Opinions on "fixing" pitted chrome

[Easy-X]

This is one of those topics I'm starting to hit information overload...

There's the old coke/vinegar + tin foil trick, a succession of finer abrasives + polishing, rust converters (which I would think were more useful for rusty steel than chrome plate) and some "magic stuff" like Quick Glo (a combination of abrasive, polish and wax - all in one - what could possibly go wrong?!)

Any other techniques I may have missed?

After that, what are people's opinions on maintenance: keep polishing or a coat of lacquer? The latter seems like a low maintenance option but when lacquer starts to go it looks bleedin' awful.
____________________
Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[WD Forte]

Money

Just spend lots of dosh and it will look fab
____________________
bikers smell of wee

[Howling Terror]

You are delaying the inevitable.

You could bodge with araldite and sanding it down smooth.


The stanchion needs rechroming and it's time con$uming work.

Start a fork fund now.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Sister Sledge]

Get it re-chromed...
Nah - honestly are you going for a mint look or everyday canny looking bike?
Long ago in the olden days (turning into Tef..) I would just keep on top of the rust spots with tin foil. It just means more in depth cleaning so to speak but it's easily done.
Another is get the rust out and bleb some oil onto those exposed steel parts (in moderation!) though what will happen is dust will stick to all of that and make it look worse.
How about plastidip on the rims? Paint? 'Galvy spray'?
____________________
CCM 404 DS

[Polarbear]

Is this cosmetic stuff or fork stantions?

If the pitting is through the chrome plating you are always going to get rust coming through the pit. That means you have to keep on top of it but the real problem is if the rust gets under the chrome plating, then it's only a matter of time before it comes off in flakes. Then it's time to get it re-chromed.

I haven't had a bike with much chrome on it for donkeys years. Back then it was Solvol Autosol and elbow grease.

I have no idea what fancy concoctions are available nowadays though.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[pepperami]

Pitted chrome is pitted chrome, stop putting off the inevitable and get the parts re-chromed.
____________________
I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

[Easy-X]

Just the rims on the old DT, the forks are fine. The annoying thing is the front rim now looks brand new but the rear is just starting to go: odd patches of pitting here and there but so far no flaking.
____________________
Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Sister Sledge]

Paint/damage the better one to match the sh*t one?
____________________
CCM 404 DS

[Easy-X]

[A100man]

[Easy-X]

[Easy-X]

Okay so with just polishing I had this:

https://i.imgur.com/CR50m3W.jpg?1

And then I went over with a succession of fine abrasives + a final polish with ultra fine Scotch Brite:

https://i.imgur.com/T8UROZT.jpg?1

I *think* that's the same area but TBH it turned out better than expected
____________________
Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Howling Terror]

That's an improvement.

Now you have become a slave to maintaining that standard.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Easy-X]