Restoring front hub finish

Seijun

Retro Newbie
I am looking for advice on restoring shine to the front hub (and other parts) of a 68 Raleigh Hercules. The front hub, headset, and spokes are a completely flat grey. Not even a hint of shine. At first I thought it was just a really heavy coating of dirt and dust, but this does not seem to be the case. I am a little confused about what has happened to the original finish. I assume these parts were once chrome plated? Other chrome parts of the bike (rims, fork cap, rear hub, etc) are still a beautiful shiny silver. I was going to try some simichrome polish but I want to make sure I am heading in the right direction. I dont want to accidentally make the finish even worse.
 
Re:

Hi, welcome to the forum ;)

Have you got any photos of the hub?
I'd try some Solvol Autosol or T-Cut metal polish for now to see if chrome does shine through the grime.

Mike
 
Re:

Is it steel (put a magnet on it) or is it oxidised aluminium?

Sorry if this comment is too simplistic :D
 
Spokes would be flat finish as they were not chromed........ Zinc plated IIRC. Chromed spokes would have eaten into Raleigh's profit margin :)

Shaun
 
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