Cleaning the chrome "grill" on an 06

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Mauibound, Aug 1, 2006.

  1. Mauibound

    Mauibound New Member

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    First of all, is the grill chrome, or is it just a chrome like plastic?

    I took delivery of my 06 Prius at night and didn't notice that the chrome grill looks tarnished. (Lesson one: Don't take delivery of your car at night!)

    So my question is, how can I clean the that chrome piece, whether it's chrome or not? I've already washed the car by hand and used a little elbow grease on the grill to try to get it to shine...to no avail. I've got some chrome cleaner which I'm sure it will work...if it's chrome. If it's plastic, the cleaner will probably mess things up. Has anybody else come across this issue and if so what did you do?
     
    #1 Mauibound, Aug 1, 2006
  2. subarutoo

    subarutoo New Member

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    I've used Meguier's cleaner wax on mine. It's rated safe for clear coat, so seems to be OK for the grill, even if it is plastic. I used chrome cleaner on my bicycle, and it removed paint where I spilled a little. Be careful with chrome cleaner, unless you're sure its real chrome plated metal. I'm betting on chromed plastic in the Prius grill bar.
     
    #2 subarutoo, Aug 1, 2006
  3. Mauibound

    Mauibound New Member

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    Thanks! I think that's a good bet.
     
    #3 Mauibound, Aug 1, 2006
  4. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

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    I installed the chrome grill on my '05 -it is plastic. Stop into your dealership and ask them to clean it for you so you do not ruin it by trying something on your own.
     
    #4 cairo94507, Aug 2, 2006
  5. NorwoodIV

    NorwoodIV New Member

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    #5 NorwoodIV, Aug 29, 2006
  6. Mauibound

    Mauibound New Member

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    Just an update, I did take my car back to the dealer for another issue and pointed out the grill and they said, "No problem, we'll replace it." I suggested they just try to detail it and the service person said, nope, it's under warranty, we will just replace it. I found that the Toyota emblem on the back cleaned up pretty nicely with regular old car wax. Our cars must have been sitting on top of the ship getting sprayed with salt water or something as they were coming over. The Prius lettering on the back and the "toyota" lettering were also a bit tarnished, but they seemed to clean up ok with was as well.
     
    #6 Mauibound, Aug 31, 2006
  7. NorwoodIV

    NorwoodIV New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JasonCon @ Aug 31 2006, 12:17 AM) [snapback]312024[/snapback]</div>
    Weird. Thanks for the update. I'll take it back to the dealer when I go for my first oil change.

    Makes you wonder if sea air by the beach will tarnish the simulated platic-chrome again.
     
    #7 NorwoodIV, Aug 31, 2006
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