Angus37

My bearing cups are looking pretty sad, rusty and pitted. I'd like to clean them up; what is the best way?

Also, is there a way to re-apply chrome to these?

borgagain

Need more information. Where are these cups? In your hubs? What make and model of bike?

In any case, if the cups are rusty and pitted where the bearings run on them, the part and bearings should be replaced. Cups are not usually chromed, except on cheap Ashtabula parts where they just chrome or nickel plate all of the working parts, including the cones. This usually flakes off from the pressure of the bearings and should be cleaned and re-greased after a few weeks use.

If you are referring to the outside part of a steel hub or something and its not a rare part, you may find it cheaper to locate a replacement in better condition, than to disassemble the wheel and have the hubs re-chromed. Otherwise, check your Yellow Pages for re-chroming businesses. They can tell you how to prepare the part before you give it to them. Make it clear that you do not want the interior (cups) chromed.

1/8 kid

for rust removal try rust removal gel.
it works great for light-medium buildup and it won't wear out the existing chrome.
you can get it at any hardware or auto parts shop.

for heavier buildup, try electrolysis.
it's a simple process and will completely remove the rust from any metal object.
you may have to rechrome if you use electrolysis, as it wil affect the existing chrome finish.
all you need is water, houshold washing soda, and a power supply that can put out 2amps of continuous charge, like a automotive battery charger. you can find complete instructions online.

for rechroming, try this
https://www.caswellplating.com/kits/plugnplate.htm
it's fairly cheap and works great.

Kinetikx

Oxalic acid in my opinion is the best and easiest method for anything that is chromed. Do a search and you'll learn all you need to know.

Angus37

Sorry about the lack of information. I'm pretty new at all of this and so don't always know the proper names. I'll try to explain:

The headset (? - front of bike, connects top tube and down tube) has two chrome cups on either end that hold the bearings. I have heard these referred to as bearing cups, and this is what I have been referring to.

Torchy McFlux

If the rust isn't too bad, just use a synthetic scouring pad like 3M's Scotchbrite with some soapy water to clean it up. Use some automotive wax on it afterwards to keep the rust from coming back.
Re-chroming a headset is rarely worth the trouble and cost. New cheap chromed steel headsets are $10 or less.

mishmashmusic

I've had luck polishing chrome with a crumpled-up piece of aluminum foil...