I have recently received a restored 59 corvette last year. I store it in a basement in missouri. I Have noticed that the crome has started to show little pin head dimples. Does this mean my chrome is starting to pit? What if anything can i do to prevent the chrome from getting worse? What type of polish should i use? How often should i use it. What else can i do to keep my chrome looking great for years to come. Any help would be great.

 

Chrome:
Decorative chrome plating is sometimes called nickel-chrome plating because bright chrome plating always involves plating nickel before plating the chrome. The nickel provides the reflectivity and most of the corrosion resistance. The chrome plating is exceptionally thin, measured in millionths of an inch rather than in thousandths. Once the thin plating has been compromised (rust, pitting, flaking, etc) it usually means that it would have to be re-plated. Chrome plating Chrome Masters, Nashville, TN http://www.chromemasters.com/

Chrome plating process-
1.Remove all paint and primers
2.First stage polishing- brings the lip and outer edge area to a high lustre
3.The wheels then go through various rinses to remove all polishing compounds.
4.Copper plate-unique to aluminium, copper helps fill any porosity in the casing
5.Semi-bright nickel- an important step for corrosion resistance and plating coverage
6.Auxiliary anode-are used prior to placing the wheel in the final solution bath, the anode assures complete and even coverage
7.Chrome plate- this is the final step of the plating process
8.Final rinse- to remove any remaining compounds

Cleaning Methodology:
•Thoroughly rinse surface to remove any loose surface dirt or dust.
•Wash the surface with a citrus-based APC cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash)
•Use a cleaner (Simichrome or Klasse All-In-One) to remove any surface blemishes
•Use a mild polish (P21S Multi-Surface Finish Restorer) to prevent re-oxidation and provide a water-resistant coating and restore lustre to the chrome
•To restore chrome that is pitted or has rust spots, remove with #0000 synthetic bronze wool and /or a metal polish (Auto Wenol Blue, or use Red for chrome restoration)
•Finally apply a polymer sealant (Zoopseal) to provide lasting protection

Due to the softness of the metallic plating it is very easy to induce a swirl marks to the finish so use straight-line motions only. Use a soft brush to remove any dried polish from seams or folds. For both chrome and highly polished aluminum, use a mildly abrasive metal polish (Iz™ Einszett Metal Polish or Groit's Chrome Polish). Vacuum-metallized (Plastic chrome) can be detected by tapping your fingernail on the surface; it has an obvious plastic tone to it, clean with a plastic cleaner / polish (Plexus)

Deep Chrome - was designed to completely clean chrome surfaces without ever scratching. This product can be aggressively worked into a chrome surface, producing an amazing, almost-blue chrome finish. Easily removes water spots, most chemical stains, small boot marks, and the haze created by wax based chrome polishes and their protective coatings. Deep Chrome - https://www.deepfinish.com

 

Soap impregnated steel wool pads will clean off the surface rust, used with water. Then use some Dupont #7. It has some grit and will bring back the shine. This will make them presentable but if you want perfect it may be time for a re-chrome. I would only use that process on older, compromised chrome. I use Zaino on chrome that has been re-plated. I like 59's