Clean, straight trim makes a huge difference to how an R107 looks. Much of the brightwork can be restored, but you need to know what each part is made of before you start polishing.
Chrome vs stainless parts
The R107 uses a mix of chrome-plated parts and polished stainless or aluminum trim. Bumper bars and some fittings are chrome-plated. Many trim strips, such as the side moldings and window surrounds, are polished stainless or aluminum. Test with a magnet: stainless is usually only weakly magnetic or not at all, while chrome-plated steel is magnetic. Chrome-plated plastic or zinc parts also exist.
Polishing
- Chrome: clean with a car shampoo, then use a mild chrome polish. Avoid abrasive compounds that remove the plating.
- Stainless: can be polished with metal polish and, for scratches, fine abrasives and a buffing wheel.
- Aluminum: use a polish made for aluminum; it oxidizes and clouds without care.
Finish with a wax or sealant to protect the shine.
Rubber bumper strips
Many R107 bumpers have rubber inserts or strips. They fade and crack. Rubber protectants restore color temporarily; cracked strips should be replaced. New strips are available from specialists.
US bumper refinishing
US-market R107s have large impact bumpers with painted or rubber-coated sections. These can fade and crack. Refinishing involves cleaning, repairing cracks and painting with a flexible paint. Some owners convert to the slimmer European bumpers, which changes the car’s look and must comply with local rules. See European headlights for related conversions.
Trim clips
Trim strips are held by plastic or metal clips. Old clips break when the trim is removed. Have new clips ready before you start. Removing trim carefully with plastic tools prevents dents.
When to replace
Badly dented or pitted chrome is expensive to rechrome. Replacement trim is available, but some parts are costly. Compare the cost of rechroming with new parts before you decide.
Quick answers
- Can I polish pitted chrome? Light pitting can be improved; heavy pitting needs rechroming.
- Is the side trim stainless? On many cars, yes; test with a magnet.
- Do I need to remove trim to polish it? Not always, but removal allows better results and cleaning behind it.
- Can trim cause rust? Water trapped behind trim clips can cause rust; see rust check.
- Can I polish bumper rubber? Use a rubber or trim protectant, not metal polish.
