[swift_guy]

Originally Posted by tibby

Any tips on how to clean and maintain chrome (on plastic) on the car?
I see some greyish deposits on chromed areas such as the front grille, door handles and the manufacturer's logos.

Plain water did not help, and I was apprehensive about trying cleaning with car shampoo or mild detergent. Thought would check here first.

I would like to share an experienced painter's tip on removal of these tar-like deposits on chrome surfaces.

I had used an aftermarket plastic grill on my Swift for 2 months (that mesh-type) which had chrome paint over plastic surface. The chrome layer had got brown-grey deposits due to weather and other factors (water, dust, sun, etc.). What this painter did was powder coat (3 coats) with matte black paint and I was asked to use it like this for 3-4 days. After that he uses a fine sandpaper (not suitable for car paint surfaces unless you can seperate the chrome part from body) and voila, that chrome layer is visible again shining in all its glory! He used a rubbing compound after that and I was all set to use the chrome grill once again. Used it for 1 month and switched to matte black (+clear coat) as it looked better and more subtle.

In your case, try with a rubbing compound or rubbing with an aliminium foil (food wrap one).

[SunnyBoi]

Originally Posted by tibby

I was looking to pick the 1 Gallon Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner, as it is a good product and works out economical compared to small quantity purchase.

However, 3.78 Litres is too much for my requirement (even for the next 2-3 years ).
Is there anyone here from Bangalore who would like to split a can?

Meguair's APC is for professional use. That's why its sold only in gallon cans so that consumers won't buy it. Improper usage of APC will harm paint/plastics, not to mention can cause major discomfort if you breathe in fumes.

Originally Posted by tibby

Any tips on how to clean and maintain chrome (on plastic) on the car?
I see some greyish deposits on chromed areas such as the front grille, door handles and the manufacturer's logos.

These are mineral deposits coming from using hard water to wash cars. Your best bet is spray vinegar, let it soak for a while and scrub these areas with a paint brush. You may have to do this multiple times to get rid of most deposits.

Originally Posted by swift_guy

I would like to share an experienced painter's tip on removal of these tar-like deposits on chrome surfaces.

I had used an aftermarket plastic grill on my Swift for 2 months (that mesh-type) which had chrome paint over plastic surface. The chrome layer had got brown-grey deposits due to weather and other factors (water, dust, sun, etc.). What this painter did was powder coat (3 coats) with matte black paint and I was asked to use it like this for 3-4 days. After that he uses a fine sandpaper (not suitable for car paint surfaces unless you can seperate the chrome part from body) and voila, that chrome layer is visible again shining in all its glory! He used a rubbing compound after that and I was all set to use the chrome grill once again. Used it for 1 month and switched to matte black (+clear coat) as it looked better and more subtle.

In your case, try with a rubbing compound or rubbing with an aliminium foil (food wrap one).

I'm sorry but that is very bad advice. Please don't use aluminium foil, sandpapers etc. on paint or badges, you'll put lots of scratches on the paint.

[swift_guy]

Originally Posted by SunnyBoi

These are mineral deposits coming from using hard water to wash cars. Your best bet is spray vinegar, let it soak for a while and scrub these areas with a paint brush.

Won't a soft toothbrush work better?

Originally Posted by SunnyBoi

I'm sorry but that is very bad advice. Please don't use aluminium foil, sandpapers etc. on paint or badges, you'll put lots of scratches on the paint.

I disagree. Firstly I have mentioned in my post in the sandpaper part that it will not be usable in his case as finish or paint can be damaged. Secondly I have used aluminium foil technique many times to remove deposits from chrome badges and the foil used at home (for food wraps) is very smooth, will not cause any scratches on chrome surface. It is better to use tapwater (dip the foil in it) as the deposits would come off faster. Not sure if you had any bad experience with this technique.

[SunnyBoi]

Originally Posted by swift_guy

I disagree. Firstly I have mentioned in my post in the sandpaper part that it will not be usable in his case as finish or paint can be damaged. Secondly I have used aluminium foil technique many times to remove deposits from chrome badges and the foil used at home (for food wraps) is very smooth, will not cause any scratches on chrome surface. It is better to use tapwater (dip the foil in it) as the deposits would come off faster. Not sure if you had any bad experience with this technique.

You can use either a ball-peen hammer or sledge hammer to drive a nail into a wall. Both do the job, but with the sledge hammer you'll have a big dent on the wall or worse, a hole in the wall. What happens to the wall must also be considered.

Your method of using aluminium foil or sandpaper will cause massive collateral damage while removing the marks. If it works for you, very good and please continue to do so.

[tibby]

Originally Posted by SunnyBoi

Meguair's APC is for professional use. That's why its sold only in gallon cans so that consumers won't buy it. Improper usage of APC will harm paint/plastics, not to mention can cause major discomfort if you breathe in fumes.

Thank you for the heads up.

Going through this thread (and other ones) I have gathered that quite a few members here are using the APC, and it is a well recommended product.
Product reviews on e-commerce portals also seem positive.
I am aware that car care products (particularly those in liquid form) can emit harmful fumes, and would exercise due caution in their use.

Is there any other multi-purpose cleaner than you would recommend?

Originally Posted by SunnyBoi

These are mineral deposits coming from using hard water to wash cars. Your best bet is spray vinegar, let it soak for a while and scrub these areas with a paint brush. You may have to do this multiple times to get rid of most deposits.

Is this recommended irrespective of whether it is chrome on metal or plastic?

[SunnyBoi]

Originally Posted by tibby

Is there any other multi-purpose cleaner than you would recommend?

Few folks use Amway LOC as its a safer alternative, however I haven't used it myself.

Originally Posted by tibby

Is this recommended irrespective of whether it is chrome on metal or plastic?

yes its safe. if you're using it on badges, any painted parts that vinegar touches will have to be waxed/sealed again since it will take off whatever is on the paint.

[blackasta]

For APC, I have been using Autofinesse Verso 1:5 diluted with water for a while. Does a good job IMO.

[harry10]

On the related note. How to clean the engine bay of my City? It's quite dusty now. I do have Amway LoC with me but I have no idea about the application for the bay. Any suggestions?

[blackasta]

Originally Posted by harry10

On the related note. How to clean the engine bay of my City? It's quite dusty now. I do have Amway LoC with me but I have no idea about the application for the bay. Any suggestions?

Lots of product placement, but besides that, couple of very good guides:

http://www.autogeek.net/engine-guide.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...fessional.html

[SunnyBoi]

Originally Posted by harry10

On the related note. How to clean the engine bay of my City? It's quite dusty now. I do have Amway LoC with me but I have no idea about the application for the bay. Any suggestions?

I had posted a few pointers on the other thread. Link below :

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...ml#post3801017

I cleaned up my cedia's engine yesterday. Few pics :

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by SunnyBoi

I cleaned up my cedia's engine yesterday. Few pics :

SUPERB job. How did you polish the aluminum? That is the show stopper.

[SunnyBoi]

Originally Posted by KkVaidya

SUPERB job. How did you polish the aluminum? That is the show stopper.

Thanks! I used Autosol Metal Polish which I picked up from Singapore few years back.

Couple of pics :

[Mortis]

For an alternative to Megs APC in smaller quantities, I have had good results with Armor All Multipurpose cleaner. It comes in a 500ml sprayer and does a good job. It can be diluted further also to make a milder cleaner.

[sinhead]

Originally Posted by SunnyBoi

Autosol Metal Polish

Have you used this on the engine block and other metal parts too?

1. Will any Vinyl/ rubber dressing be safe to use in the engine bay (on plastics and rubber hoses) ? - I'm worried about the likelihood of such a coating aggravating a fire.

Or are there any enginebay specific products meant to be used.

2. I have OCW. Since it doesn't stain plastic or rubber and manages to keep the grille and rubber beadings look good and shiny, I was thinking of using it on the engine bay too.

Will wait for your advice!

[SunnyBoi]

Originally Posted by sinhead

Have you used this on the engine block and other metal parts too?

No dressings or polishing done on the block or metal. However the head and manifold have been subjected to a pass of aluminium restoration that has made them sparkle. Check the difference between the throttle body and manifold, you'll see the difference it makes. Throttle body has been left untouched. Heat shield has been polished with Autosol.

Originally Posted by sinhead

1. Will any Vinyl/ rubber dressing be safe to use in the engine bay (on plastics and rubber hoses) ? - I'm worried about the likelihood of such a coating aggravating a fire.
Or are there any enginebay specific products meant to be used.

Any plastic, rubber or even tyre dresser will do. I use a water based dressing and it provides a natural look. Oil based dressings attract lot of dust, looks deteriorate quickly and when new, it looks too blingy for my taste.

If you use.proper.products, it will help the rubber parts to remain supple for a longer time.

Originally Posted by sinhead

2. I have OCW. Since it doesn't stain plastic or rubber and manages to keep the grille and rubber beadings look good and shiny, I was thinking of using it on the engine bay too.

OCW is overkill. Stick to plastic/rubber/tyre dresser.