean my car and accidentally got too close to the door handle. I was amazed when it blasted off all the stuff I've spent the past five years trying to "rehydrate".

Hmmm.....I just happen to have one of those electric power washers! Thanks, Chad, for sharing.

tee51397 · #8 06-07-2012, 09:32 AM

My Bumper Trim.

cjbrown · #9 06-07-2012, 12:55 PM

I scrubbed mine with simple green and a toothbrush, then applied 303 Aeorspace Protectant. Came up like new.

All vinyl, rubber, and plastic gets 303 on everything I own. "SPF40 for your stuff!"

PackerEdgerton · #10 06-07-2012, 03:46 PM

Wow! Some great suggestions here! Should this be a sticky?

PE

Stretch · #11 06-07-2012, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Check this out:
Oxidized Aluminum - YouTube

Oxidized Aluminum Treatments | Aluminum Deoxidizers | New Plastic Bumper Touch Up Paint

Thanks Chad

PackerEdgerton · #12 06-07-2012, 05:09 PM

Is it correct that the brightwork on the W123 is anodized aluminum?

Sincerely,

PE

Chad300tdt · #13 06-07-2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerEdgerton

Is it correct that the brightwork on the W123 is anodized aluminum?

Sincerely,

PE

Yup.

PackerEdgerton · #14 06-07-2012, 05:21 PM

OK, well I just ordered some of the Aluminum Deoxidizer. We will see how it works. I'll take a few photos.

I am also going to try the power washer trick.

Thanks.

PE

Zulfiqar · #15 06-07-2012, 05:43 PM

anyone know of an idea to restore the black hematite finish trim that the later W124s had. Mines faded to a dirty gold.