Protecting old chrome from salt air?
03-24-23, 11:58 AM
#1
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Protecting old chrome from salt air?
I live 5 miles from the ocean, so the home air isn't bad, but I do most of my riding along the beach (Pacific Coast Highway, usually one block off of and adjacent to the beach). My main roadie is titanium, so I'm not really all that concerned. I do get sand in the drivetrain from crosswinds, but I clean it when I get home, and replacing consumables a little more frequently is a price I'm willing to pay for the views.
But I'm considering buying a fully-chromed Super LeTour to hang out on some of the local social rides. We have one in town where everyone meets up at a local record store, oohs and ahhs at all the old pre-war Schwinns and the custom ratrods, then cruises around the boardwalk and downtown to meey up for tacos and beer by the water. Is that sort of thing once a week enough to cause pitting? Other than washing the bike regularly, any tips? Any specific wax or other product you'd suggest?
Most of the chrome fenders and lugs I see on older bikes around here are somewhere between "patina" and "scratchy rust bucket," but I imagine a lot of those are stored 24/7 in garages 3 blocks off the beach.
But I'm considering buying a fully-chromed Super LeTour to hang out on some of the local social rides. We have one in town where everyone meets up at a local record store, oohs and ahhs at all the old pre-war Schwinns and the custom ratrods, then cruises around the boardwalk and downtown to meey up for tacos and beer by the water. Is that sort of thing once a week enough to cause pitting? Other than washing the bike regularly, any tips? Any specific wax or other product you'd suggest?
Most of the chrome fenders and lugs I see on older bikes around here are somewhere between "patina" and "scratchy rust bucket," but I imagine a lot of those are stored 24/7 in garages 3 blocks off the beach.
03-24-23, 01:05 PM
#2
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Premium car wax. Something heavy on the carnauba applied in serious OCD fashion. If just for hanging up forlornly in my garage I use Boeshield.
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03-24-23, 01:44 PM
#3
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Wipe the frame and everything off as often as you see fit. Or hose it down. I find that a wet wipe of some sort that comes in a big container works great for just general cleaning. And it's easier with the newer bikes that have their cables internal. Usually, but not limited to the bikes with electronic shifting.
I'd think you'd have the same issue for new chrome as you do for the old chrome of your thread title. And the advice would be the same whether it's chrome or paint. If you truly are in the ocean breeze, then inattention will be the worst enemy.
I'd think you'd have the same issue for new chrome as you do for the old chrome of your thread title. And the advice would be the same whether it's chrome or paint. If you truly are in the ocean breeze, then inattention will be the worst enemy.
03-24-23, 03:50 PM
#4
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Thanks, all. Been about 6 years since I've had any bikes with paint OR chrome. All this titanium (even the fork) has me lazy. 
03-25-23, 07:55 AM
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Johnson's paste floor wax. Some people object to clear coating chrome, but if I were where you are and had an all chrome bike it certainly be clear coated.
03-25-23, 09:07 AM
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Don't forget to treat the inside of the frame too...
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03-28-23, 04:15 AM
#7
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I suggest that it's all about the original plating process, the corrosion starts underneath the shiny chrome layer. My last 2 new chrome plated cruiser forks from eBay both pitted within 2 years, even after religious application of wax externally and fluid film internally.
Your old Schwinn probably had a much more careful plating process, keep it clean, store in a dry place, make sure any scratches are filled with wax. Spray a little corrosion protectant inside the tubes, and any place dissimilar metals meet (fluid film or T-9).
Your old Schwinn probably had a much more careful plating process, keep it clean, store in a dry place, make sure any scratches are filled with wax. Spray a little corrosion protectant inside the tubes, and any place dissimilar metals meet (fluid film or T-9).
03-28-23, 10:45 AM
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After years of summers at the Jersey shore, I think you're on the road to disappointment. The moist, salty air is pervasive, and you can't vacuum-pack your bike every night. It would have to be an exceptional bike to justify the continual and frequent maintenance to fight this fight. First few months - very do-able, but a few years? I'd fall out of love with that bike by then.
03-29-23, 12:04 PM
#10
NotaNewbie
Rust
These products work great. Pick the one that fits.
