Rusted old chrome handlebar
 

Hello bike lovers, I have an old vintage chrome handlebar that is really old and rusted. I am seeking to restore it but there is no availability of getting it powder coated with chrome or chromed mechanically in my area and I have heard that spray painting chrome is a big myth which does not work. I tried cleaning the rust with some rust cleaning paste and some aluminium foil but it did not protect it and could have even made it worse. Could anyone tell me how I could clean it and protect it from corrosion. I need some solution and my client does not want it to be powder coated any other regular color.

Bar keeps friend is my go to for rusted chrome.

Best option? Send it off to get re-chromed or replace it with a better one of the same manufacture.

If you are going to sand it clean and paint it then I would suggest using an etching primer, mounting it in the stem, then putting on your final desired coat. If you are going to use a rattle can chrome color note that plain silver enamel is more durable.

Too abrasive?

Evaporust?
Phil

I've used SOS pads to clean up rust but if the bars are pitted it may not do much.
I used Cerakote trim ceramic coating for sealer. You can get it at Walmart.

Before and after pic.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6fab424b25.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a4118dda9e.jpg

Whatever you use, elbow grease, patience and time is key.

My go to is Turtle wax chrome polish and rust remover. ;)

If really important to re-chrome…..
 

If this is really important to look good, you can get it rechromed by sending it to St. Louis Family Plating. They do excellent work and their price is reasonable. https://stlplating.com

That being said, a careful cleaning and polishing may do the trick. I recommend using superfine brass wool and a good rust remover for a cleaning and rust removal effort, then a high quality chrome polish. You would be surprised how good it can look after a good cleaning and polishing effort.

I have had good luck with all copper scrub pads (chore boys) and mineral spirits. For final polish I use a dremel with a felt tip and white polish. To protect the surface use Collinite Insulator Wax (keeps polished surfaces from corroding). Any deep pits or scratches I regard as patina.

I inherited a can of Turtle Wax chrome polish from my late father-in-law. The can sounds almost empty when you shake it but the polish still come out. I think it was from the 1970s, but it still works well. It's probably best I don't know what's in it.:twitchy:

Yeah that's the old formula, it was really good, the new still works but has been neutered some as with many things.

Still works and is easy to use, even the old stuff wasn't nasty to work with at all as far as I could tell.

Elbow grease, #0000 steel wool and WD-40. When you're finished with that clean it with denatured alcohol then seal it with Krylon Crystal Clear to slow down the return of the rust. If the clear gets looking bad after a while you can easily remove it with paint thinner, remove any new rust and give it a new coat. Here's a good example of its effectiveness.

Before:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0335ead78d.jpg

After:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2f88f6253a.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...84784b9abf.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fa2ab10f37.jpg