First post, problems with hairline scratches in chrome

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billyboymr2

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Hi everyone, I'm rather new to the forum but I've been a long time detailer for about 20 years. I started at a Mercedes-Benz dealer and learned from one of the best in the area, then moved to an independent MB service center that had detailing service. I've since moved in to management at a residential and commercial HVAC manufacturer after being a refrigeration technician for a number of years. I've always loved detailing, but it's never quite been enough to pay the bills around here (people think $200 for a full detail is a lot of money). Cloister car wash charges $69 for a wash/wax/vac, and that seems to be the norm around here. Fortunately for me, I've got a love of Harley Davidson motorcycles and I live 5 minutes from the York plant, so we've got a ton of Harley's in the area. Most of those guys are finicky and appreciate a good detail, and after doing a few friends' bikes, they talked me in to going in to business for myself.

So, I've recently started my own 'part time' detailing business specializing in Harley Davidson's, and I've purchased a bunch of products from AG that I've never used that are much higher quality (I'm used to our old Castle and Ardex products at the dealerships) and I'm extremely impressed with the results versus the amount of time spent. Really like the Wolfgang swirl combo and Pinnacle Souveran waxes, makes Harley Vivid Black shine like no other.

So my main question that I haven't really been able to find an answer to is about chrome. Some of the bikes I'm doing have very very fine hairline scratches in it, like it was washed with a Brillo pad or just wiped off when it was dirty. I can't seem to find something to get rid of those fine scratches. I've seen posts where people recommend #000 steel wool and chrome polish, but I really don't want to do that - too much time and the possibility of royally screwing something up is much higher. Does anyone know anything that will either get rid of the scratches or at least cover them up for an extended period of time? Everything else is just trial and error, but this seems to be the only thing that's kicking my butt!

Thanks for listening to my story, and thanks for any help you can give!
 
ultimate compound by meguiars or m205 might make a dent. Work the product in by hand until dry and then rub off with a towel
 
Chrome don't bring ya home. Real bikers don't buy chrome. Flitz it's the best. Shine it to the point you can't see scratches. I finally gave up the Harley addiction. One learns the value of aluminum over chrome when riding through the desert. It's like one big sand blasting cabinet, very harsh on chrome.

000 steel wool is actually very safe on chrome.
 
Chrome may not bring you home, but tell that to 99% of the Harley riders around here! LOL... Unfortunately while I agree with you (my favorite bikes are the Fat Boy Lo and Softail Blackline), most of the Harley owners around here wouldn't.

I'll have to try the compound to see how that works. I wonder if the 3M compound would do the same? It certainly would be nice if something that I've already got would work. I may have to try some of my compounds on my personal bike first, don't want to ruin the chrome on someone else's pride and joy!

Thanks for the responses, anyone else use anything that works? Still a little leery of using the steel wool, but any specific products or techniques?
 
bump for more feedback

Personally I would not use compound on chrome. I'd recommend a polish many out there should work fine. My preference is M205.

000 steel wool with a lubricant is actually pretty safe. I've taken rust off chrome with steel wool.

Do a search for motorcycle detailing and you should find more information. Bikes are a pain in the a$$. Compressed air/master blaster/leaf blower will come in very handy for drying.

I still recommend Flitz works great, get a small tube and try it.
 
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