Removing Fading and Stains on Chrome Trim 1982 300SD

I have a 1982 Mercedes 300SD and the trim around the windows looks faded and ugly. It is as if they look like "hard" water stains on all the chrome door and truck trim. I have tried "windex" type cleaner to Bar Keeper's Friend to no avail.

Any tips on cleaning? Do not want to have the replace the trim.

Thanks
Jim

Forums

Body and Interior Specific Aid

Chassis Model Number

W126

You are not alone - and it is not "hard water" stains

This past week I spent over one hour trying to clean the same aluminum trim on my 87 300SDL hoping to try again to find a solution - and I have been trying for years. I have used aluminum polish, chrome polish, rubbing compound, bon-ami, battery acid (no just kidding) and even tried a power buffer with rubbing compound. I got some improvement but the age stains won't come off permanently - primarily because they are not surface stains.

The problem is this is not chrome plated steel. It is aluminum that has had a special anodizing process done on it at the factory to maintain the high luster. You would have to remove the chrome and use a high speed wheel polisher to cut through that top anadized coating. Then you would have to polish the aluminum all the time to keep it looking good. If you want perfect you are going to have to buy new trim and find very nice trim off a parts car.

Chrome trim stains

I just laid a vinegar wetted piece of paper towel over my trim and sealed with cling wrap for a night - - made no difference after sitting for a night! This is a problem that has plagued many of us, would love to see a cure for this too!