Rusty hub caps

[JaneH]

I'm new on here so pls forgive if this has been asked a thousand times before
what's the best way to keep chrome hubs shiny and prevent further pitting etc (apart from taking them off )
or am I going to spend the rest of my life applying rust remover!
thanks,
Jane

[toomanytoys]

chrome cap.. a product called "Autosol" does wonders for chrome,

failing that a drop of T cut and a good polish after is the trick..

But if they are cheap and nasty "new" ones... the chrome will polish off..
if already beyond cleaning, then paint them silver...

[JaneH]

Ta,
will give them a go

Jane

[excalibur]

you shouldnt use normal autosol on chrome as it is meant for polishing ally.

I think they may do a chrome cleaner, buts its very similar to t cut/brasso so is maily a polish.

If they are pitted then you will be fighting a loosing battle, but something that may make a difference are the polishing kits that fit in an electric grill. Its a maop which you put soap on, same as the polishing mops fitted on griders. They are about £18 from bike shops, or places like http://www.mandp.co.uk/home.aspx do them mail order

[stuckin88]

Unfortunately there are 2 sorts of chrome hubcaps--the original German ones £20 each---or the cheap £5 each-Brazilian ones---they rust as soon as it rains--

[toomanytoys]

Maybe you shouldnt use "normal" autosol but it worked for mine and as long as you dont rub heel out of the surface works well.. they do a "chrome" version..

As billy says.. the cheap ones will never stay chrome.. that prob what somwone fitted to sell it..

[smavan]

i have chrome baby moons from jk on my van and i use autosol.it polishes out any surface rust (which inevitably happens this time of year) and protects them short term. they have been on for three winters now and they do have a few rusty spots on them but when you stand back you can't really see them so i think its ok. i also smeared grease on the inside of them to stop them rusting inside and this has worked a treat!

[Arvi]

clean them thoroughly inside and out then spray them with clear lacquer few coats insisde and out then the caps will be sealed

[banana]

My hub caps are original but you can count the years through paint layers. No rust though. They need cleaning up because of wheel mechanics who chip them when removing them with screw driverrather than a proper tool. I was wondering whether I could get them back to a metal finish of some sort by stripping and polishing and then laquer. Would the steel look too dark grey. If I spray silver then Ive yet to find a convincing metallic look. Most silvers look poor once laquered.

[JaneH]

clean them thoroughly inside and out then spray them with clear lacquer few coats insisde and out then the caps will be sealed

thanks,
had been thinking of spraying with lacquer but obviously need to clean really well first,

thanks everyone for suggestions,
Jane