View Full Version : Pitted chrome
Just bought a used set of SE exhaust. Not sure how old but the price was so good I couldn't pass.
Trouble is they are slightly pitted. Little brown specs that look like rust spots. Whats the best way to clean these up? Just start rubbing with chrome polish? I'm anxious to get started but will wait for your tips. Thanks.
That's what I would do. My bumper on my truck in one section must not have had a good coat of wax on it in one section and the same thing happened. I use Maguirars <SP?> Chrome & Aluminum polish. and it came right off. It's a paste (real soft) and I rubbed it on with my bare fingers and wiped it off. It really makes chrome look GREAT!
Wind, I've seen this on new pipes. Looks like little brown chips in the chrome that could be mistaken for rust. It may be what's under the chrome. Be careful to not scratch the chrome around the spots.
I've used Meguiars Gold Class All Metal Restorer (if you can find it). Had to order it from their web site. Works great with a buffing wheel on a drill. On some pipes, it will take out the blue if you work at it. Leaves a protective coating also.
I just finished rubbing the hell out of one of those pipes with Simichrome. Did a pretty good job but didn't get rid of all the little spots. Then tried Flitz. That made it really shiny. Great for shine, but didn't help with the spots. Any other suggestions? If I can't get these looking really good, I won't put them on the bike. Maybe something with a slight abrasive quality to it? Rubbing compound?
1BADFXST
04-04-2004, 11:17
I just finished rubbing the hell out of one of those pipes with Simichrome. Did a pretty good job but didn't get rid of all the little spots. Then tried Flitz. That made it really shiny. Great for shine, but didn't help with the spots. Any other suggestions? If I can't get these looking really good, I won't put them on the bike. Maybe something with a slight abrasive quality to it? Rubbing compound?
Wind I restored an old mustang the bumpers had similar to what your talking about on them I use some stuff called "Blue Magic metal polish" worked great give it a try. Walmart has it. I know of some other stuff that will work for sure but I really have not seen it in awhile not sure if they still sell it TURTLE WAX CHROME POLISH/CLeaner/Rust Remover I used it on an old set of chrome wheels I got from a junkyard that were all surface rusted to hell back in the 80's made them look like brand new.
Good Luck
Thanks for the tip. I'll try it. I really want to get these looking good.
Mission Accomplished.
The pipes are looking great and will be put on this weekend.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I tried most. I tried simichrome, Mothers Metal Polish, Turtle Wax Chrome Polish & rust remover, Flitz. All shined but none cleaned up the rust pits as well as I needed.
I was going to Wal-Mart on 1badfxst suggestion to get some Blue Magic. Wal-mart is about 15 miles away. No big deal, but on my way I stop at NAPA to see if they have it. Nope. But they do have something, NAPA brand, Blue Max. Its says it is for cleaning, polishing, and removing rust from chrome. So I buy it. If it doesn't work I'm only out another $4. My garage is starting to fill up with chrome cleaners and polishers.
Anyway. I read the directions and apply just like they say so. Rub it on, Buff it off, and WOW! All the little rust specks are gone. And its shines great. I'm sure this is NAPA's answer to the same product Bad was directing me to.
Bad, a million thanks. Without your suggestion I never would have found this. This product gets my big endorsement if you need to clean chrome like mine.
This morning I'm so excited, I'm going to but my SE II mufflers on. I get out my trusty Sears lift, jack it up, take a good look at what I'm about to do, and dam,......
These things won't fit. First I notice where the "bypass connector" is between the original pipes. The replacements aren't set up for that. I think I'll just eliminate the connection and mount them anyway. Nope, sorry. The mounting brackets are in way different places. Its not going to work.
Anyone want to buy a set of SE II's? The whole set, mufflers & pipes. All cleaned up, NO RUST, and shiny. I'll post them in the for sale thread with model and/or identification numbers if I can find any.
Markster6828
04-10-2004, 10:52
Hey Wind
Don't give up so easy, all ya need is the SE2 muffler support mounting tube. That [connector] you talking about is the stock crossover. The SE2's don't have a crossover. You may find one at the dealer, couldn't be much.
Markster, again, a million thanks, if it works, only 1/2 million for your suggestion if it doesn't. Man, I love this place and the people here. I'll call my dealer right now and see if they have it. I have been through too much anticipation and effort cleaning these to give up. Not to mention the numerous $4 bottles of chrome cleaner I invested in. Thanks.
I checked with the dealer. First he thought it was an obsolete part and wouldn't be able to get. Put then finds it for $66.95. Thats how much I paid for the pipes. Oh well, guess I'll get them.
I called my NEW dealer, they didn't have it. I called my OLD dealer who I don't want to do business with, they didn't have it but I did get the part number. He hesitated, didn't want to give me the part number, just order it for me, but I got it. Called back my NEW dealer with part number, he searched ALL other dealers in Ohio to find part for me. I didn't know they could do that, and he did knowing I might buy from someone else, just to be helpful. The other dealer who has it is too far away. 2 1/2 hours each way. So I'll order one from my NEW dealer.
Customer service is EVERYTHING.
Markster6828
04-10-2004, 08:58
Wind
There's also 2 flat triangular brackets that ties the mufflers to the tube that you ordered. You may already have these or they may even come with the support tube. You are still way under what they cost brand new!
Markster,
Got the support tube. Had to be special ordered. Still won't work. Think the pipes will be going back on e-bay. You do get a karma point for being so helpful.
Oh, remember way back when we were all offering suggestions on how to get melted boot heel off your pipes? The Blue Max does it. This is some good stuff.
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