Restoring the shine on my tuning pegs...

[DLM]

Hi, all.

My '76 P-bass pegs have developed a vanilla like film on them resulting in a matte-type finish. Using a soft cloth and rubbing produces no results.

What's the best way to restore the shine? There's got to be something that's mildly abrasive yet won't scratch.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[mech]

Try some lighter fluid on a rag first. It'll dissolve most crud.
Then use automotive wax.
mech

[Chasarms]

I would also suggest Mother's wadding for chrome. That stuff is great.

[DLM]

Thanks for the suggestions. While I don't have either of those in my shed at this moment, I was able to try:

Silver jewelry polish
Paint thinner
Auto polish
Auto wheel cleaner

None of these worked. I'm wondering if the matte finish is the original finish?

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by DLM

I'm wondering if the matte finish is the original finish?

Can any Fender experts tell us if original 76 tuners ever came with a brushed finish?

I have restored the original shine on chrome tuners with Brasso and Simichrome Polish.

[BillJarrett]

You could also try a very fine #0000 Steel wool.

[DLM]

Originally Posted by BillJarrett

You could also try a very fine #0000 Steel wool.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I'm sure fine-grade steel wool would work because, while I don't have any on hand, I just tried 2500 grade sandpaper and I'm getting good results.

[Pilgrim]

Barkeeper's Friend or Bon Ami. Very mild abrasives.

[Big chicken]

let them soak in simple green for a night

[mech]

Sounds like you have nickel plated tuners that have oxidized. A mildly abrasive polishing compound and some elbow grease should work. Keep the compound wet.

A lot of the Fender tuners were nickel plated, not chrome. Nickel is not a bright finish like chrome. I've never seen brushed tuners on Fenders unless they were cleaned with steel wool or sandpaper.

Steel wool will scratch nickel plating.

mech