Chromework

[Case]

I've bought some new chrome work, bumperblade, bonnet slammer, bezels for front lights etc, should I treat the back of the pieces with something before fitting them to make them last longer? And if so what should I use.
Thanx.[frame][/frame]

[PSL184]

All mine are coated in waxoil but I also vaseline the front surface over winter as they tend to get badly pitted....

[aupickup]

repro wont last long

[PSL184]

repro wont last long

I've heard that but all my chromework is over 50 years old and still looking good

[JaneHibbert]

I have heard you can simply varnish them. My dad did that on car chrome he had years ago and it kept the rust away.

[aupickup]

and my chrome work is 41 years old and still looking good

[Case]

Is'nt waxoil for internal parts only?

[PSL184]

Is'nt waxoil for internal parts only?

Its a rust inhibitor !

[Case]

Ok a can of waxoil it is! thanx

[Case]

I have heard you can simply varnish them. My dad did that on car chrome he had years ago and it kept the rust away.

Top tip! thanx. ISpray varnished the backdoor handel, several coats, looks perfect. Als did the bonnet logo, same result, just take care to clean it properly before spraying.

[Alec]

Hello PSL,

"I've heard that but all my chromework is over 50 years old and still looking good"

Hardly reproduction then is it? Modern reproduction parts seem badly done as good chromium plating doesn't need any protection. Good plating costs money as the process requires a lot of hand work, initially the base metal is polished to a mirror finish which is then copper plated, nickel plated and a final flash coat of chromium on top.

Alec

[PSL184]

I wasn't suggesting it was repro Alec. I was implying that I didn't know how good the repro stuff was because mine is all original.....

[MarkyB]

the base metal is polished to a mirror finish which is then copper plated, nickel plated and a final flash coat of chromium on top.

This sounds like how modern stuff is done, there are some health and safety issues with the original process, heavy poisonous chemicals were involved.

[Alec]

Hello Marky,

moderns stuff tends to miss at least one of the three plating steps. It's no less hazardous to do it poorly than properly.

Alec

[Case]

Spray varnish doesnt work on handels and such. Started chipping the first time I opened the door.

[Trickydicky]

Problem with spraying varnish etc over chromework is that the surface is smooth and whatever you are spraying on will not adhere properley. As soon as you put your hands on it it will rub off.

I think the best way to look after chrome is to polish it regularly and if the car is laid up over winter a smear of vasaline will keep it in good order.

Richard

[bmcecosse]

I have used the varnish idea - many moons ago. It 'stuck' just fine - although it would eventually yellow slightly and start to flake off. Now - I just keep the car dry........

[tomas.geoghegan]

Im A full time mog driver and polish chrome regularly with turtel wax with no problem! Shines up fantastic and protects.
Tom