Triumphrat

Thundrr

looking to put chrome engine covers on my 95 T.B...can anyone suggest were I can get them or recommend a realy good polish for the current covers to make them look like chrome

JWoodsie

Lots of elbow grease and some Autosol I guess.

GeoffE

Your '95 Thunderbird (like mine) should have the original all Alloy engine covers (and wheel rims)? Many people prefer these to the chrome.

I have been fairly lucky and regular polishing has kept them in reasonable nick. Many 'old brit' owners recommend careful use of Solvo Autosol with the finest wire-wool available for the stubborn bits (e.g. pitting), but do put polish on immediately after. (Fyi, I have used this technique on my rear rim, which is very susceptible to our weather/road-salt).

Once they are in good condition, it is easier to keep them that way.

Triumph did offer a chrome replacement kit, which may still be available (expensive though)? Otherwise breakers/Ebay.

Good luck.
Geoff
:wink:

Slinky

I have to agree with Geoff, the polished alloy covers look a lot classier than chromed covers. And the chrome is prone to peeling.

Solvol autosol is good polish, but I would avoid the wire wool unless the covers are pretty bad. Just use it with a soft cloth.

The alloy is good quality and will hold a shine for a long time.

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"You can't fly with the eagles if you keep scratching with the turkeys."

Ballacraine

I made an accidental dscovery about twenty odd years back.

I was rubbing down a repainted sidepanel from my Guzzi 750-S3 with spray painters rubbing compound.

A blob fell off the rag onto a rocker box of the engine which was under the bench.

I leaned down and wiped it off....Instant gleam!

A wonderful discovery. I have used it ever since on any decent alloy.

A lot less elbow-grease than solvol and a fraction of the price too! :wink:

Nige.

__________________
In faecorum semper solum profundum variat.

(Always in the s**t it is only the depth that varies)

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Ballacraine

If you are starting from lacquered finish though i would suggest a buffing wheel and rouge.

Takes a lot of effort out of it and better results quicker.

Nige.

__________________
In faecorum semper solum profundum variat.

(Always in the s**t it is only the depth that varies)

Nige's Gallery

BillBo

At least with the Tbirds, the alloy is good enough quality to survive without paint or laquer, I wonder how the cases on the new bonnies would fair without the laquer or that horrible silver paint which makes the engine look like plastic.