[BK]

Originally Posted by Fester

Post "Before" and "After" photos please!!

Will do. Probably won't wash the car until after Christmas, since it is supposed to rain until then, but I'll try to remember to post photos.

I'll have to admit, my chrome tailpipes aren't as dirty as they were when I first started following this thread -- I was able to get a lot of gunk off with just soapy towel last week. But it could be better, and I saw the chrome polish at the store today, so I had to try it.

[Chesmu]

glad to hear elbow grease still works. I haven't tried chrome polish yet...maybe on my next trip to checker...

[rit]

Originally Posted by Fester

Post "Before" and "After" photos please!!

I've had similar issues with the stainless steel tailpipes on my 335i. Before today, nothing I tried was a match for the black gunk that seemed to become part of the metal. That stuff would not come off!

Did some searching on the Internet and saw some good reviews for "Blue Magic" paste. I couldn't find the stuff on the websites of any local stores, but a trip down to my local Pep Boys found a small container for $5.49.

I tried it and it worked. It wasn't easy though. I probably spent 40 minutes buffing to get the black stuff completely off. However, the end result is pretty good. Some before and after pics follow..

The bottom line? Blue Magic works, but be prepared for a A LOT of tedious buffing. I'm open to hearing about something that works faster and easier..

[JOYRIIDE1113]

This might sound like too many steps, but in the end you spend less time than you would an hour with emtal polish.

1500 grit wetsand sheet with some soapy wash, followed by #00 Steel wool (with metal polish), and another go with #0000 Steel wool (with metal polish).

[number335]

I've been using CG light duty metal polish and it seems to be working so far. No problems removing the black exhaust stains.

[martieg]

I bought a new pair of tips and have been careful in wiping them clean every week to avoid build up.

I saved the old ones but haven't had the time to clean them yet.

[BK]

Originally Posted by BK

Will do. Probably won't wash the car until after Christmas, since it is supposed to rain until then, but I'll try to remember to post photos.

I'll have to admit, my chrome tailpipes aren't as dirty as they were when I first started following this thread -- I was able to get a lot of gunk off with just soapy towel last week. But it could be better, and I saw the chrome polish at the store today, so I had to try it.

Wow, I wrote in this thread long ago. I guess I never posted those before and after photos. Oops.

But I'm happy to say I used the Mother's Chrome Polish, and it worked great. I've used it on my exhaust ever since then. With 000 or 0000 steel wool on the inside of the pipes, a soft cotton rag (actually, an old discarded t-shirt) on the outsides. I do it nearly every wash, about once a week, since it doesn't take much time. As a result, my exhaust is usually pretty clean and it's not hard to keep it looking good. But back when I wrote this, I recall it took a little more time and elbow grease.

[LRS]

I too, am suffering from dirty pipe tips

I used to use Happich Simichrome many, many years ago and found it very good. I've seen that you can still buy it from jeweller supply sites.

Anyone used or considered using it for tip cleaning?

[Jurisprudent]

Originally Posted by BK

Wow, I wrote in this thread long ago. I guess I never posted those before and after photos. Oops.

But I'm happy to say I used the Mother's Chrome Polish, and it worked great. I've used it on my exhaust ever since then. With 000 or 0000 steel wool on the inside of the pipes, a soft cotton rag (actually, an old discarded t-shirt) on the outsides. I do it nearly every wash, about once a week, since it doesn't take much time. As a result, my exhaust is usually pretty clean and it's not hard to keep it looking good. But back when I wrote this, I recall it took a little more time and elbow grease.

BK (or others),

Do you think the Mothers will have enough power to clean these? Or am I better off starting over? (please excuse quality - this is a crop of a much larger image)

[BK]

Originally Posted by Jurisprudent

BK (or others),

Do you think the Mothers will have enough power to clean these? Or am I better off starting over? (please excuse quality - this is a crop of a much larger image)

Shouldn't be a problem, it will just require some elbow grease. Apply the polish with steel wool for the inside of the pipes (000 or 0000 -- buy it at Lowes or Home Depot). That makes it much easier.

[lambammm]

i just use eagle one chrome cleaner, forget what it's called. it comes off in clumps like wet fiber glass. works perfectly fine for me.

[Raz335]

#000 steel wool with Metal Polish is the way to go ..short of using power tools of course. I've been using Adams #1 and #2 polish and it works well with steel wool. It takes some work, but you can get it looking pretty good.