cleaning chrome header pipes

[gandy666]

hi all

using my bike in all weather, 500 miles a week and the headers are on the turn from shiney chrome to some rusty spots.

any advise on the best way to clean them up - was going to use super fine steel wool and brasso but was thinking i might take the chrome plating off.

then thought about autosol but its not really abrasive enough to get the rust off.

also oxalic acid I could use, but it has to stay on for a while which is difficult to achieve on a smooth horizontal surface.

dont want to leave it to get bad so would rather nip it in the bud.

any of you guys have cunning methods you can share?

cheers

[Nogin]

I'm assuming by saying Chrome you mean stainless steel?

If you are saying stainless steel then I have used auto sol, however to be fair my bikes are used all weathers so i don't really bother.

What bike is it for?

[ManInASuitcase]

If your'e talking stainless do not use wire wool.

It applies iron particles to the headers which in turn will cause the rust.

Autosol and plenty of elbow grease works wonders.

[Mrbarry]

You can use stainless wire wool, that doesn't apply iron. I use brasso my self tho, or G3 compound would you believe.

[megawatt]

Chrome isn't stainless steel. It's mild steel plated with chrome. Try using a sheet of aluminium foil and a non abrasive cleaner. On stainless, I use solvol Autosol which is abrasive, but a very good polish.

Whether your chrome rots from the inside or outside, eventually you should replace it with stainless steel.

[cruz]

For stainless I would use 'scotchbrite' pads, they work a treat.

For chrome, tomato ketchup then brasso.

you asked !

(not joking either)

[ManInASuitcase]

For stainless I would use 'scotchbrite' pads, they work a treat.

For chrome, tomato ketchup then brasso.

you asked !

(not joking either)

 

Thank goodness I hate the stuff