metal/chrome cleaning and refurbishing tips
08-02-09, 11:12 AM
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metal/chrome cleaning and refurbishing tips
what is the best way to clean up old parts (stems, brakes, etc) that are all dirty and stingy from years of use or non-use.
post your favorite techniques/tips to get things looking nice.
post your favorite techniques/tips to get things looking nice.
08-02-09, 06:45 PM
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I typically start with 0000 steel wool and paint thinner then go to Simichrome metal polish.
I swear by Nitrile rubber gloves when cleaning or polishing metal. Save your skin.
I swear by Nitrile rubber gloves when cleaning or polishing metal. Save your skin.
08-02-09, 07:04 PM
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Do a search on rust and oxalic acid if you are dealing with rusty chrome. Many, many, threads on this topic and lots of good info out there.
08-03-09, 01:51 PM
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The old trick of cleaning rusty chrome with a ball of aluminum foil dipped in lemon jiuce works pretty well - the aluminum won't scratch the chrome, and the lemon juice/aluminum combination provides some galvanic action to remove the rust. Here's a before and after look at a brake caliper from the Columbia roadster I'm working on:
08-03-09, 03:09 PM
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someone here gave me the tip to use WD-40 to start the cleaning, as it cures a bunch of ills.
indeed WD-40 will help remove a lot of built up grime, but it is 50% mineral spirts (Heptane) and it's cheaper to put some mineral spirits in a spray bottle. (in the EU WD-40 is mostly Naphtha which is related)
Mineral Spirits
Simple Green
Chromax Metal Polish
I keep some Sterling's Magic around to tackle things that are extra delicate.
has someone figured out how to wash a Schwinn without removing the white detailing?
indeed WD-40 will help remove a lot of built up grime, but it is 50% mineral spirts (Heptane) and it's cheaper to put some mineral spirits in a spray bottle. (in the EU WD-40 is mostly Naphtha which is related)
Mineral Spirits
Simple Green
Chromax Metal Polish
I keep some Sterling's Magic around to tackle things that are extra delicate.
has someone figured out how to wash a Schwinn without removing the white detailing?
08-03-09, 04:04 PM
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someone here gave me the tip to use WD-40 to start the cleaning, as it cures a bunch of ills.
indeed WD-40 will help remove a lot of built up grime, but it is 50% mineral spirts (Heptane) and it's cheaper to put some mineral spirits in a spray bottle. (in the EU WD-40 is mostly Naphtha which is related)
Mineral Spirits
Simple Green
Chromax Metal Polish
I keep some Sterling's Magic around to tackle things that are extra delicate.
has someone figured out how to wash a Schwinn without removing the white detailing?
indeed WD-40 will help remove a lot of built up grime, but it is 50% mineral spirts (Heptane) and it's cheaper to put some mineral spirits in a spray bottle. (in the EU WD-40 is mostly Naphtha which is related)
Mineral Spirits
Simple Green
Chromax Metal Polish
I keep some Sterling's Magic around to tackle things that are extra delicate.
has someone figured out how to wash a Schwinn without removing the white detailing?
