Guys,

The small things wrong with my car really bug me, my exhaust tips look like they have never been cleaned



After a good clean with autosol and some 1200 wet and dry it didnt improve the look:



I contacted a guy on ebay but he couldnt confirm his tips would fit...

Has anyone changed theirs, Im after as near to standard as possible.

Next to sort the rear bumper, the list never stops

 

I just got some cheapo jobbies on ebay:

 

Another good vintage x300

 

I know my local auto parts store has loads of different exhaust tips, but they are all circular and ours on the X300 are oval shaped.

 

Mine looked really bad too (probly vhad never been cleaned) I took them off and used some steel wool on them and returned the shine to like new with out scratching it. Might wanna give it a try before going and just buying new ones.

 

I had some good luck with Never Dull.

 

I bought some off ebay at 7.49 per side, seemed like a bargain.

I'll post a pic when fitted

Thanks for all the feedback guys

 

I am moving your thread off to the Detailing Forums in which you can find some good solutions from our resident experts

 

Cleaning Methodology

• Thoroughly rinse surface to remove any loose surface dirt or dust.
• Wash the surface with a d-Limonene-based (citrus) all purpose cleaner (APC) P21S® Total Auto Wash
• Use a cleaner (P21S Polishing Soap) to remove any surface blemishes
• Use a mild polish ((Happich Semichrome Polish, or Autosol or P21S® Multi-Surface Finish Restorer) to prevent re-oxidation and provide a water-resistant coating and restore lustre to the chrome
• To restore chrome that is pitted or has rust spots, remove with #0000 synthetic bronze wool and /or a metal polish (Auto WenolBlue, or use Red for chrome restoration)
• Finally apply a polymer sealant (Zoopseal) to provide durable protection

Due to the softness of the metallic plating it is very easy to induce a swirl marks to the finish so use straight-line motions only. Use a soft brush to remove any dried polish from seams or folds. For both chrome and highly polished aluminum, use a mildly abrasive metal polish(Iz™ Einszett Metal Polishor Groit's Chrome Polish) and a soft micro fibre towel.

 

TOGWT, thanks for the reply but i had done something a bit similar and no joy, hence I went with replacements.

But when the old are removed I will have another go at cleaning them to see what happens

 

Car-Nut

I have cleaned thousands upon thousands of exhaust tips, from Harleys to Hot Rods, Delages, Auburns to Jags.....I have never had an issue restoring them to their almost new condition. Always do a test spot in an inconspicuous area and test for desired results.

First and foremost you must determine the type of metal finish or plating that your exhaust tips have. They could be stainless, maybe brushed or polished which are generally a more delicate finish. They could be plated in chrome which generally have a nickel finish underneath...Jaguar generally are of this type.

For the tips on your vehicle which are chrome plated, I have used Meguiar's Wheel brite (4:1 mix) and a small Dayton Wheel brush to prep the surface, then rinse free with water. I then use 4 "OOOO" which is 4X extra fine steel wool with a Mothers or Meguiar's Chrome Polish. Remove polish with a soft MF towel, then you could use a sealant like Meguiar's #21.

If you decide to just change them out, visit a muffler shop and have the old ones choped off and the new ones welded on...it looks so much cleaner