TOPIC: Pitted Chrome advice

Appreciate any advice on removing pitting from Chrome. I have used 4\0 steel wool with some limited success in the past but came upon this article on restoring chrome. It says start with 400 grit sandpaper, then 800, then 1000 and finish with steel wool, use a clear lacquer then steel wool again. I would like to try it but nervous on using the sand paper. Any input appreciated.

www.ehow.com/how_4523206_remove-chrome-pitting.html

short of re-chroming, I always use aluminum foil and coke. Shine it up, takes off rust.

Do you have an extra pitted cleat to try the process out on as a test ?

800 and 1000 are still scratchy for chrome. Auto Zone or other places like that have 1200 - 1500 grit etc. for buffing out paint scratches.

Very cool bow light and mast, those are getting harder to find especially in that good of a condition. The pitting looks to be minimal but you can't always tell by the pics right? I wouldn't use anything too course for fear of scratching as Cal (63 Sabre) states. Please keep us posted on what you try and how it works.

maybe try 4 zero "0000" brass wool, don't use steel it will rush and no I wouldn't sand it, chrome isn't like steel wool, it's a plating that will wear through and you can't fix it, I'm taking mine to get sand blasted and re-chromed.

I would just shine it up with an automotive chrome polish. I guess the lacquer fills the pits? and seals the part to slow more pitting. 3M makes very fine scuff pads for auto body work, they work excellent.

Does that light have a horn in the base? I have one just like it on my Thompson that does. I would be very nervous using sand paper on chrome. Personally I would stick with polish and maybe the clear coat. It would be a shame to screw up a nice light like that. As it has already been stated, this stuff is getting harder to find and more expensive.
Bill

yes it has a horn, love the piece. Just got off ebay and paid $76, was willing to pay double that. No sandpaper, just used polish and steel wool. Its as good as it will get but still looks great