Rusty chrome header ? clean with nevr-dull or electrolysis?

[Andrew Vanis]

Rusty chrome header ? clean with nevr-dull or electrolysis?

Pics show the condition. Electrolysis seems tempting since I got a vat that would hold this whole thing. Yes, I?m aware I?d still probably have to nevr-dull after the dunk but I?m hoping it would be less scrubbing.

I wish to retain the chrome look so not sure how the electrolysis dunk would affect the chrome.

BTW, should the crossover part be chrome as well? Looks really dull here.

Thank in advance for your help.

 

[Nessism]

Common Turtle Wax chrome cleaner or similar is the stuff. Be careful to not grind in the loose particles and scratch the chrome that's remaining (rotate your rag and/or replace often). That one header pipe is a little beyond help, but it will look much much better after you clean it up.

The crossover tank is not chromed, but you can clean it up with the same stuff.

 

[stiksave]

Look here. http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=210910

 

[Guest]

I have cleaned up some pretty nasty chrome with 2500 grit sand paper and WD40

 

[Guest]

I have cleaned up some pretty nasty chrome with 2500 grit sand paper and WD40

This/\ /\
I actually use steel wool.

 

[Guest]

I've cleaned em on the sisal wheel with various compounds.

 

[Guest]

I also use the sand paper WD 40 on pitted fork tubes or tubes with imperfections, the secret is 2500-3000 sand paper and alot of WD or penetrating oil

 

[Rover]

Lay on a coat of petroleum jelly for a while then as suggested below steel wool and continuous application WD40 or similar to minimize scratching.

 

[Guest]

Lay on a coat of petroleum jelly for a while then as suggested below steel wool and continuous application WD40 or similar to minimize scratching.

I tried that on mine with little results. Not saying it didn't work for you. Maybe I did it wrong but it made more mess than anything.

 

[Nessism]

If you use steel wool it needs to be the very fine fiber kind or it will scratch.

If you use a buffing wheel you need to be careful to not burn though the chrome and hit the nickle layer.

Sandpaper? Can't see any reason to go there, but never tried either.

Regular old chrome cleaner won't scratch and will remove most of the rust pitting. In my experience, if the pitting won't come off with chrome cleaner, it's in the steel and isn't coming out anyway. Takes a fair bit of elbow grease though so pull up a chair and have some cold beverages on hand.

 

[Andrew Vanis]

Picked up some turtle wax chrome cleaner/rust remover but being one to avoid elbow grease when possible, any thoughts on electrolysis?

 

[Nessism]

...any thoughts on electrolysis?

Sounds like a good way to strip the chrome off.

One other method to derust chrome is oxalic acid. Commonly used in deck cleaner. Dilute with water and dunk the pipes. I made up a large batch in a plastic garbage can and dunked my exhaust system for a day or so. Came out sparkling clean, except for where the chrome was gone (by the hanger and cross over pipe), and those spots turned GREEN. Removed the discoloration and waxed the pipes and they look good.

Google "oxalic acid rust removal".

 

[tkent02]

I'm a big fan of electrolysis, but not on chrome. I tried it, it seems microscopic pits in the chrome emit little streams of black stuff which stains the chrome in a little comet trail from the pit. We couldn't get rid of the black comet trails. Sorry I don't have a better explaination. There may be a way to make it work, if you find it let me know.

 

[stiksave]

I know these were black, but the process is the same. 1st, 0000 steel wool and WD40, step 2, 3M Fine cut polishing compound(chrome polish), I also used a 3" buffing wheel with jewelers rouge. Take your time, sweat equity.

Before:


After:

 

[Andrew Vanis]

One other method to derust chrome is oxalic acid.

see before pics up top. here are afters. no more than a wipe of the sponge after taking them out. (that means no scrubbing or polishing)

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Took process pics and eventually will do a write-up.

PS, looks like my crossover actually is chrome.

 

[evan132]

Wow, that really came out good.