Any way to fix this chrome damage?
- Thread starter Janes360
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Sadly, my own experience is that the only solution is to replace the chrome trim, or remove it and have it wrapped. I have not personally found a product yet that can restore the chrome trim. The damage appears to be located under the top lacquer layer. Maybe someone else managed to find a better solution?
Thank you. Can you recommend the kind of place that could repair/replace it and do you have any idea of cost?
MSG2004
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Have you tried to polish better still t-cut? It won;t be 100% or it you go OTT may make it worse but IMO, it could vastly improve the affected areas.
SpikyMikey
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You may well find that part is chromed plastic and not plated metal. There are companies around who can spray a "chrome" finish on these parts.
Teego
MB Enthusiast
Shouldn't cost a fortune to have it rechromed.
MrGreedy
MB Enthusiast
As per @SpikyMikey
This is a super thin layer of chrome plating on plastic.
The damage is likely predominantly oxidation of the microscopicly thin layer of chrome. And you can polish this layer because it is below a top layer of clear paint or something similar. We have the same problem with the 'brushed chrome' trims in the same place, which might actually be an aluminium deposit.
Polishing GENTLY might improve the appearance slightly. Cheapest option by a mile but least likely to work.
The cheapest way to get a good finish will be a chrome wrap.
You can probably DIY it after watching some youtube vids.
removing the trim and taking it to a chrome plater is probably quite expensive. Buying a new part also expensive.
This is a super thin layer of chrome plating on plastic.
The damage is likely predominantly oxidation of the microscopicly thin layer of chrome. And you can polish this layer because it is below a top layer of clear paint or something similar. We have the same problem with the 'brushed chrome' trims in the same place, which might actually be an aluminium deposit.
Polishing GENTLY might improve the appearance slightly. Cheapest option by a mile but least likely to work.
The cheapest way to get a good finish will be a chrome wrap.
You can probably DIY it after watching some youtube vids.
removing the trim and taking it to a chrome plater is probably quite expensive. Buying a new part also expensive.
MrGreedy
MB Enthusiast
Apologies, the first paragraph I wrote should have said 'you CAN'T polish this layer'
you had me thinking about that
Chrishazle
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When Comand.co.uk installed the reversing camera on my S204 they had to replace that trim to allow for the camera, so i still have the original trim in my garage! It can't have been expensive so I'd suggest the economic answer is ask MB for the cost of the replacement trim piece! If if it's the same on the S204 as yours you can have my spare for collection for free (TN26 3 postcode) or (awkward) P&P!
MrGreedy
MB Enthusiast
Actually @Chrishazle you raise a good point about the price and checking with Merc.
The 'expensive' thing I was thinking about is replacing ALL the 'brushed' metal trim around 360⁰ of the E class. Several pieces running into £hundreds. But that single boot piece might be acceptably priced.
Would save faffing around trying to install a wrap.
The 'expensive' thing I was thinking about is replacing ALL the 'brushed' metal trim around 360⁰ of the E class. Several pieces running into £hundreds. But that single boot piece might be acceptably priced.
Would save faffing around trying to install a wrap.
