Removing corrosion

[cheesegrits]

I've got a 73 19-6 Aquasport with two added on Lee's flushmount rodholders. They are the 30degree chrome over brass ones. I don't know how long they have been installed but they look like they have been offshore a lot of times. What is the best way to remove the corrosion without screwing them up? I don't want to get new ones since they are about 65 bucks new!

 

[cheesegrits]

Re: Removing corrosion

Bump

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Removing corrosion

To tell you that we'd have to know the exact composition of the metals involved. If they're chrome plated they shouldn't be too badly corroded hopefully.

If they're really chrome over brass, you can get a couple different chrome polishes and some rubbing compound and go over them with a dremel tool or by hand to get the corroded bits off. If you see the underlying metal though, you'll need to get them re-plated to make them new again. Which you might want to do if it's that important to you.

But there's no special cleaner to use that'll remove corrosion and leave the chrome. At this point the corrosion IS the chrome, and you have to hope there's still untouched metal underneath.

Erik

 

[cheesegrits]

Re: Removing corrosion

Thanks Erik! Once I get most of it off How do I keep it from coming back too fast. I don't think the PO ever rinsed this boat off very well = rode hard and put up wet! I'm thinking WD-40 or would reel magic work?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Removing corrosion

If you are ok with the look after the corrosion is gone, then just keep them clean. Wipe them down after each trip out with a rag, and keep them waxed if possible. WD-40 won't stay in place very well, you'd have to do that each trip too and put up with the smell.

Chrome is supposed to be a super protective coating on its own, so it won't corrode unless it's left wet or in spray a long time. If you really want protection beyond the chrome, then polish them up really well and spray over them with a clear polyurethane coating, similar to a paint. You'd have to get a coating that'll stick to chrome though, not normal spray can stuff.

Check and see what folks restoring vintage autos use for their chrome.

Erik