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Aluminum Trim Restoration - 1978 & 1983 Olds04

2005

I have two Oldsmobiles (1978 Olds Cutlass & 1983 Delta 88) that I have been searching for a shop to restore/repolish the existing trim-work. The trim pieces are each in solid condition however most every piece has become dull and faded from a couple of visits to one of those spray-wash car washes. Turns out the chemical used in the wax or poly-sealant causes some kind of reaction that fades the polished aluminum. I would prefer not to have to remove the pieces as my concern would be possibly damaging the parts during removal however if that's the only way to do it...consider it done.

As a separate but related question, I've wondered from time to time if it isn't possible to just chrome the aluminum and stainless trim. Question - is it possible to chrome aluminum and stainless steel?

Thank you for your input and please know that I welcome all commercial and technical responses/input.

Christopher J Lake
Auto Collector - Cleveland, Ohio

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2005

Hi Chris,

Why don't you go to some local dealers of 'hot' cars, by that I mean Porsches, Jags etc ... and ask them WHO they go to in order to have aluminum wheels done up.

There's a Company not far from us that does a superlative job or restoring rims ... but a) I'm not allowed/permitted to give their name and b) you are miles away, anyhow.

...by the way, that 'car' is a l964 PV 544 ... which, in racing trim, beat out 5 and 7 litre Shelby's during novice racing.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

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Of course both aluminum and stainless can be chrome plated, or the aluminum can be restored to it's original finish. Any of those choices will require removal of the trim and sending it to a competent plating shop.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2005

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2005

Auto Parts stores carry many products which should resolve dulling of the aluminum finish.
If you have bare aluminum, then Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and reapply after each visit to that car wash. However, the aluminum likely has a protective coating. The Hydrofluoric acid used in many car washes may have dulled the appearance of the coating. If so, then you will need to remove the parts, remove the coating with Airplane Remover, shine the parts with a Mag Wheel cleaner containing hydrofluoric & nitric acid, then apply a clear-coat spray paint.

Talk to the car wash manager, they may offer a detailing service to resolve your issue.

Bob Elmore
- Cary, North Carolina

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2005

Bob's response suggests some collusion between the car washes and auto parts stores:

"The Hydrofluoric acid used in many car washes may have dulled the appearance..."
and
"Auto Parts stores carry many products which should resolve dulling of the aluminum finish."

Maybe stay away from North Carolina car washes!

Ken Vlach [deceased]
- Goleta, California
Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.