ReChrome? I assume.... :(

[acbrock]

Hi,
New to all this and have been taking everything apart and cleaning up all the chrome.  Coming across little dots and bumps that won't clean off.  I just did the mirror and it is absolutely the worst case of this on the back.

Is there anything that can be done for this or does it need to be stripped?
Thanks
A

[Cees Klumper]

I would look for a new/replacement one, this seems unsalvageable to me.

[dirkbalter]

It looks like you chrome plating is flaking off.
These chrome mirrors for the 230is if original and in good condition are quiet expensive. I was in a similar situation and had them re-chromed.
I would talk to a chrome shop and get their opinion. They will polish the surface in any case but may charge more due to its condition.
My mirror back didn't look much better either.

[stickandrudderman]

A good chrome platers will build the part up with copper before nickel then chrome plating so all those blemishes will be lost and the part should look as good as new.

[acbrock]

What do you guys think the best way to clean chrome is?  I have been trying all different stuff, Vinegar, WD40, Rust Remover then polishing?  Is there any secret?  Is there something I can just soak them in?  Like the Vent below is really hard to clean without completely dismantling it?

[BobH]

Hello, you cleaned up your speedo chrome bezel, it looked like new when you'd finished, what did you use, just a chrome polish?

Have a look on here, looks like good results

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=33156.msg241749#msg241749

[dirkbalter]

Bob just got ahead of me. I would use some good chrome polish to start with. My best results came with a polish that was recommended here some time ago.
 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/385405301345?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1nwE-YEm2TR2qulvefNv4yQ75&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=385405301345&targetid=4580702894586630&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418640321&mkgroupid=1233652283797640&rlsatarget=pla-4580702894586630&abcId=9300602&merchantid=51291&msclkid=a9eb2664dfbe1b6b01264343dba031e5

[Charles 230SL]

I’ve had really good results with #0000 steel wool. What I couldn’t clean up with #0000 steel wool, I had re-plated.

[lreppond]

If Dirk had good results re-chroming his mirror, I’d follow his lead.  He’s done an amazing job with his car.  Also the method of stripping,then plating in copper, nickel before chrome really produces the best results as Colin said.  Sadly, California has so many environmental laws that it’s difficult to get anything plated here. 

As to the chrome air vents: I would not disassemble them. Others have tried and have said it’s difficult and parts are easily broken.  I have found that an ammonia & water solution does a good job of initially cleaning the chrome parts.  Use soft cloths, foam paint brushes or detailing brushes to get in tight corners.  For me, Flitz brand metal polish is the least aggressive and produces the best results.  After polishing I spray with a 50:50 solution of IPA:water and wipe off with a clean microfiber cloth.  Just go easy and take your time.

[kampala]

In Los Angeles - I had the Grill and Grill Star plated here:   https://www.generalplatingco.net

It was 10 years ago --- excellent work and at the time, way more reasonable than any "auto" chrome shop around here. 

[acbrock]

Cool thanks guys.  So no Magic Bullet.  I will just keep going slow as I have been.  I use one method and if it works great, if not I try another.  I will check on the Re-plating.  I am sure that won't be cheap but probably better than buying a new one.  I think I will try the mirror first and see how it goes.
Thanks
Aaron
 

[wwheeler]

The mirror is a combination of two metals. The head is steel formed from sheet. The neck is cast pot metal. Once corrosion gets under the chrome surface and creates pimples, it cannot be polished out. You will always have the pimples. Also remember that the chrome layer is VERY thin. Like maybe .0005". A sheet of paper is .003" by contrast. So very easy to burn through the chrome layer.

The pimples create a pit in the base metal and has to be filled with copper and reshaped as Stick says. Sure it can be fixed, but at what cost? Good chrome replating is expensive and mostly hand labor. If you can buy the part new, most times are better off to do so.

[EeVeeWee]

I also had it rechromed with a very nice result.

[acbrock]

Wow looks great.  Hmm bummer about the labor.  I have a guy who says he might have one.  I will have to see how much he wants for it.
I read online you can strip the chrome with just bleach?  Maybe I will do that and see what it looks like underneath...

Also @kampala

About the Ignition Ring, here is a pic of mine.  Did your have those holes are do you think those are the pins you were referencing...

Thanks all!

[getsmart]

I concur with Charles, 0000 steelwool but you need to make sure it is clean first with warm soapy water and/or wd40 or crc, something like that) you don't want to be polishing in any grit. Once cleaned I use Autosol  Chrome And Metal Polish with the steelwool. You'll get great results but obviously depending on if the chrome is peeling or pitted you can't remove that but you will be surprised how much better you can make it look with this technique. I've also been restoring various pieces of  aluminium trim but that entails different techniques.....as you need to remove the anodising first and that is not easy via mechanical methods...

R/Joe

[john.mancini]

I checked to see if 230SL - early 250SL NOS, or original chrome rear view mirrors were still available. I had no luck finding them. Suppliers are "Out of Stock", and prices were close to $1,500.00 when they were in stock. Holy Cow!!!!  Re-chrome yours!

[bertc]

Hi,  How much did you paid for all of the re-Chrome?  Was it in Netherland?
I'm looking to do mine.  thank you