Restoring Chrome pieces

bbap · Post by **bbap** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 3:31 pm

I know it really is not possible to restore pitted chrome, but looking to see if what I'm about to do will have a bad outcome. My tank Chrome on my Dream 305 has pitting and some rust on it. I would put it in a Fair Condition. I'm really looking to get it back into Presentable condition until I've got all the bugs out. I checked the net on the topic and came back with this. Does it look workable or am I just making things worse? Other suggestions? :

1. Wash with warm soap and water - let dry
2. Sand (400 grit) in Circular motion
3. Sand (800 grit) in Circular motion
4. Sand (1200 grit) in Circular motion
5. 0000 fine steel wool
6. 00000 fine steel wool + water (rubbing briskly)
7. Clear coat with Lacquer
8. 00000 fine steel wool (litely)
9. Clear coat with Lacquer

If everything works out with the bike, I'll probably have the Tank Chrome, re-chromed, but just trying to get it to "presentable" at this time.

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:34 pm

I just use 0000 steel wool and chrome polish. Cleans it up nicely, and not too much work.

Davo

cyclon36 · Post by **cyclon36** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:42 pm

I've heard everything from aluminum foil and coke to mag wheel polish.

I would do this for starters, get some Evapo-Rust from an autoparts store or harbor freight. Soak the panels in that overnight. That should at least get the rust off. After that, just use a metal polish or like davo says with the steel wool.

I'd skip on the sanding and all. The stock chrome is thin and you'll start exposing the copper layer easily making the finish look yellowish.

There are nice ones on ebay often. I've even seen some that were freshly plated for sale.

bbap · Post by **bbap** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 5:12 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. Any idea how much it may be to re-chrome or what are the good ones going for on eBay? Not looking for immaculate but looking to go from Fair to Good or better.

Steve

bikedoctor99 · Post by **bikedoctor99** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:14 pm

I've used a product called "Never Dull" from my local hardware store, easy to use and can be useful for many other parts of your bike. Allan

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:31 pm

davomoto wrote:I just use 0000 steel wool and chrome polish. Cleans it up nicely, and not too much work.

Davo

honda metal polish with 0000 works well and goes a long way

bbap · Post by **bbap** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:55 pm

I'll give 'er a try and report back with the results. I really did not want to do any sanding. I can see that scratching the thin chrome.

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Restoring Chrome pieces

Restoring Chrome pieces

cleaning chrome