Polishing old chrome wheels

So I've got a client with a 1962 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia that I will be detailing this weekend. One thing he specifically wants done is to have the chrome wheels and hubcaps polished--they have some rust on them. Obviously where it's pitted I can't do anything but as for the areas where it's only on the surface of the chrome it can be polished off. I have P21S polishing soap...will that do the job? Also, would it be safe to use 0000 steel wool on it if some of the rust spots are especially stubborn? If the P21S doesn't work...well it's really too late to order anything else so I'd have to get something OTC. Also, should I put some sort of wax/sealant on the chrome once I've polished it? (Once again I don't have a metal sealant as I don't do many cars that require it but I do have a few waxes/sealants...I was thinking Collinite 845).

Here's a picture of one of the wheels, it's hard to see the rust but it's the best I could find.



Thanks,

Clark

 

P21S Polishing Soap will prob do the job. And yes 0000 steel wool can be used on stubborn spots. Just make sure you work it in the right direction.

 

I would not recommend steel wool on the wheels, I think even that grade would put micro scratches in the metal. I would just clean them real well with Meguiars Wheel Brightener and then try your polishing soap or use Meguiars Hot Rims wheel polish that can be found at the stores where you can order the Wheel Brightener locally.

 

The steel wool would be fine for rough spots. I've done a few polished lips with it and did no harm.

 

Use the same technique you do on paint. You don't automatically jump to a wool pad and Menz PG now do you? (I would hope not anyway!!) I'm sure you have some paint compounds and polishes at your disposal. Start with something mild like M205 85rd or 106 ff with a mf. Work it in and buff it off with a longer nap mf. Kick up the intensity of the polish/compound and to to M205 and then M105 with a mf. Then, and only then go to 0000 steel wool with a light polish. After you remove the defects, use the P21 as your last step to brighten it up and add a bit of protection. top it with Collinite 845 if you have it. Now would be a great time to consider buying Collinite metal wax for the future. It is great stuff. You can also use a foam 3" buffing pad with your rotary to polish chrome although that might be harder with the wheels. The mf method should work fine for you. Let me know what ends up working for you.

 

I actually don't have any paint compounds and polishes...in my area there is literally zero demand for paint correction (living in Kentucky sucks ) so I haven't actually invested in the tools and materials to do so yet. And I've seen this car in person, the rust will need more than a paint polish...I'm actually a bit worried that the P21S won't be strong enough.

I do have Wheel Brightener though, if that is safe to use on the wheels I will certainly try that for the initial cleaning. There shouldn't be much brake dust buildup...unless the brakes have been updated the car has drums all around. It's more road grime and the rust. If I have time I might try the P21S out on the back of my hubcaps, they're pretty rusty.

 

So you can polish chrome? Are you sure those wheels are chrome?

 

Actually the Megs WB is a great first step. Check out a recent post of mine where I had surface rust similar to what you're going to deal with and how I resolved it. The WB got most of it:

2007 Solstice CQuartz'd - Live2Detail

 

hit up autozone, they have 3m rubbing compound, Megs UC and give that a try.

 

this is a true polish that will need to be broken down. Works well by hand or by machine
http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/p21s/P21SMetalPolish.html
My prefered way was 3" orange pad on rotary at 2500 rpms.
1000rpm to spread
work up to 2500
work it in and break it down
finish it down with 1000 rpm.

I used it extensively when i detailed a clients collection of pre 1950's cars. Including this LeSalle
IMCDb.org: 1939 LaSalle Series 50 Coupe in "Harlem Nights, 1989"

 

Just wondering, what is the difference between this and the P21S polishing soap I've already got?

These wheels are probably fairly old and I am certain the hubcaps are. I dont know the quality of the chrome on them either. The main goal of this detail is to get rid of the rust and bring back some shine. Like I said I've got the detail coming up this weekend so I don't have time to order anything...

 

p21s polishing soap requires water to work. it generally cleans off the white haze on un coated metals. It does not do the best polishing job. p21s metal polish is a polish just like a paint polish. it will clean off white has and polish metals to a mirror shine.

 

check out that adams metal polish.......it looks legit