Restoring the Shine: A Guide to Using Quick Chrome

Jon Stratford
Mar 14
2 min read

Featuring Scott’s 1978 Ford F100

When you’re working on a truck that’s been through a Vice Grip Garage revival, you don’t just "wash" it—you honor the history. Old Ford chrome is high-quality, but decades of sitting can leave it dull, pitted, and covered in surface rust.

Here is how Scott and Andrew use Quick Chrome to keep the F100 looking show-ready.

Phase 1: Preparation

Before you reach for the polish, ensure the surface is free of loose dirt or heavy grit. Give the bumper or trim a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. You want the paste to work on the metal, not the mud.

Phase 2: The "Dab and Spread"

Quick Chrome is a concentrated, heavy-duty paste. A little goes a long way.

The Tool: Use a clean, lint-free microfiber or cotton cloth.
The Application: Scoop a small amount of Quick Chrome onto your cloth and spread it evenly across the chrome surface. You aren't looking for a thick coat; you just want enough to let the chemistry do the work.

Phase 3: The "Magic" (Agitation)

For areas with light rust or "pitting" (common on 1970s Ford bumpers), use firm, circular motions.

Why it works: You’ll notice the paste start to turn grey or black as it lifts the oxidation and contaminants out of the metal’s pores.
Pro Tip: If the rust is stubborn, let the paste sit for 30–60 seconds before your final buff.

Phase 4: The Reveal

Switch to a clean section of your lint-free cloth and buff the area to a high shine.

The Result: You should see a deep, "wet-look" reflection. On the F100, this brings the "DENT-SIDE" trim and those massive 70s bumpers back to a mirror finish that protects the metal from future Iowa humidity.

See the F100 in Action

"We’re proud to use Quick Chrome on the 1978 F100. If you want to see the incredible mechanical journey this truck took before it reached Scott’s shop, [Check out the Vice Grip Garage Revival Playlist here]." (Note: We are fans of VGG, not an official partner—we just love seeing old iron saved!)

Quick Chrome "Golden Rules":

Work in the Shade: Metal gets hot! For the best results, apply Quick Chrome when the surface is cool to the touch.
Lint-Free is Key: Don't use paper towels; they can leave behind fibers that dull the final "pop."
Cross-Metal Capable: While we love it on the F100's chrome, it works just as well on your stainless steel trim and brass accents.

"I always tell the guys in the shop: Chrome doesn't just happen. It takes the right product and a little bit of heart. When you see your reflection in that bumper for the first time, you’ll know it was worth it." --Scott