# How to restore chrome trim that is very pitted

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-restore-chrome-trim-that-is-very-pitted/850764>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [March 31, 2020, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-restore-chrome-trim-that-is-very-pitted/850764 "2020-03-31T22:01:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Lamoral](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lamoral/32/16078_2.png) [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2020, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-restore-chrome-trim-that-is-very-pitted/850764/1 "2020-03-31T22:01:01Z")

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I have some old center consoles from 1965 Mustangs, and I’m cleaning them up and trying to restore them as best I can. The metal insert parts are (I’m assuming) chrome plated, and the metal has a pitted and corroded appearance.

After cleaning it off, I took a Dremel wire-wheel to some of the corroded areas. [Before](https://postimg.cc/KKcPy0NN) and [after.](https://postimg.cc/8JjL7sxf) But the pitting still is very noticeable under direct light.

Is there a way of removing it completely? I’ve got nothing but time.

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2020, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-restore-chrome-trim-that-is-very-pitted/850764/2 "2020-03-31T22:16:42Z")

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Getting rid of a pit is like trying to get rid of a hole in the ground. It has to be filled in, not scrubbed or cleaned.

I think your best bet, short of sending it out to be re-chromed or powder coated is going to try hitting it with some chrome colored spray paint. I have no idea how well it work, if it all. I think, your best bet, if you were to go that route, would be to search some hobby/modeling forums or car restoration forums and see what they suggest.  
If it’s a surface you don’t touch much, see if there’s a plasti-dip color that will work. It leaves a slightly rubbery texture, so you wouldn’t want it in a spot that your hand was constantly on. Also, it peels off, so if you don’t like it you could remove it without too much trouble.  
TLDR: Maybe spray paint it?

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2020, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-restore-chrome-trim-that-is-very-pitted/850764/3 "2020-03-31T22:53:32Z")

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Simichrome 390050 All Metal Polish Tube

I seen it used many times on older motorcycles. Cleans up the chrome really nice. It’s the best slightly abrasive polish that I’ve used.

I use on my guitars too. Very lightly rubbing it in with a clean cloth.

Walmart usually stocks it. Amazon has it.

> **[Simichrome 390050 All Metal Polish Tube - 1.76 oz.](https://www.amazon.com/Simichrome-390050-Metal-Polish-Tube/dp/B0002YUQ4E)**
>
> Buy Simichrome 390050 All Metal Polish Tube - 1.76 oz. at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision!

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2020, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-restore-chrome-trim-that-is-very-pitted/850764/4 "2020-03-31T23:03:33Z")

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Missed the edit window.

Brand is Happich Simichrome polish.

You may see similarly named copy cats. But Happich is what bikers have used since my childhood.