cleaning up rusty chrome rims?

[reverendrally]

got some old BMX rims I want to clean up. was tempted to paint them but it's all too much hard work.

what do I use? steel wool? WD40? what method, etc?

 

[udallcustombikes]

When I am doing it, I use 0000 steel wool and some chrome polish. If I am planning on keeping the bike I will unlace the wheel to make the cleanup easier. If I am selling the bike I just polish around the spokes.

 

[reverendrally]

how hard is it to relace the spokes though?

I was thinking I'd paint the rims but the relace just sounded a bit much.

 

[scrumblero]

use naval jelly on them, you will be amazed!!! :shock:

 

[udallcustombikes]

Lacing up a rim isn't as scary as it seems. Don't be intimidated. The first one will take a bit to figure out, but after you get the basics down you will get quicker. My first took me a couple hours, I can lace one up in about 15 minutes. Truing it up takes patients. There are several threads on here with tips and tricks, links to outside pages and videos.

Here are a few
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2887&p=27578#p30168
http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html


A couple video links in this thread
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32472&p=318111&hilit=lacing#p318111

Also check out the How To Manual. It is a collection of the most helpful threads on the site.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2599

 

[reverendrally]

use naval jelly on them, you will be amazed!!! :shock:

where would I find that? remember I'm down under

 

[scrumblero]

any hardware store should have it, and for sure any boat yard will.the brand i get is by Locktite corp. I think its just phosphoric acid and something to make it thick so it stays on there for a bit. :roll:

 

[deorman]

If it's just surface rust clean 'em up with a Brillo pad. (Or local equivalent)

 

[Lonewolf]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgG6yE8b ... 2godKGuPiw

 

[scrumblero]

same stuff just in a spray bottle i spose... :roll:

 

[Gold Street Customs]

I also like those little brass brushes for tight spots :wink: