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Restoring Cars: Fixing Up an Old Clunker

Last year, I found an old car that looked a lot like the one I owned when I was in high school. Since I have some time and a little money to invest, I bought the car. While it was not in the best of shape, it struck me that restoring it would be a great project. Fixing up that old clunker was a lot of fun. Along the way, I learned things about exhaust systems and other car repairs that I never knew. My old car runs like new now, and I like to drive it around every weekend to show off my handiwork. If you are interested in restoring an older car, let me share what I've learned. A year from now, you'll also be out on the town showing off what you've done with your own two hands.

 

Restoring Cars: Fixing Up an Old Clunker

4 Ways To Remove Tarnish From Chrome

28 April 2015
 Categories: Automotive, Blog

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If you have a vehicle that has chrome, you probably struggle with keeping it clean and shiny. When the chrome starts to look dulled, it can affect the entire appearance of your vehicle. Here are some tips for keeping the chrome clean and polished, and removing tarnish when you see it.

Clean the Chrome Often

Make sure you are cleaning the chrome areas of you vehicle often. The more dirt that builds up on the chrome, the easier and faster it will tarnish. Every time you wash your car, make sure you pay extra attention to the chrome.

Washing it often also helps to prevent damaging it if the build-up gets to be too much and vigorous scrubbing is needed. You know the chrome needs to be washed when you either see dirt on its surface or it is starting to dull.

Use Soap and Water

Cleaning chrome is actually a lot simpler than you might imagine. You don't need much more than mild soap and water. Make sure the water is placed in a clean bucket. If there was grease in the bucket when you added the water, it will transfer to the chrome and be very difficult to remove.

Add clean water to the bucket, then add a small amount of mild dish detergent. Dip a clean rag into the soapy water and rub the chrome on your vehicle. This should be enough to get it clean. You might need a soft-bristled toothbrush for grooves and edges.

Clean Tarnish Quickly

As soon as you see tarnish on the chrome, clean it off as soon as possible. The longer it sits there, the harder it will be to clean. Not to mention excessive tarnish can lead to rusting of the chrome. To remove tarnish, you need a slightly-acidic product like apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

This is acidic but not too harsh, so it won't damage the chrome. Get another clean rag and add some vinegar to it. Use this to clean the areas of the chrome that are tarnished.

Dry the Chrome Thoroughly

After cleaning and removing the tarnish, be sure the chrome is dried properly. It can develop water spots very easily, so don't just let it air dry. Get a soft and dry towel, such as a microfiber towel, and dry the chrome with it. Keep rotating the towel to use dried sections for the chrome. Make sure you are drying the chrome right after washing it.

To learn more, contact a company like Select Collision Centers Inc. with any questions you have.