Originally Posted by
xiaoman1
OP,
I am posting a pic of my CIOCC with rust similar to yours it cleaned up well enough for me...my standards may be lower than a lot of folks on the forum but I ride not show so the function is important aesthetics a close second.
In any event, the chrome will never come back unless you replate it all you can hope for is a good polish of the stell underneath.
If you do decide to paint it will be difficult to make the paint adhere to the areas of the frame/fork that are still chrome plated...some will say bring it to the plater and have it removed so paint will still etc. If you have deep pockets then go for it, I would scuff the chrome then get a good etching primer apply and then paint sanding in between.
Best, Ben
Before
after you can see the bare steel
Great job. I don't know if that is actually bare steel you're down to, but it looks great considering how it started.
If I had the OP's bike and wanted a to cover the rust, I'd follow your instructions for prep and then get an autobody place to get a rattle can of color matched silver/gray frame color and then use that to coat the fork and stays, then clear coat and polish. With little effort it could turn out nearly seamless.