Author Topic: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME  (Read 5902 times)

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Offline myhondas

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HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« on: October 05, 2009, 08:01:38 am »
Just notice that the ears on the forks are starting to show some fine light pitting. I searched the faq's and the tips threads, but didn't see any tips on removal. Also want to stop any future pitting. Anyone found a product that will work? Is there a rust remover that will not damage the chrome and leave the metal shiny so that it can be protected from further rusting?
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1974 CB 750 K4 IN PART-OUT PROCESS (my original bike)
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Offline Gordon

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2009, 08:12:32 am »
Everyone has their own methods, but I like to use Naval Jelly.  It works great on light pitting without having to use anything abrasive like steel wool.  I brush off as much of the rust as I can with an old toothbrush and then apply the jelly and let sit for about ten minutes, then rinse off.  After the rust is gone give the chrome part a good coat or two of car wax to keep the moisture off the chrome.

Offline Toxic

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2009, 08:15:01 am »
Take a look here:

http://www.strongarmsprays.com/SitePages/WebStore/

Read the testimonials , before / after pics

Offline BVCB650

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2009, 08:45:08 am »
Just use some chrome polish. It is a little more abrasive than just rubbing compound.
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Offline mgbgt89

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2009, 08:50:41 am »
I have had good luck with barkeepers friend. I made a paste from it and let it sit for a while. I think it's less potent than naval jelly. It's abrasive though so i only did a light rub with a rag before rinsing it off. I ended up dulling some of the chrome from rubbing too hard with steel wool.

Offline Gorms

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2009, 09:03:00 am »
Chrome polish and #000 steel wool.

Offline mlinder

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2009, 09:12:58 am »
Coke and tinfoil. No joke.
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Offline myhondas

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2009, 09:21:50 am »
Coke and tinfoil. No joke.

I think I've heard about that...expound a little on it.
1974 CB 750 K4 SHOWROOM
1974 CB 750 K4 IN PART-OUT PROCESS (my original bike)
1965 C100 CUB 50 (PIT BIKE)
1996 VF 750 CD daily rider
1983 VF 1100 V65 Magna in restoration process
SOHC# 5105 11228

Offline BobbyR

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2009, 10:17:38 am »
Coke and tinfoil. No joke.
Proved that on Mythbusters. The phosphoic acid does the work.
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Offline mlinder

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2009, 10:19:22 am »
Get some tinfoil. Pour some coke on the chrome. Wad up the tinfoil and start rubbing.
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Offline climbingaz

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2009, 11:31:24 am »
Chrome polish and #000 steel wool.

Bronze wool is better than steel wool...it's softer metal than the chrome.

Offline mlinder

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #11 on: October 05, 2009, 11:35:15 am »
Tinfoil is also softer than chrome. Try it, it's actually pretty amazing.
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Offline myhondas

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2009, 12:02:49 pm »
Ok,

So first I'll try the coke & tin foil... I hope it doesn't have to sit on the chrome for awhile cause the ears are still on the bike.
If that doesn't work, I'll try the naval jelly which I've used years ago on a car.

And if that fails, I'll try the StrongArm route.

I want to avoid putting steel or bronze wool to the surface as I know that can dull the finish.

Thanks All for your inputs and solutions.
1974 CB 750 K4 SHOWROOM
1974 CB 750 K4 IN PART-OUT PROCESS (my original bike)
1965 C100 CUB 50 (PIT BIKE)
1996 VF 750 CD daily rider
1983 VF 1100 V65 Magna in restoration process
SOHC# 5105 11228

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #13 on: October 05, 2009, 02:22:31 pm »
I'd use NevRDull "magic wadding compound" on any light rust especially on chrome before I'd resort to anything abrasive! Seems everything mentioned so far is either abrasive or acidic. If the NevRDull wasn't "magic" we'd know what's in it. If you guys haven't tried it you really need to!
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline le_sterls

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #14 on: October 05, 2009, 02:29:44 pm »
I've always used chrome polish, a little bit of steel wool, and a hand-held power buffer.
That's what I'd like to hear.
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Offline Don R

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #15 on: October 05, 2009, 03:11:57 pm »
I've used the aluminum foil but didn't try it with coke. I  think it deposits little bits of aluminum in the pitts. It works on some pretty bad looking parts.
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Offline Tretnine

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Re: HOW CAN YOU REMOVE FINE LIGHT RUST PITTING ON CHROME
« Reply #16 on: October 05, 2009, 06:19:53 pm »
careful if you're using acid on rust, it will expose the metal and cause it to rust up again very quickly. It certainly does the job, though. You need to coat it with something if you're going to do that.
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