Re-chrome or buy new steel guitar legs?
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
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Re-chrome or buy new steel guitar legs?
Just wondering what the cost of re-chrome vs. new steel guitar legs would be. I remember someone said the old legs would have to be properly "preped" before the re-chrome process, so it would come out right. If the re-chrome process is cheaper, anyone know who can do it?
On second thought, I'm referring to VINTAGE steel guitars. In order to keep the VINTAGE steel guitar--VINTAGE--no matter what the cost, maybe re-chroming is the only way to go! Any thoughts from you "restorers" out there?
On second thought, I'm referring to VINTAGE steel guitars. In order to keep the VINTAGE steel guitar--VINTAGE--no matter what the cost, maybe re-chroming is the only way to go! Any thoughts from you "restorers" out there?
- chas smith
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I'll bet almost anything that the re-chrome will be more expensive. Steel guitar legs are nothing more than mic stands with threaded inserts on the guitar end.
You would disassemble the leg. Then they strip the chrome, nickel plate it (nickel is a "leveler) then they polish the nickel and then it's chromed. This will probably mean you will have to the "chase" the threads on the top and bottom of the larger tube.
You might just try polishing the legs with a good buffing wheel and see what happens.
You would disassemble the leg. Then they strip the chrome, nickel plate it (nickel is a "leveler) then they polish the nickel and then it's chromed. This will probably mean you will have to the "chase" the threads on the top and bottom of the larger tube.
You might just try polishing the legs with a good buffing wheel and see what happens.
- John Billings
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Cleaning chrome
An old trick an old timer tought me from my motor cycle days. Aluminium foil balls, water, and a lot of elbow greese.
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Yes Sir. I use to help restore motorcycles for a private collection. The Process is stupidly simple. The alu. foil is softer then the chrome but harder then rust/ stains. The water acts a lube and carries away dirt and rust.It will not scratch unless you rub too hard. Try it on a old bicycle wheel or a bumper first.
- John Billings
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I'm a lousy photographer, and, man!, chrome is hard to photograph!
The first pic is an old Fender leg. If you look closely, you can see the rust spots;
This second pic is of the exact same place on the leg. Used California Custom Deoxidizer and Purple Polish. All traces of rust are gone. Of course polish can't remove pitting and dents, but for a total of 2 minutes work, I think it looks pretty good.
http://www.californiacustom.com/aluminu ... dizer.html
Not just for aluminum.
The first pic is an old Fender leg. If you look closely, you can see the rust spots;
This second pic is of the exact same place on the leg. Used California Custom Deoxidizer and Purple Polish. All traces of rust are gone. Of course polish can't remove pitting and dents, but for a total of 2 minutes work, I think it looks pretty good.
http://www.californiacustom.com/aluminu ... dizer.html
Not just for aluminum.
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- John Billings
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