Re: [Classicrendezvous] Refinishing Rusty chrome

(Example: Bike Shops:R.E.W. Reynolds)

From: "Eric Elman" <tr4play@home.com>
To: <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <000e01c04c44$045154e0$18301a3f@oemcomputer> <004901c04c4e$03c0c920$3004b418@enfld1.ct.home.com> <3A0DF0AD.1415@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Classicrendezvous] Refinishing Rusty chrome
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 20:30:59 -0600


> Eric,
>
> Maybe you're the guy who can answer this question I've always had. What
> is the difference between using steel wool and bronze/brass wool? I've
> used steel wool but never bronze.
>
> Chuck
>

Chuck,

Nope, I'm not the guy that can answer your question!

I have used steel wool also and that often works fine except on chrome plated pot metal (lot's of British car trim castings) it has left scratches (light swirls) in the chrome. The brass wool never does - maybe because it is a softer metal?

OK CR list - can you enlighten us?

Eric "not as bright as I thought, but definately not pitted either" Elman


> Eric Elman wrote:
> >
> > Tom,
> >
> > I've been through this many times with bicycles and vintage cars. What
> > consistently works very well for me is super fine bronze or brass steel
> > wool, available at places like Home Depot. I spay Windex on the lightly
> > rusted area and then using the bronze/brass wool I simply scrub (light to
> > moderate pressure) away the rust specs without ever having any adverse
> > effect on the chrome. It's amazing how some parts that an individual
> > thought was junk can turn out absolutely fantastic. I usually then use
> > Semichrome polishing paste to clean and brighten everthing up.
> >
> > I have no educated advise on the clearcoat, that said, my guess is that as
> > long as clearcoat is applied properly to a dry surface it would seal the
> > chrome/metal underneath not allowing new rust to develop as the steel would
> > be deprived of moisture.
> >
> > Eric Elman