Re: [CR] The dreaded "Speckles" : What's a fella to do?

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

From: <"brianbaylis@juno.com">
Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 19:49:02 +0000
To: <tesanders@comcast.net>
Cc: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] The dreaded "Speckles" : What's a fella to do?


Tom,

I suspect you are "stuck" with the speckles. What the spots generally mean is that the chrome has been breached to a small degree. I suggest you call the spots "patina from age" and move on. The speckles are in my opinion far better than losing all of the originality of that particular frame. Wax does not stop chrome from aging; although it may inhibit the process a bit.

Sorry, not the news you were hoping for from the Chrome Fairy. Reason being Tom, and I hate to be the one to burst your bubble; but there is no such thing as the Chrome Fairy. But, yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus. :-)

Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA USA Perhaps the next time you talk to the Easter Bunny, you can ask him how he keeps those chrome eggs from becoming "speckled eggs".


---------- Original Message ----------
From: Tom Sanders
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] The dreaded "Speckles" : What's a fella to do?
Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 14:12:48 -0400


Last year I acquired a choice 1968 22" chrome paramount frame. I carefully cleaned it all up, had Matt Assenmacher put new decals on it and planned to finish it up this year. I stored it with about 3 or 4 coats of paste wax on it. In getting it out today and into the sunlight I see that it has developed speckles in the chrome. Fairly evenly disbursed over the entire frame and fork. Not rough enough to even feel, but they can sure be seen in the sunlight. I tried all my usual methods of cleaning up chrome and they seem impervious to them. I have never had this happen before. I have the kit to build it up, but sure don't want to with that speckling in place.

I seem to have limited choices. If I have it all rechromed, there go my new decals, the treasured red lug lining and the originality.all dear to me. Do nothing and there goes the several hundred dollars I have into the project. I am hoping that perhaps some sage list member has a way of dealing with this that they will share. I realize I am asking for a near miracle. To say that I am bummed out is a bit of an understatement at this point. Is there any help to be had?

Wishing to encounter a helpful Chrome Fairy (Please, no Chromosexual wise cracks),

Tom Sanders

Lansing, MI USA