Stained Chrome
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Stained Chrome
I bought a set of second hand 3.5 inch Rineharts today. In good shape they but have some spots where the chrome looks stained. Won't be able to see it when installed, but would like to remove it while they are sitting on the bench. Tried Mothers liquid chrome polish but it didn't phase it. Any suggestions besides buying new???
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
You may want to try "NEVER DULL". It's a petroleum based cleaner polish that comes in a "wadding" form. Just tear off a piece of the wadding and start rubbing. Then wipe off with a soft cloth - I use an old T-shirt. I think you can get it at most auto parts stores or Walmart (maybe).
Inexpensive way to give it a "one last try" before they go on the bike.
Inexpensive way to give it a "one last try" before they go on the bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
If the chrome itself has 'turned', no amount of rubbing the surface will help. However, the steel wool method works well. We are fortunate these days to have any number of great polishes, but the one I swear by is Autosol. I have bought it at Harley dealerships, but you can also get it easily on Amazon.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,462
Likes: 57,017
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Polish polishes .... Cleaner ( a bit more aggressive ) is designed to go a bit further. I would STRONGLY suggest that you use a chrome CLEANER ( an it may take more than a little elbow grease to see results ) before using steel wool ... I've "revived" many chrome finishes over the years ( some came out better than others ) BUT whenever I used steel wool The results were less than perfect ... and if you looked ( scrutinized ) you could tell where the steel wool was used ... Just my .02 cents worth.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
Uncle Larry, very true about the steel wool, I forgot to add, and I guessed that folks would know, but ya gotta polish out those scratches with progressively finer polish...similar to the color sanding & buffing of a paint job.
To me, those fine scratches over time just adds to the character of my bike...now, I understand that this isn't the current trend! Back in the day, as a bike wore & became an expression of its owner, little scratches, dents, chips became a badge of honor! Not so much these days...same thing with chrome exhausts whose chrome has discolored!
To me, those fine scratches over time just adds to the character of my bike...now, I understand that this isn't the current trend! Back in the day, as a bike wore & became an expression of its owner, little scratches, dents, chips became a badge of honor! Not so much these days...same thing with chrome exhausts whose chrome has discolored!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 3
From: Moline, IL
i use the 0000 steel wool and yes it works well, never tried it w/ WD-40 though.
if it is the chrome turning gold/blue i have had good luck with blue job with minor issues.
if it is the chrome turning gold/blue i have had good luck with blue job with minor issues.