Polishing door handles question ?

[68corazonetR/T]

My question is buffing and polishing the door handles isn't going to work the same as the stainless trim is it ? Whats the better option buy new handles or have them re-chromed. I found that the chrome was starting to turn gold when I tried to buff out the scratches, this isn't going to work is it ?

[440]

Sounds like you may be starting to hit the copper layer. Are you using alloy polish? Chrome can't really be polished with too abrasive of polish. Chrome cleaner and a buff is about the best you can do.

[Cooter]

As stated, the chrome finish cannot be buffed. Replacement is needed.

[twodko]

What the Cooterman said.

[Dino]

Not sure how well the chrome is on the repro handles, or how well made the handels themselves are for that matter but they're not too expensive.

Unless you have other parts than need rechroming I'd get the repros.  If you want to rechrome bumpers and trim then keep the originals.  Something tells me they're better quality.

[68corazonetR/T]

Well they are better and will do for now.
      The hood ornaments On the 68 Coronet R/T or Bee ??... They seem to be of something other than stainless but not chrome , I might have them chromed with the original handles. I'm not sure how bright they were new but I'm thinking there's got to be a Charger owner here somewhere that remembers them new.

[Cooter]

The hood "Boomerang's" on the Coronet R/T were  Chrome pated Pot metal I believe.

[Ghoste]

They were bright when new and I think Cooter is right, they are pot metal.  Is it pitted or just dull?

[68corazonetR/T]

 Yes they are dull, Not much pitting really, maybe one spot or two but they have an almost interesting like pattern of tiny squiggly lines, like looking at rivers on a map. I was thinking of trying some fine sand paper and seeing if I can buff them up. Pot metal ?? Like the white metal on motorcycle engine ? That would explain the patterns I see on them, I've seen similar lines on white metal parts. Would they of been bright like show chrome? To me it looks almost like gun metal, in color anyways. I figure I will do what i can with them until I decide to get some parts chromed.

[Ghoste]

Yes, same thing, white metal is just another name for it.

[Silver R/T]

Check on ebay. You can pick them up under $100

[68corazonetR/T]

Check on ebay. You can pick them up under $100

You mean the door handles right ?

[68blue]

That pot metal pitting I could never get rid of, even with lots of buffing and polishing. Bought repro when I could and used the refurbished parts when they looked OK. "Quality creep" gets you on things like this, you put the new shiny repro stuff on and it makes the refurbished stuff look shabby.

[Ghoste]

And the non-refurbished stuff even more disgusting.

[charger Downunder]

Don't bother with the repro handles get your old ones redone. I can tell you with experience i bought  a new set of mopar ones they look good but have a big gap where the push button handle meets the door skin it is really noticeable if you look up at the handle from below you will see it. I took them straight off and sent my old ones off to be redone.  I was given the option to return them but not worth it as the postage back to the USA was a killer. They told me one size fits all so stay clear of the repro mopar ones.

[bill440rt]

Some of the Mopar ones out there apply to Dodge vans, so yes there will be a gap at the bottom.

There are several repro handles offered out there. I got mine thru Herb's. I forget now which supplier he is getting them from. Excellent fit & finish. Also they are not "boxy" looking like some of the other repros that have the incorrect contour.

[68corazonetR/T]

The lad who painted my car knows where to get correct parts if I decide to go that way, he has restored numerous mopars.

I hope to be able to start driving to shows with part swaps and change things as I find them right there on the spot !

Thanks