In appreciation of the guys that recently helped me out with a problem, I decided to post this "how to" to help you guys restore your original chrome without destroying it with steel wool or other methods which damage and scratch it. I wrote this a while back but have only posted it in a couple of places....and yes, I've included "before" and "after" pics!
jeff
The WORKS method, it works!
I cringe every time that I hear "the chrome has some surface rust but will come off with some fine steel wool". STOP right there! God nor any Chrome Plater ever meant for any type of metal to come into contact with their chrome! This would include the "alum foil and Coke" trick or any other method that tells you to touch chrome with any type of metal be it foil, wool or brass or steel bristled brushes! No REAL restorer would either! Don’t be a hack, read and learn something useful.
I stumbled onto a method that simply put, performs miracles on rough chrome. It won’t magically remove pits nor fill them with shimmering chrome but you look at the before and after pictures and decide it’s it is a viable method. Another thing….even older parts that look good to the naked eye are covered with microscopic rust….take that fender of handlebar and run it though my system and you’ll be amazed at how much better it looks!
If you agree that this method could improve the looks of your head bolts, nuts, pipes, covers etc….send them to me along with a check and…..no, NO, I’m not charging for this although I surely could make money off of this. Instead of sending me your hard earned cash, go to your local Dollar Store and buy a few bottles of this:
The Works Tub & Shower cleaner
Be absolutely sure that you purchase the correct formula(GREEN bottle). They also sell a toilet bowl cleaner in a blue bottle which will ruin your chrome forever….probably not what you’re after.
Get the correct stuff and fill a plastic bin full of it, enough to fully submerge the parts you are cleaning. Obviously for pipes, you need a big bin and plenty of The Works! For the pictures shown, which are from a 1973 CB350 Honda, I used approximately 40 bottles.
When you’re ready, set your pieces into the bin and begin emptying the bottles over them. Again, pour in enough to fully submerge the parts and then let them soak for 4 hours. Check them at 3 hours and you will be amazed! Wait the full 4 hours as suggested, then remove and rinse under cold water and wipe with a soft cotton cloth dry.
You will notice that the rust turns into yellow powder which settles at the bottom of the tank or bin. Try not to stir this up because it will inhibit the formula from working properly. Once there is a lot of the yellow in the solution, it will be time to get rid of it and start the next batch with new stuff.
The pictures are absolutely as they appear. These are the identical parts and all were soaked then rinsed very well with lots of cold water. There was no rubbing, no brushing, nothing other than soak and rinse!
You decide....does this look like a cool method or what? Most recently, I did all the chrome for my CB400F and just look for my posts to see how nice it came out!
jeff
