Re-Chroming spoke wheels

[2old2care]

What I've used to clean up rusty chrome, is an oxalic acid bath - It will remove the rust without affecting the chrome, or even paint (except red paint - turns it pink), as it only reacts with iron oxide (rust).
You can buy it easily in a store, as wood bleach, or just buy it in bulk - Pretty cheap, and it really works :

https://indianapolisvintage.proboards.com/thread/32/cleaning-chrome-oxalic-acid

 

[copyman]

Just curious if anyone has had success using the chrome paint that is sold? Some with mirror finish. One process is to first use a primer, then black base coat, and finish with the chrome paint. There are several different kinds online. Would be great if it worked but have my doubts since no one mentioned it here.

 

[Triley41395]

Just curious if anyone has had success using the chrome paint that is sold? Some with mirror finish. One process is to first use a primer, then black base coat, and finish with the chrome paint. There are several different kinds online. Would be great if it worked but have my doubts since no one mentioned it here.

Haven't tried any chrome paint but I did have some manco rims done with chrome power coat. I sandblasted them and had them done as is. They would have probably looked better if the surface was smooth.

 

[Gatecrasher]

As others mentioned the bulk of the cost to having wheels re-chromed comes from the prep work. Chrome shops are very hesitant to take on work where the customer says they don't want to pay for show-quality because sure enough some would complain anyway.

The good news is that if you do get your wheels re-chromed, they will be a lot nicer than they ever were from the factory. The polish job will be nicer and the chrome will be a lot better. Way better.