How to clean nerf bars

[TONTO]

I have the Westin oval nerf bars on my truck that appear to be stainless steel. I washed my truck today but the nerf bars look very dirty despite washing them They almost look like water stains but they are much hardier. Some come off with a little elbow grease but a lot do not. I was wondering if using a clay bar might be the best idea or even some fine steel wool. Any advice would be appreciated.

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[port43]

Try nevr-dull

 

[Pinepig]

000 steel wool would make short work of that.

 

[Skeezix]

http://www.s100.com/portfolio/s100-finish-restorer/

 

[Blue Streak]

http://www.s100.com/portfolio/s100-finish-restorer/

Try an SOS pad I now it works wonders on chrome & stainless trim on old cars.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Try nevr-dull

Tony's right - nevr-dull is great stuff. I've also had very good results with Autosol metal polish.

If you make either of these part of your regular cleaning, those nerf bars will look new for years. They both also bead water very nicely.

 

[TONTO]

Thanks for all of the replies!

 

[TONTO]

Well, unfortunately the Nevr-dull and even steel wool didn't touch it. ? It looks like it should just wipe off but it doesn't. I guess it's on to the next suggestion. I'm starting to think I may have to get some fine grinding/polishing discs that attaches to a grinder as I don' t think they are going to come off by hand. I sent an email into Westin with the picture and I'll see what they say before going that route.

 

[Skeezix]

Once again, try...
http://www.s100.com/portfolio/s100-finish-restorer/

 

[TONTO]

Once again, try...
http://www.s100.com/portfolio/s100-finish-restorer/

So I just found this on the manufacturer's website

CARE INSTRUCTIONSREGULAR WAXING IS RECOMMENDED. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF POLISH OR WAX THAT MAY CONTAIN ABRASIVES.STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTS CAN BE CLEANED WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER. STAINLESS STEEL POLISH SHOULD BE USED TO POLISH SMALL SCRATCHES.GLOSS BLACK FINISHES SHOULD BE CLEANED WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER

Do you think S100 would meet those requirements?

 

[Skeezix]

So I just found this on the manufacturer's website

CARE INSTRUCTIONSREGULAR WAXING IS RECOMMENDED. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF POLISH OR WAX THAT MAY CONTAIN ABRASIVES.STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTS CAN BE CLEANED WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER. STAINLESS STEEL POLISH SHOULD BE USED TO POLISH SMALL SCRATCHES.GLOSS BLACK FINISHES SHOULD BE CLEANED WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER

Do you think S100 would meet those requirements?

Since it is designed to polish stainless
I'm going to say yes. But I have been
using it on my bikes for 30+ years.

 

[Buddybiro]

Use any kind of wadding polish, mothers wadding polish is what I have used with good luck.
NEVER USE STEEL WOOL OR ANYTHING ABRASIVE!

 

[port43]

Well, unfortunately the Nevr-dull and even steel wool didn't touch it. ? It looks like it should just wipe off but it doesn't. I guess it's on to the next suggestion. I'm starting to think I may have to get some fine grinding/polishing discs that attaches to a grinder as I don' t think they are going to come off by hand. I sent an email into Westin with the picture and I'll see what they say before going that route.

Before you go with a grinder, give this a try. I have had great results with dings ans scratches in paint. Maybe it can take those spots out. Scratch Doctor

As a last result, try white vinegar in case those are calcium deposits.

 

[jss81258]

In the chemical industry, we never, ever work on stainless steels with carbon steel tools or even stuff like sandpaper that has been used on carbon steel. The carbon steel can become embedded in the stainless steel and cause rust.

Be careful using anything stiff like a power disk. You'll likely grind flat spots.

Were it me, I'd probably try some sort fine paper like 2000 grit. Use it like shining shoes. Once the spots are removed, shine with metal polish. I would probably try paint swirl remover with a foam disk on a power polisher, mostly because I have all of it.

Not saying this will work, it's what I would try based on pics and stuff you've already tried.

Good luck!

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