'Milky' anodized trim

[E200K]

You'll never be able to attain a good finish by polishing old, drab looking anodized aluminium trim. All you'll manage to achieve is a shiny drab-looking finish.

To properly clean and polish anodized aluminium trim you first need to de-anodize it with sodium hydroxide. You can then remove any scratches and polish to a high shine. Unfortunately the process to anodize aluminium involves acid baths and electric current but as an alternative you can spray the polished aluminium with a clear laquer.

 

[bronzy935]

Is it necessary to take out the front windscreen to replace the three trim pieces?

The trim around the back glass was a cinch but I'm struggling with the front.

 

[Styria]

Hi Bronzy935, the chrome strips at the front are removed with the screen as one piece. In other words, the chrome cannot be removed - conversely, the chromed pieces are fitted to the front screen rubber before the screen is refitted. Regards Styria

 

[bronzy935]

Oops! So screen out again.
Thank you

 

[WiSeGuYY]

Hi GODFATHER , maybe a bit off the topic but since i read it for first time but please i would appreciate update of the shining status after couple of years since i'm going throu similer job and wonder if i'll do this step or not.

REGARDS

TAREK

 

[SEL_69L]

Just reviewing this thread.

I suppose Mercede-Benz still offer the anodised trim product for detailing.
I notice the latest 'S' class appears to have anodised alloy trim, just like the good 'ole 116.

I re apply the clear laquer as mentioned previously every 6 to 9 months. My alloy trim ( I mean that on the car!), is just as good as when I first treated it 8 years ago, for the first time.

 

[WGB]

I was reading an old copy of M-B Enthusiast (Feb 2011 edition I think in the magazine rack in my Loo) and there is an article on a professional detailer performing a 2 day detail on a 1950's 300C.

He talks about rubbing milky anodised trim on the 300 with aluminium foil dipped in vinegar.

I thought I might try it on some old pieces and see what happens.

Bill

 

[450SEL1979]

I too tried the clear coat method on one of my earlier 450SELs , more by accident than intent. I was doing a light touch up spray of clear coat on a section of the boot lid and oversprayed the window trim by mistake. Noticed the difference on the trim and decided to try a few more sections, part direct spray (lot of masking up reqd). Part using a cloth. Seemed to work Ok .
My thoughts at the time was it was a little like when you laminate a colour print off your laser printer and it brings up the colour.
Problem for me is that my cars get parked on the street at all times. So not a permanent solution. Luckily the 1975 450SEL i have just acquired has very good trim, not at all milky. Will see how parking on the street affects this.

 

[Oversize]

The current 'Street Machine' magazine has a very interesting article on home anodizing.... I haven't read it all yet, but it seems you can coat parts with a durable finish in any colour you like!

 

[motec 6.9]

4 years down the track i was wondering how the trim has stood the test of time. Geoff

 

[Oversize]

Yet again this topic comes up!! Here's the links to the other threads:

http://www.topklasse.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5572

http://www.topklasse.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1021