Advice on removing scratches from chrome bumper

[David C.]

Hi all,
I see that somehow there are scratches on the top of my original chrome right rear bumper (1973). They are not deep but a noticeable set of scuff mark type scratches. How this happened in my garage is a mystery.

Is there anyway to safely try and reduce these scratches? Or should I leave well enough alone?
Thanks.

[Leif A.]

Re: Advice on removing scratches from chrome bumper

David,
I would try a chrome polish, hand applied and see what you get for results. A polish will have a very mild abrasive that should remove the scuff if it is not very deep. Worth a try.

[Michael M.]

[Ralph E.]

Re: Advice on removing scratches from chrome bumper

If the scratch is deep I've heard of people wrapping aluminum foil around a sponge and rubbing the scratch. The foil transfer to the bumper.
Have never tried it, but it could be a cheap fix.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Advice on removing scratches from chrome bumper

I would just add to be very careful using a “polish.” Polishes have abrasives that can cut through the original clear chrome plating (which was only about .0005” thick). You might try a wax first (no abrasives). If you can’t wax out the scuffs, they are probably already through the chrome plating.

Michael,
You just reminded me of a HUGE mistake I made when I bought my first new car. I lifted the hood and waxed the fender wells, valve covers and so forth. Then I went to the inside and put some snake oil on the seats. Then the mistake, I used chrome polish on all the chrome borders around things like the radio. When I got to the dash I did the same with the borders around all my instruments!! When the chrome polish dried to the powder I wiped it off along with the chrome that was on all the plastic on my new 65 SS.
David,
On another note now that I am almost all grown up and have a shop, I do use a buffer on chrome with rouge. Works well if the part is off but I use my machine if it's on, but keep a sharp eye on what your doing or what Michael is saying could happen. All in all if the scratches bug me enough and I have the option to re chrome that's what I do to get the scratches out.

Dom

[Frank D.]

Re: Advice on removing scratches from chrome bumper

I would just add to be very careful using a “polish.” Polishes have abrasives that can cut through the original clear chrome plating (which was only about .0005” thick). You might try a wax first (no abrasives). If you can’t wax out the scuffs, they are probably already through the chrome plating.

Its nearly impossible to remove a scratch without going through the chrome, I wouldn't even try it unless you are considering replating them anyway.

If you start rubbing away and see a discoloration start to appear you're done...its off to the chrome shop...

[John F.]

Re: Advice on removing scratches from chrome bumper

Wad up a piece of aluminum foil and dip in water. Rub in small circles. It worked wonders on my 62 Bowtie car.

[Keith W.]

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Advice on removing scratches from chrome bumper

Try triple 0 steel wool.