I haven't seen this covered so thought I would share how easy it was to make the stainless trim on my car really pop. I've been detailing a lot of pieces while the car has been held hostage in the body shop. Most of the stainless trim that came off the car was in reasonably good condition to be close to 40 years old but had minor scratches and one of the lower rocker trim pieces had 2 deep dents and scratches. I bought a 6 in bench buffer from China Freight for 39.00. It came with 2 wool pads and 3 grades of compound. Most pieces buffed up to a mirror shine with just the buffer and the green compound. I tapped the dents out of the damaged rocker cover from the back and sanded the scratch with 220 -800 grit sandpaper and then buffed. You literally can not tell it was ever damaged. I cannot think of another part of the project that has had as big a impact for so few dollars.

 

I was wondering how one would repair and polish these - great info!

 

Wish I could post some pics to show but I am having some technical issues with my laptop. The results were amazing for not a lot of effort.

 

Cool info Steve! Good to hear you're now the Stainless Guru

If you send me some pics at my home email I can upload them here for you. I think you have my home email? If not send me a PM and I'll get it to you.

 

I've polished some of my SS with buffs and compound from Eastwood.. The most challenging part is to keep the parts from getting caught up in the buff, and then looking like a pretzel. To all who attempt polishing-go slow, very slow...

 

I straightened, sanded, & buffed all 54 pieces of stainless on my vista. :O Beginner when I started, darn near a pro when done.

 

That's a lot of stainless on that Vista! Must have taken a while. It took about a weekend on my vert. I was having such a good time I did the backside too. The stuff looks better than new out the box.

 

Awesome. How does early Sat sound for dropping mine off?