The best way to preserve chrome & prevent pitting on McIntosh & Others?

[Ctiger2]

I tried a search and didn't see anything posted in relation to this topic....

I have a couple old amps and was wondering what techniques everyone else uses out there to preserve the chrome from pitting/rusting? I was told by a pro audio restorer...

"A good coat of automotive wax every year or so will keep the chrome happy, it also is a good excuse to get all of the dust off the chassis."

Does this sound feasible? Sounds kinda messy to me?

Charlie

[Steve Hoffman]

I've heard people using Turtle Wax and stuff and I guess it's ok. All of the chromed gear I have is minty so all I do is keep everything as dry as possible and wipe off the dust once a month. Seems to work...

Once something has started to rust there really isn't much that can be done. Avoid buying pieces that have rust or are rusting. This denotes bad storage, either outside or in some shed someplace. Bad!

[Gary]

So, in other words, Steve.... "Live in California" :D

Man, you should see some of our cars up here. :eek: Glad the stereo stuff is inside! ;)

[Ctiger2]

I hear ya Gary. In MN, our roads are covered with salt for 6 mo of the year. Our cars therefore turn to rust-buckets quite easily. I really like salt though! I put it on the sidewalk when it snows, the popcorn when its done, and the vintage amps when they are creating music. Everything is better with salt on it. :D

[Dean De Furia]

Car wax is a good idea BUT, get a NON-abrasive type ( Usually, it is made for clear-coat paints) because "cleaner-waxes" will wear on the delicate silk-screen lettering. Buff with a soft old t-shirt or diaper.

Good luck!

[poweragemk]

Originally posted by Gary
So, in other words, Steve.... "Live in California" :D

Man, you should see some of our cars up here. :eek: Glad the stereo stuff is inside! ;)

I don't know, I never have seen ANYTHING rust like my father's tools in the 6 months I lived in San Diego. You could probably watch it creep across the metal. I suppose it's more humid where I was than most parts of CA, but still...yikes. I'll stick to the Northeast, where if you keep it dry and inside...

[Sckott]

Go into the hardware stores (or car care store) and look for No.7 Chrome Polish made by Raindance.
http://www.autobarn.com/images/miva/exterior_care/ch10120.jpg

This, and similar stuff like it does VERY well. Steve's right re: pitting. Once it's done, it's done.

[Steve Hoffman]

Wait, that Chrome polish will take your old ink lettering right off of a Mac!

Just use something really mild to protect the finish. You don't want to actually polish anything!