Hi,

I'm looking for advice on how to clean and restore the bumper on this 1965 Ford F100 truck.

There is some rust at the bottom but my concern is the vertical streaks (see pic). Sad to say that I don't know what that is.

I attempted to clean up the left side of the bumper (4x4 inch area) with no results. I researched online and found that coke and aluminium foil was a good way to clean up rust, etc. but it didn't have any effect.

Has anyone else seen this and how have you cleaned it up?




Thanks,
Franklin

 

I would use vinegar to cut the grime off and then use a high speed buffer and polishing compound.

Use a good wax after polishing.

 

Appears prior owner attempted to clean using some type of toxic cleaner. If your in the area suggest drive the truck to Superior Chrome shop 1616 Pomona Ave. in San Jose, runs parallel to Monterey Rd. in the area behind the Pic n Pull. If recall, owner works in the afternoon, friendly and probly give advice how, and/or if bumper can be salvaged, had them straighten and re-chrome 64 bumpers, came out very nice. May consider taking a few tools and check out the wrecking yard while in the area, don't recall the years that bumper is interchangeable I was able to salvage a replacement for my 65.

 

Thanks! I'll try to clean it again and if that doesn't work , I'll go to Superior Chrome.

Appreciate the advice!

 

Try some real fine steel wool 0000 with coke seen others have good results that way. If the owner used some kind of toxic stuff to try cleaning it you might not be able to get it clean without some time into buffing/polishing if it is even fixable. If that don't work stop by the shop and see what they say can be done to get it shining again.

 

Update:
I bought White Diamond Metal Polish (link below)

White Diamond 00001 - Metal Polish | O'Reilly Auto Parts

I wanted to display the progress that I've made. Although it is not perfect, I'm happy with the results. I will also buy a buffer because it takes forever by hand.

I'll still go to a Chrome shop to see if they can bring it back to better condition, if possible.

Before:



After:



Midway: Side by Side (Left Side is done/Right side is not done



Complete:



Thank you for the help!
Franklin

 

Wow, came out looking very good!!.

 

Wow! Major difference! Nice!

 

Alittle elbow grease can go a long way. Looks way better then it was before nice job.

 

on the steel wool. Then wax.