Father-in-law xmas presents

[Jesserd]

got to talking to the father-in-law about bikes, and got some unwrapped presents in the form of a project. Single red band Bendix (I think that is a good thing?). He also has a complete Columbia Thunderbolt that he says I can have on another trip when I have the trunk space, but I would feel bad about taking a bike that complete! Any suggestions about cleaning the chrome? I will start with soap and water to get a better look before I use anything drastic.

 

[scrumblero]

sweet! take the thunderbolt!! :shock:

 

[Xcruiser]

Wow!
Married into the right family! lol
Very cool of the Father in law,its not easy to give up sweet posessions like that.

 

[Terry66]

Seriously? You got a Bendix and I got pajamas? :roll:

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Score! :mrgreen: Grab that Columbia too 8)

 

[Unchained]

Nice! Both of 'em are sweet bikes. If the peppered rust on the chrome isn't too bad, some 0000 grade steel wool and WD40 or simple green (just something wet to help you out) might work pretty well. Simple green cleans chrome parts pretty well in general, and I like it because it is non-toxic and biodegradable. Just make sure you don't mix it too strong if you are cleaning reallyold chrome and it's best not to leave your parts in SG for extended amounts of time (i.e., weeks :lol: ) because it seems to leech chrome off if the plating is a little weak. I have only had that happen with parts from the 40's back (older than your bike), but all the same. That's probably the mildest thing you could try.

Others have had good luck with oxalic acid in a tub (it's basically deck cleaner), but I have never tried it.

Good luck with the projects!

 

[Jesserd]

I've cleaned off the frame and tried some 0000 pads, but the pads only get off about 90% of the rust; the remaining rust are still surface rust, because I can scrape off with a knife or fingernail. The chrome looks great around the bad spots but I don't want to rub the 0000 too much. Would soaking in simple green be the best route next? Is there a how-to on the forum anywhere for simple green?

 

[tnt1]

Try liquid bar keepers friend on the chrome it will shine it like brand new Tony

 

[Walker]

vinegar bath will clean up the chrome, just dont leave them in there for too many days

 

[Jake Sensi]

Try the water and aluminum foil trick. Scrub in one direction though. It works great on surface rust. Peace

 

[Cda_Cruisers]

Only thing to use on chrome is copper wool. does'nt matter how hard you scrub it wont damage the chrome.

 

[scott brownsey]

lemon juice works well and steel wool oooo fine