SuperCoupe400

As we all know, the chrome trim used on our cars (below the belt-line around the car's entire perimeter + trimming the rear window) is covered with a protective layer of what was at one time a clear plastic sheathing. Over the years it hazes up.

Has anyone found a way to restore the clarity of that clear plastic layer? Might it be as simple as performing a basic headlight restoration procedure on the strips? Or is restoration a waste of time, and total replacement of the trim the best viable option? I know removing the clear plastic layer would not be a long-term solution, as the 'chrome' would itself haze up.

If trim replacement is the only option, has anybody here done it? Did you DIY it? What were the costs?

I know there are those of you that prefer not even having this trim, so please don't post if your only comment will be to just "take them completely off because they make the car look dated anyway".

I need to restore the windshield and rear window trim on my SC400 as well, so whatever I end up doing with the LS will be done to the coupe.

Thanks a bunch.

heathervb

I just ordered a headlight restore kit for my headlights and it said it could also be used on trim. The trim on my front bumper is pretty hazy and I'd like to polish it too. I'll try the headlight restore stuff on it in a small area and I'll let you know how it turns out. The kit should be here this weekend. Let me know if you find anything out in the meantime!

SuperCoupe400

Thanks, heathervb. I'll be waiting to see what results you achieve. I may take some rubbing compound to a small portion this evening (on the SC first).

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

some light polishing compound will bring back some luster.

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

I used this stuff on my bumper trim and it did bring some life back to it. Although it isn't fully restored, the result is better than it was before. It's a good stop gap until you get them replaced imo.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_47n9zcevqt_b

heathervb

Update: so I used the Wipe New on my chrome trim after I was done using it for my headlights and it did take off a slight amount of the cloudiness, but definitely didn't make it new and shiny again. I have a chrome polish compound that I may try, but it depends if the trim is made of real chrome. If it's just painted plastic, the polish will likely ruin it.

JffGRY706

try some meguires plastx on the back window trim. follow directions .do a small part and see if it looks better. it will, but it does not last. I also use it on anything plastic like mirror covers. not every time but a couple times a year will keep it looking alright. often I do it after polishing up my headlights.

KING

iTrader: (1)

Hate this ugly chrome trim piece. I'm thinking of deleting it in my build..

uncommin

I'm with you on this. if I could find a way to just delete it I would. thinking of just color matching it or getting it covered in black

LS430FL

Flitz polish made my look brand new!

aypues

That product has incredible reviews. Will it work on the rear windshield plastic chrome that is so dull on everyone's LS?

StanVanDam

I've always used Mother's Chrome Polish on my wheels and chrome/chrome-painted trim. Has anyone tried Flitz and compared it to Mother's? Mother's is priced fairly and is sold everywhere, so I haven't bothered to compare with other chrome polishes.

SuperCoupe400

I hit mine with some rubbing compound this morning (that was all i had on hand, and was taking the 430 out of town, so i wanted it looking its best. Got rid of the oxidation and restored the shine with a vengeance!

sushiboiii

iTrader: (1)

i would put on some type of sealant afterwards to keep it shiny longer.