Removal of carbon from chrome exhaust pipes - Mulsanne Speed

[allister]

The shiny, chrome tailpipes of my Mulsanne Speed are becoming black with what I guess is probably carbon from the exhaust fumes.

Can anyone recommend a way to clean this off please? Soap and water has limited effect and I don't want to use anything too abrasive like a Brillo Pad / Wire Wool in case it scratches and then possibly rusts. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Image below shows early stages, blackening has since worsened

Thanks

Allister

[pancholi]

Autosol metal polish works for me 95% of the time
unless the carbon is bonded to the metal, then i use a machine buffer+ compounds.
cheers raj

[Speculatore]

I had mine powder coated on satin black when I had the rest of the car de-chromed (On a Continental GT)

[goddo]

pancholi said:

Autosol metal polish works for me 95% of the time
unless the carbon is bonded to the metal, then i use a machine buffer+ compounds.
cheers raj

+1 for Autosol....providing the acids haven't already attacked the surface of the chrome finish.

[Aeroresh]

+1 for Autosol however never known another car that is so badly afflicted with this problem as the Bentley. The build up is obvious even after a single run.

[allister]

I agree Aeroresh, it is pretty bad and the build up has been quite quick. The car gets relatively light use and is only just over 12 months old.

Thanks everyone for your replies, I bought the Autosol yesterday, non-scratch scourers and some fine wire wool (couldn't find 0000 grade but I'm guessing B&Q's "Fine" was the closest thing).

The non-scratch scourers didn't really seem to take much off, I guess mainly due to the build up, I suppose they may work OK with light marking. The wire wool however worked an absolute treat! Pretty much back to new!

Thanks again

Allister

[ashleyman]

Autosol is great for bringing them back to new.

If you want a product that will keep it at bay in the future get a ceramic wheel sealant like Gyeon Q2 Rim and apply that to the clean chrome tips. Next time you probably won't need to use the Autosol just some strong ish shampoo and a cloth.

[allister]

Thanks ashleyman, will give it a whirl

Allister

[gjlelec]

Not a post on what to do but a post on what NOT to do. I took the carbonated chrome finishers off my wifes Merc SL, let them soak in Wonder Wheels acid wheel cleaner overnight. Ruined

[RichardAVogel]

Allow me to correct a misperception: All shiny bits on a Mulsanne are polished stainless steel - no chrome plate anywhere. All metal trim inside and out can not rust. It is a testament to the quality of the polishing of these pieces that they are often mistaken for chrome.

My detailer uses Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish - and a lot of elbow grease - to clean the carbon from the tailpipes. Any mildly abrasive cleaner will work.

Enjoy!