Does anyone know how to remove the chrome tips off a stock 05-08 RL? I looked underneath it for a bolt or something that is holding it in place, but found none and I just don't get what is holding them on.

My tips are so dirty from soot that they are more black than chrome, so I wanted to remove them to clean them thoroughly instead of trying to clean them while they are still on the pipes.

Anyone removed them before that can enlighten me? Thanks!

 

Dont know exactly how to take them off but just take one of those green scour pads to them and in 60 seconds they will look like new.

 

I removed mine to clean them. The nut is up top if I recall correctly. I'll clarify tonight after I take a look at it.

 

a little soap and some superfine steel wool, like what is used with wood refinishing does a great job. Brillo and the like doesn't work.
I think there is a link, do a search

 

I actually just used 409 for really bad black stuff, but after that, a little windex and a paper towel does it. Others swear by Nevr Dull.

 

I'd rather use the chemical remedies than the abrasive ones. Putting lots of tiny scratches in the chrome is just going to make it even harder to keep the surface clean as it ages.

One other thought: Once you do get them clean, wax them. I'd suggest NuFinish for its durability, but any wax is way better than none. I've found it makes it much, much easier to wipe them clean next time.

 

Well, I finally got the tips off today. The nut was on top, just like someone above had posted.

However, I found something odd and wonder if it's just me that has this problem. It seems like the bottom part of the tips are not only dirty and carbon-baked, but the metal itself is kind of rough and dimpled up... almost like after being hit by lots of sand and debris.

I have scrubbed and gotten off most of the black from the chrome, but those dimpled, rough parts on the bottom are impossible to remove. I'm wondering if this occurs from road debris shooting up and hitting the bottom of the tips in normal driving? Or something else...? It's not like I've ever had my tips dragging on the ground or anything...

Has anyone else seen or had this happen to their tips?

 

wasnt there a tsb on black tips on the 05?

 

Yes there was, Dealer replaced mine after I complained. The new ones still get soot on them, but not nearly as bad. Use #0000 steel wool with some mothers wheel mag polish, works every time. I've also used simple green and the steel wool

 

Yes the recommendation was to use 06 exhaust tip finishers for 05's where soot build up on the rear bumper was excessive.