Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 07:18 AM
  #1  
78RangerInBama's Avatar
78RangerInBama
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
advice

Bought a 78 Ranger in Jan., 3rd owner, 138k miles, real good condition...looking for advice on how to clean the chrome trimwork (cloudy), and best place for factory replacement parts...right now the driver side windshield washer hose tee is held together by plumbers putty!
Thanks for any input.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 07:34 AM
  #2  
union bubba's Avatar
union bubba
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
I have used some chrome cleaner from NAPA that worked real well. I am pretty new to the forum but welcome! I looked thru here and a lot of people talked about different places so i ordered a LOT of free parts mags. I ordered LMC, JC WHITNEY, MAC'S, 1AAUTO, NPD they will have everything you need. Also look up a search and find the rest, The folks in here will help you in everything you need they are awesome!
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 07:39 AM
  #3  
Justin's Green Truck's Avatar
Justin's Green Truck
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
I cant speak about refinishing the chrome. Others on here can im sure. But I usually find all my parts at either Dennis Carpenter, LMC, National Parts Depot, or Ebay. Now you said factory replacement parts, those can be harder to find than just replacement parts. A lot of times you can find NOS parts on Ebay or on here you can find original parts where someone is parting out a vehicle. There arent many of these trucks left in the junk yards around here anymore but might be where you live. My washer tee needed replaced too and I found it at LMC online.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 09:43 AM
  #4  
73FOMO's Avatar
73FOMO
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
The chrome is anodized so it's basically impossible to get cleaned without stipping the anodic coating. There are some anodized strippers out there....some have even used oven cleaners to strip the coating. Check with the Eastwood company for the stripper. Once stripped it would need to be buffed on a high speed buffing wheel and then a protective clear like sharkhide or zoops seal to keep the moulding from oxidizing. Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 10:25 AM
  #5  
devino246's Avatar
devino246
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
That windshield washer t broke on my truck too. I used No.7 Polishing compound on my chrome and it came out great.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 10:59 AM
  #6  
78RangerInBama's Avatar
78RangerInBama
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info, guys!
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 12:28 PM
  #7  
79F150400M's Avatar
79F150400M
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 333
From: Arlington,Wa
Windshield washer tee's

I bought 3 from Auto Krafters. They are like...1.95 ea. They also have a nice selection of new or reproduction parts for the F-series trucks.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 01:50 PM
  #8  
73FOMO's Avatar
73FOMO
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
The chrome can be polished somewhat, cleaning deposits but will not last. It's anodized. Stripping, buffing, and resealing is the only way to get a good mirror type chrome finish back.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Emmerttr
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Oct 15, 2014 10:43 PM
mixmastermerrill2011
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jul 7, 2012 01:15 AM
green52
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Sep 24, 2004 06:29 AM
jan
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
1
Apr 22, 2002 05:08 PM
crazypurple78
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
12
Jan 17, 2001 10:50 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:14 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE