Wax Chrome or Not?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 441
Likes: 6
From: Reading Pa
RE: Wax Chrome or Not?
I used Simichrome on a set of chrome extended forks on my old Triumph. We didn't grease them when we slid them through the triple trees and the chrome got scuffed. Everytime I would clean the bike this would bug the **** out of me so I would rub and rub with Simichrome to try to get the scuffs out. Before long I noticed a slight discoloration of the chrome Started turning a goldish tint The more I rubbed the stronger the tint got before long I realized I had rubbed through the chrome and the brass tubes underneath were starting to show through Lesson: Simichrome is pretty abrasive and will take your chrome off if you use it too much Was back when I was young and dumb Well now I am older and ..... oh you know.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Wax Chrome or Not?
I'm with rrockefe. When I am detailing my bike I use Windex on the chrome. I would never use a chrome cleaner or polish that was at all abrasive. Chrome wears off too easily.
Stage II
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
RE: Wax Chrome or Not?
I wash and polish my sporty and fatboy at least once a month. I start by washing with the Harley Sunwash, then I blow dry it, then I use my Acohol/distilled water mixture spray, and finish it off using harley glaze on paint and all chrome. I have done this on my both bikes. Sporty (13000 miles) for 3 years and the Fatboy (31000 miles) for 5 years and they both still look new.
Biggy J
Biggy J
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: The FIRST state, Delaware!
RE: Wax Chrome or Not?
Not a fan of wax on chrome. Especially engine parts and exhaust.. my reasoning is simple. Most waxes will start to burn at 250 degrees if not less, leaving a residue that would probably cause some discoloration.
Surely someone is going to tell me I am incorrect, or they have been waxing pipes forever, but hey.. I am standing by my logic.
Surely someone is going to tell me I am incorrect, or they have been waxing pipes forever, but hey.. I am standing by my logic.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Ohio
RE: Wax Chrome or Not?
It very well can and does cause disolcoration on some parts, specifically I have heard on hot exhaust tips (cars), but no always. OVerall, it if you a straight caranuba formula high quality wax, it should be ok. Yes, it will burn off fairly quick, but it doe slook good until it does! Now, there are waxes made for extreme temps I am beginning to experiment with, also waxes designed for wheels rated at higher burn rates.
I still am adament about the fact, use a good quality sealer on your metal guys and you will like the results, two of them being: resists dirt/dust better and that dirt will come off A LOT easier when you go to clean. Also, they make it "pop" or shine more.
I still am adament about the fact, use a good quality sealer on your metal guys and you will like the results, two of them being: resists dirt/dust better and that dirt will come off A LOT easier when you go to clean. Also, they make it "pop" or shine more.
Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: Wax Chrome or Not?
No, No, No.... You don't wax chrome, you clean it! Use straight alcohol (not the drinkin' kind) and wipe it down. It evaporates completely and leave the natural shine. Buff it lightly with something non-abrasive and there ya go.