door frames - stainless or chrome

[aircobra]

from what i can tell, they're supposed to be stainless

how come my ones are rusting?

 

[Enzo]

Because stainless steel can rust. Rub with fine steel wool  to remove rust and coat with silicone on a rag. Redo occasionally to keep rust at bay.

 

[gilltech]

Your door window frames are stainless steel not chrome. Far more durable, but can still rust as Enzo noted above. There are many grades of SS and some are more resistant to corrosion than others. You'll often see SS balustrades and building fittings right near the ocean - even the so-called 316 'marine grade' - with brown stains on them;  that is called 'tea staining'. It's not structural, just cosmetic, and can be polished off again should anyone bother.

Same goes for SS parts on your car. I doubt that Nissan used anything more than a generic grade of SS for our Zeds, they weren't intended to last 40+ years. FWIW I just use a good quality fine car polish with the carnauba oil wax component which helps seal the surface. In your case you may need a little fine cutting compound to remove any really stubborn deposits. But go easy, you don't want to scratch the surface.

[aircobra]

somebody's gone over them with wirebrush, so deep scratches all round

i'm guessing i'll have to go over it with 2000 sandpaper or similar and then the polishing compound. autosol