Fix It

Chrome is short for chromium, a naturally occurring element electroplated on the surface of hard metal to give it a fabulous shine. Chrome is a soft metal that resists tarnishing, but over time, exposure to air and the elements will cause it to rust and pit. If not taken care of, pitted chrome will continue to deteriorate. You can polish out minor pitting by hand, but deep pitting requires professional re-plating.

Instructions

1

Wash the part with water and dish detergent. Rinse the part and dry it with a lint-free cloth. Run your fingernail over the pitted section. If the pitting does not catch your fingernail, you can polish the section with steel wool. If the pitting catches your fingernail, it is too deep for polishing and needs professional restoration.

2

Dip a piece of 0000 fine steel wool into water and lightly polish the pitted section. Rub in a circular pattern until the pitting is gone. Wipe the surface with a dampened cloth to remove any steel wool fibers.

3

Dip a piece of 00000 superfine steel wool into water for a final polish of the surface. Rub in a circular pattern. Wipe the surface with a dampened cloth to remove any steel wool fibers, then pat dry.

4

Use a cotton cloth and any kind of chrome polish to remove fine scratches and give the part a lustrous shine. Apply the chrome polish to the surface of the entire part.

5

Spray a light coat of clear lacquer, acrylic or urethane on the part to protect the chrome from oxidation. Follow the directions on the spray can, then apply two to three coats.

Dirty or rusty chrome can be unsightly and down right unsanitary. Theres a common misconception that the best way to clean this shiny steel product is with a wire brush or steel wool pad. However, cleaning chrome with these abrasive tools can leave the chrome dull and scratched. The best way to get chrome looking like new again is with something you likely already have in a drawer or cupboard: simple aluminium foil.

Instructions

1

Cut the foil into more manageable pieces. A good size for most projects is about 3 by 3 inches. Size is only important for your ease, so work with whatever size you feel most comfortable.

2

Clean the chrome surface with a wet towel to remove any dust or dirt. Fill the bucket with water.

3

Dip one piece of foil into the water and apply smoothly over the chrome. Rub the foil gently back and forth. There is no need to scrub, as the foil and water you have added creates a chemical reaction. It is this reaction that cleans the chrome so well.

4

Continue rubbing until the foil slides easily and smoothly over the surface you have cleaned. A brownish paste should have built up while you were cleaning. This is the byproduct of the aluminiums reaction with the steel in the chrome.

5

Use a clean rag towel wipe off the brown paste to reveal shiny, bright chrome. If you are working on a larger piece you may need many sheets to get the entire surface clean. Dip these each in water as you have with the first one, and repeat the next steps until your project looks like new again.

If you want to customize your VTX motorcycle, the easiest way is to change the front or rear fender tip. The size of the front fender is adjustable to match the front tire size. You can buy fender tips in many different shapes, styles and ornamentation. A chrome fender tip will further the retro look of your VTX.

National Cycle Cast Fender Tip

The National Cycle Cast Fender Tip has been produced since the 1940s. It is made of aluminum to add a chrome look the the VTX. Inside the tip is a hidden screw mount for installation.

National Cycle Cast Rear Fender Tip

The National Cycle Cast Rear Fender Tip is a straight design with a ridge in the middle. It is made of aluminum to add a shiny chrome look to your VTX. Inside the tip is a hidden screw mount for installation.

Hondaline Chrome Front Fender Tip

The Hondaline Chrome Front Fender Tip is a round shaped, retro style chrome tip to break up the front fender. It installs to the VTX1300R Retro and the VTX1300T Tourer.

Hondaline Chrome Front Fender Trim

The Hondaline Chrome Front Fender Trim has a pressed-rib design on the sides to complement the VTXs front fender. It installs to the VTX1300R Retro and the VTX1300T Tourer.

Hondaline Chrome Front Fender Extension

The Hondaline Chrome Front Fender Extension has a pressed-rib design across the entire tip to match the front fender.

Show Chrome Accessories Front Fender Tip

The Show Chrome Accessories Front Fender Tip has a curved design to contour the front fender of your VTX Retro. It is installed using double-sided tape.

MC Enterprises Front Fender Tip

The MC Enterprises Front Fender Tip has an open design to add an accent to your VTX. It is triple-chrome plated for durability.