Smoke damage on chrome?

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Nov 30, 2009 | 07:25 PM

#11

txfxstrider

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 6,913

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From:

I had somewhat minor smoke damage to some chrome and paint on the gas tank on my older Harley when a carb backfire caused a fire while I was working on it in my garage. I did not even see the flames and know it was burning at first. To make a long and somewhat funny story short, the smoke damage cleaned up easily from the chrome and paint and no damage was visible or reappeared for the almost five more years more that I owned the bike. That's my experience. Just sayin'.

Nov 30, 2009 | 08:37 PM

#12

Wally

Thread Starter

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 3,947

Likes: 5

From: Ontario, Canada

The smoke damage on the bike I'm looking at has been on it for at least a couple of months. I'm expecting it to take quite a bit of elbow grease to clean it up.

Feb 22, 2018 | 11:53 PM

#13

Beezza

Stage II

Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

From: London UK

TXSTGLIDE
You are exactly correct - Chrome never can be restored after fire. Water used to douse flames creates condensation which in turn combines with other elements to create toxins which damage the chrome forever - Yep! I'm afraid the bike needs to be totalled. Ask Mr White from Breaking Bad, he will give you all the chemical equation info.

Feb 23, 2018 | 08:29 AM

#14

deadbroke

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 466

Likes: 206

From: Long Island,NY

There was a fire in the service department of the dealership where I worked . My Tool box and tools sustained heavy smoke damage. Although I was able to clean up everything all the chrome appeared etched. I can only assume that the burning materials caused a corrosive vapor. No water was on or in my tool box.

Feb 23, 2018 | 08:39 AM

#15

Magnut1

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 4,725

Likes: 1,787

From: Toledo ohio

there is a product called Road Rash, it is in a small container that looks like the wipe on stick deodorant. My Dealer sells it. Sure you can get it on Ebay/Amazon

Feb 23, 2018 | 08:40 AM

#16

Uncle Larry

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 157,462

Likes: 57,017

From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioSkully

Brass O
chrome and aluminum polish works wonders.

every Veteran has a can tucked away somewhere :>)

Feb 23, 2018 | 08:40 AM

#17

AFMM3

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,403

Likes: 72

From: North Dakota

My favorite Chrome cleaner is Barkeeper's Friend. Must be in powder form on a damp rag. It must also be cleaned afterwards with clean water to remove the acid residue. It has been life changing for me.