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The 1970 Dodge Charger is one of the most sought-after vintage cars due to its unique design, aesthetics, and performance. If you are looking to buy a vintage car that can turn a lot of heads, you may consider this old muscle car. If you are looking to get one, you can buy it on Zemotor.com or DIY rebuild using an old restorable car of the same model.
But do you know that one reason why the 1970 Dodge Charger is so unique and popular is because of its shiny visible parts and components?
The shiny surfaces of the car require special care to maintain their brightness, unlike other parts of the body which are made of other types of materials like plastics, rubbers, synthetics and covered with paint.
The aesthetics of a vehicle change if finishes are added, either in the exterior design or the cab. Typically, manufacturers use this type of treatment on some components of their cars to give them a more refined and elegant appearance. The shiny surfaces of the 1970 Dodge Charger can be made of metal or plastic, as the technique used conforms to both materials.
It should be mentioned that chrome plating is not a technique that has only an aesthetic purpose but also gives greater resistance to the area covered against corrosion. This increases its surface hardness and even for easier maintenance. Consider these tips to keep those shining car surfaces in good condition. These tips work best whether you are restoring a chrome-plated surface or just maintaining its shine.
Tips for keeping chrome finishes in good condition
Because these finishes have a bright quality, the lack of maintenance and excess dirt is noticed with the naked eye. At the end of the day, they are a magnet of footprints and debris that require constant maintenance. In addition, we often find the shiny surfaces of the car in areas such as door handles, i.e. frequent contact areas. If we want to maintain a fine appearance, we better get to the idea that we’ll have to clean them regularly.
Our first purpose should be to avoid the accumulation of dust and grease over chrome areas. Fortunately, we will only need a cloth slightly moistened with soap and water to leave them in good condition. It is recommended to wipe the areas with this type of treatment at least once a week. It will be enough to rub gently so that there are no traces of grease or dirt left, but it is recommended to do so in circular and delicate movements. We should not rub the material too long or with excessive force, as there is a risk of accelerating its deterioration.
Some people resort to other types of solutions for cleaning these finishes, such as baby oil, ethanol, oil, cola soda, and baking soda with lemon, obtaining good quality results.
What to do in cases of extreme dirt and rust
In some cases, we may encounter dirt or stains well rooted to chrome areas. Cleaning with soap and water will not give the desired result. In this type of situation, it is advisable to use a water formula with vinegar. Let us remember that the latter has anti-lime properties that make it a true ally for cleaning the car in the face of difficult stains or even in household grooming work.
The only drawback is that it has a very intense smell, but it will be enough to reuse the soap and water solution after the first cleaning.
Another case we may encounter is the appearance of rust on the chromed areas of the car. If this is the scenario, the best thing we can do is look for a specific anti-rust and removal product. A common mistake is to use products that are not special for these tasks, which can cause further damage. The use of substances with abrasive properties should be considered only if dirt does not give way and is too impregnated.
After each cleaning, we will dry the chrome areas with moisture. To do this, we will use a microfiber cloth that does not leave small residue or lint.
Polish the chrome
One product that allows keeping the chromed areas shiny is aluminum oxide. Its main function is to eliminate microorganisms that may arise on finishes with this treatment. Simply apply a little on a towel and rub over the affected area with circular movements. This way, it will recover its smooth texture and bright appearance.
In the case of surfaces deteriorated at an extreme level by rust, special cleaners will have no effect. Although they will not return to their original state, their appearance will improve significantly if we use a steel fiber, as it will help to release the rust, thanks to friction. After you have removed most of it, you will have to wax and polish it to restore a little shine and improve sensations to the touch. Finally, one last washing with soap and water will help us to leave everything spotless.
If we have the option to remove the chrome component from the vehicle, we can perform the cleaning more comfortably and in all its corners. In this way, we will clean in sections and be sure to leave the piece in perfect condition before reassembling it in the car.
With these tricks, you’ll know how to maintain chrome surfaces, as well as shine them. But if you really want to do a deep clean, these tricks fall short. The best option is to contact a cleaning company.
Another option is to replace the parts if cleaning is not anymore a part of the solution. This is the reason why before buying a car on Zemotor.com, you should check not only the performance but also the aesthetics of the car from tiny stains to bigger damages.
