Chrome wheels
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 395
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada NS
Chrome wheels
I have Keystone aluminum wheels on my '60. The center pieces are chrome Gorilla towers and spinners. I never have any luck with chrome as they always pit, which can be cleaned with an SOS pad but eventually they pit and rust beyond repair, resulting in buying a new set.
I just returned from some cross border shopping (Bangor, Maine - damn the low Canadian dollar) with a new set of Gorillas. Is there any thing I can do to reduce the chance of rusting. When I lay the vehicle up in the winter I apply Vasaline to the chrome and I will do the same to the Gorillas.
But they also rust when the car is not in storage (not winter) and it is only the towers and spinners that rust (not other chrome add-ons, valve covers, air breather, etc). Should I apply a clear coat to them ?
Any tips or tricks on how to keep the rust away and preserve the chrome would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
[Modified by kenmo, 1:41 PM 9/8/2002]
I just returned from some cross border shopping (Bangor, Maine - damn the low Canadian dollar) with a new set of Gorillas. Is there any thing I can do to reduce the chance of rusting. When I lay the vehicle up in the winter I apply Vasaline to the chrome and I will do the same to the Gorillas.
But they also rust when the car is not in storage (not winter) and it is only the towers and spinners that rust (not other chrome add-ons, valve covers, air breather, etc). Should I apply a clear coat to them ?
Any tips or tricks on how to keep the rust away and preserve the chrome would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
[Modified by kenmo, 1:41 PM 9/8/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 0
Re: Chrome wheels (kenmo)
Too bad the towers aren't available in stainless. Clear coats always yellow or strip in my experience.
Rather than using SOS pads, there are a number of excellent metal polishes available which don't take away material (as SOS pads do) and leave a protective treatment. 'Autosol' cames to mind.
http://www.autosol.com/metal.htm
I read something recently about a two stage polish/sealer which looked interesting but that was on aluminum rather than chrome.
[Modified by Mac, 2:27 PM 9/8/2002]
Rather than using SOS pads, there are a number of excellent metal polishes available which don't take away material (as SOS pads do) and leave a protective treatment. 'Autosol' cames to mind.
http://www.autosol.com/metal.htm
I read something recently about a two stage polish/sealer which looked interesting but that was on aluminum rather than chrome.
[Modified by Mac, 2:27 PM 9/8/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Re: Chrome wheels (Mac)
The "chrome" is a clear protective layer (about .0015" thick) over the nickel (which gives the color). Any "polish" you use on chrome will remove some small portion of that final chrome layer, and when it eventually gets thin or is gone, the unprotected nickel will pit. Polish it once to get it good and clean and glossy, then apply three or four coats of WAX (not "polish") to protect it. From there on out, just keep it waxed to maintain the protection. Don't EVER use anything abrasive on chrome - it will remove it in a hurry, leaving a dull finish that pits very quickly.
[Modified by JohnZ, 8:03 PM 9/8/2002]
[Modified by JohnZ, 8:03 PM 9/8/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
Re: Chrome wheels (JohnZ)
Mac, I've always found autosol to be quite abrasive. The chrome shops use a new sos pads on NEW chrome occationally and they do not hurt the finish. Johnz is right. Chrome is clear, Nickle is the shiney stuff, and if you are ever going to get something chromed, ask if they have Copper tanks. Good chrome shops plate copper, nickle, chrome, hence 'Triple Plating' or to some 'Show Chrome'. Copper for adhesion and some filling for a nicer finish, Nickle for the shine and Chrome as a protective non tarnishing clear coat.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 0
Re: Chrome wheels (00fxd)
Aren't sos pads made of steel wool with soap embedded? That doesn't sound like something I'd like to have rubbing on my chrome! I've never had a problem with autosol but I don't do the chrome very often.
I was not aware that chrome was clear, so this thread was great for me too! I knew the layers were cooper, nickel and chrome but I wasn't aware chrome was clear. Cool!!
I was not aware that chrome was clear, so this thread was great for me too! I knew the layers were cooper, nickel and chrome but I wasn't aware chrome was clear. Cool!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
Re: Chrome wheels (Mac)
Hey Mac; Yeh, I was THE chrome guy in Calgary for a some time. Sos pads and chrome [don't rub too hard] don't scare me but autosol does. Ulimately tho, the best way is to treat your chrome and nice polished aluminum like paint. Good Macquires or similar paint products and soft cloths [old t shirts].
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,359
Likes: 2,085
From: California
Re: Chrome wheels (00fxd)
Old Harley Davidson trick, Bronze Steel wool and you don't even need polish. Shines chrome like you can't believe. Then something to protect it. Or just a little polish and the Bronze Steel wool. If you can't find it, use the 0000 fine if older bumpers with just a little polish. Show car quality bumpers, find the bronze. Hope that helps. Derek (TCracingCA)
