Protecting chrome

67 posts · joined Aug 2009 · 7 Dec 2011, 8:59 pm

#876040

Hi

Got some new bumpers on order, they are the top quality versions but I still want to protect the chrome from potential rust. I'm interested to hear what products people use to protect their chrome from the elements?

Cheers

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 7 Dec 2011, 9:54 pm

#876051

vorsprungdurchtechnique wrote:Hi

Got some new bumpers on order, they are the top quality versions but I still want to protect the chrome from potential rust. I'm interested to hear what products people use to protect their chrome from the elements?

Cheers

I have a brazillian rear bumper on My beetle and its been on there since 2006....
I wax it every week or two with Meguiar's canubra wax..
but any Good quality wax will do it..

I can see now its just waiting for Me to forget to wax it..😂
as the chrome plating is very thin...

I will have to invest in a "proper" bumper..

LEE

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- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

narumi I'll do it tomorrow

138 posts · joined Aug 2011 · 9 Dec 2011, 10:22 pm

#876308

Lee!
looking at your engine... I'm surprised you didn't suggest to paint it.

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 · 14 Dec 2011, 11:57 am

#876938

just plain straight wax, not the kind that has cutting compound in it.

I think Lee is a good example for mint bumpers.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

Lucky Phil Wolfsburg Wizard

480 posts · joined Aug 2010 · 19 Dec 2011, 8:20 pm

#877709

I recently bought a pair of secondhand brazilian bars and the wax seems to do the trick when I remember to use it.
The insides are a bit ugly, though.
I will probably use POR15 to tidy them up.

BRUTUS Officially Full-On Dubber

255 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 20 Dec 2011, 5:45 pm

#877816

Chrome need not be "coated", it should be in contact with oxygen in the air to prevent corrosion... So don't try too hard to "protect" it from the air!
Chrome does not "rust", but it may form oxides, which can protect it from rapid attack, like Al. (Iron rusts).
Chrome IS the rust-protection (for the steel). Keep it clean ...

ACE 30 & 40 oils: specifically engineered for your Air Cooled VW
delivered (free del.) throughout Yarra Valley / Ranges, & Gippsland areas. Also ACE 20, 50 & 90.
FOR SALE: ACE 30, 40 etc. Oil formulations & Trade-names.

Lucky Phil Wolfsburg Wizard

480 posts · joined Aug 2010 · 20 Dec 2011, 8:35 pm

#877844

It's not the chrome that is the issue with these (crappy) bumpers, but the gaps in the chrome which allow the water to rust the metal underneath.
If they do rust, autosol usually cleans 'em up real quick.

BRUTUS Officially Full-On Dubber

255 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 20 Dec 2011, 9:59 pm

#877867

I have been unable to find an authoritative reference for the behaviour of chrome platings in protecting steel (wrt water and air), so if anyone has a good one I'd like to see it...

ACE 30 & 40 oils: specifically engineered for your Air Cooled VW
delivered (free del.) throughout Yarra Valley / Ranges, & Gippsland areas. Also ACE 20, 50 & 90.
FOR SALE: ACE 30, 40 etc. Oil formulations & Trade-names.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 20 Dec 2011, 10:03 pm

#877868

I use Gibbs Penetrating Oil, all metals LOVE it. A few dollars but worth every cent.

http://www.gibbsbrandaustralia.com/

Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

snitz Wolfsburg Wizard

605 posts · joined Sep 2008 · 20 Dec 2011, 10:34 pm

#877875

Looking for new bumpers for the wifes '70 beetle like the triple plated ones sold by Wassim @ Vollks and definately looking to POR15 or KBS rust bullet the back of the bumpers too as the back of the bumpers seem to get a hiding..

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 21 Dec 2011, 11:52 am

#877939

Lucky Phil wrote:It's not the chrome that is the issue with these (crappy) bumpers, but the gaps in the chrome which allow the water to rust the metal underneath.
If they do rust, autosol usually cleans 'em up real quick.

Yes,
the chrome just peels off on Brazillian bumpers...

if not coated with something... [very fast]

LEE

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---