Pilgrim65 Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 Morning Guys Just arrived back in Cyprus , was excited about taking Ruby out for first run of year, took cover off and whilst cleaning and polishing noticed rust in belly of portholes, bit disappointing as always dry them after washing. Whats best to use chrome cleaner or washing up pad , suppose once pitted that's it . may remove next winter and have rechromed in uk, cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 Always best to start with the least abrasive (chrome polish) and use harsher only if you must......................Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialEducation Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 Remind me what year we are talking about. We bought repros because they were cheaper than rechroming our originals. I'm not going to say they are factory perfect, but they are pretty good... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted March 27, 2017 Author Share Posted March 27, 2017 Hi Special education my special is a 53 , those repos sound interesting could you pm me with details many thanks pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialEducation Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 I'm having issues with the forums that makes PMs difficult, but here's a couple links: http://www.oldbuickparts.com/cart/fender-porthole-1953-buick-p-6488.html http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/111146690117 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernee0722 Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 I don't know about you guys but I always use #400 steel wool for chrome and glass. Works like a charm,,, 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 #400? That pretty coarse stuff. I can see #0000 steel wool with polish, but even that will eventually remove the chrome plating. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retirednow Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Bobs Automobilia sells them http://bobsautomobilia.com/body-and-roof/port-hole-chrome-1953-ph-53/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialEducation Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 5 minutes ago, retirednow said: Bobs Automobilia sells them http://bobsautomobilia.com/body-and-roof/port-hole-chrome-1953-ph-53/ The auction above is Bob's. I'm sure Bob's & Cars are made in the same factory. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 These are not easy pieces to re-chrome because of the shape of the inside. Where there is pitting it can be difficult to get tools into these areas to create a smooth surface prior to plating. There may be other problems with getting the plating electrolytes to reach all areas. It is cheaper to buy reproductions. I got mine for my 53 Special from Bob's and they have held up well for about 10 years. I do not wash this car frequently and always dry the ventiports carefully. Joe, BCA 33493 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernee0722 Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 You're right JohnD, It was supposed to be 4-0's but I put# 400. Thanks for the correction. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted March 28, 2017 Author Share Posted March 28, 2017 thanks guys for advice, have noted website of repos and will buy if my attempts at cleaning are not acceptable cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Try Simichrome first: http://www.simichrome-polish.com/ It is widely available. Just do a search. Around here I get it in a local guitar shop. When they are out I get it online. I like the tube best and I apply it with my finger in tight places. It does a real nice job and avoid replating for only but the best show cars. Bernie 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 Joe in New York is correct with his explanation of trying to re-chrome port holes / ventiports. I had all eight of my 1954 portholes chrome stripped then spent many, many hours removing pits and polishing the insides ready for chrome plating. After plating they turned out a bit disappointing. They had what the shop described as "blow' effect whereby the chromeic acid would not adhere to all the surface and it has a blend of chrome / nickel, because of the internal shape and trying to get an all round electrical contact. You have to look hard but it's there. I don't know how the factory suppliers did it ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialEducation Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 The issue with pot metal is that impurities in it seriously affects the chrome. When rechroming it, you need to chemical strip it. Mechanical stripping & rework can embed more impurities into the pot metal, which pisses of the chrome. Virgin pot metal is pretty easy to work with, it's the used stuff that's a nightmare. That's why repros are more economical than refinishing originals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share Posted March 29, 2017 just an update, have purchased good quality chrome polish and with a toothbrush set to improving rust spots . pretty good results , although showing pitting, 3 of the 6 are presentable , the other 3 are passable , but plan to replace with repos later in year. thanks again for help cheers pilgrim 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 Just to finalise this thread , thought you might like to see photos , unfortunately didn't think to take before , only after cleaning, but they were brown. Unfortunately had a small mishap , didn't realise black horizontal lines where paint, should have masked as toothbrush rubbed some sections off , currently replacing with thin black insulation tape , seems effective to the eye. Warning to others thanks to all posters cheers pilgrim 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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