R129 grille fins cleaning

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jmoser

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Hello all:

The grille fins are a mess on this car; can't find any standard cleaner that will remove the embedded muck (structurally the grille is perfect).

Have searched on this issue, and one member mentioned using an acid dip - does anyone have a specific product they can recommend?

On a crusade here at a moment to finish these blithering vehicles off; the R230 is done, one to go...

Thanks as ever
 

television

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They are made from the off cuts of jet engine blades and made of titanium.

Jiles, Jib on the forum used to offer a polishing service for them.
 
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jmoser

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That explains it then Malcolm; thanks for the info.
 

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Have you tried that German polish in a tube,,, sol something or other, I can never remember the name
 
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Autosol, vinegar, gamma rays (ok not the last one), you name it lads, I've tried it, to no avail...
 

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Could you post a close up photo of the staining?
 
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jmoser

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There you go Paul; sorry that the photo quality isn't great.

The problem is as much the tarnishing as the ingrained muck tbh, really dull and old looking. Really ages a car.
 

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jibcl500

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Nothing removes this milky finish, its below the clear coat on the metal.

I acid dipped mine to remove the finish then machine polish but its a lot of hard work.

jib
 
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jmoser

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Thanks for the link; very informative.

So in summary, they're saying:

1. anodized aluminium finish - no titanium
2. Claybar/Meguiars cutting compound may work
3. 3M chrome strips will definitely work...

Jib: can I ask - is that work you carry out for others? If so, how long did the job take?
 
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television

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I will not accept that they are alli,,, it would be too soft,,, not anodized, this is just where alli is acid dipped and it hardens the skin.

I have sen some bad 129 grills but new one with alli rot that would show where they are pop riveted on
 

jibcl500

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Thanks for the link; very informative.

So in summary, they're saying:

1. anodized aluminium finish - no titanium
2. Claybar/Meguiars cutting compound may work
3. 3M chrome strips will definitely work...

Jib: can I ask - is that work you carry out for others? If so, how long did the job take?

They are titanium no alloy!!!! fact
Nothing cleans them fact

Its take a while to refinish the blades to a high shine, the titanium takes longer to be affected by the elements so repolish by hand is very easy where as alloy wouldnt be easy.

I can do it for you but it will take about a week and the cost will be very high. your best bet is to try and find an original grill in good condition. Or do the job yourself.
MB5.jpg

MBl.jpg

jib
 

chardF

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Just had a look @ the replacement jobbies and 3M strips. :?

I think patina is the way to go. ;)
 
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jmoser

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Thanks for the information Jib; what a shame the job is so involved, as your finished result is simply stunning. You lucky man!
Chard: yes, the chrome strips seem like the way to go for the slackers amongst us!
 

television

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The 129 is the only car made where you can buy the new slats
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television

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7 slats up to 06-98 then only 6.
 
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our 93 car needs a bit of work to the grill, I will look at the 3m strips... surely they are noticeable as a stick on? any pics of them fitted?
 

television

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Take the grill off to do it, much easier.
 

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