In the 70's when I worked at a tackle shop, there was this cleaner that we used to take off light green corrosion on chrome reel parts called "Poco marine cleaner" it was stuff that u brushed on, let sit for a few minutes, brushed with a tooth brush and then washed off with water. it really worked well for not too bad corrosion rash on chrome or aluminum. I have not found anything like it since. Any suggestions?
Todd, I have been using Turtle Wax Chrome Cleaner/Polish with good results. Others have been using NevrDull automotive polish....for anything containing brass such as chrome plated brass a 50/50 white vinegar and water is great....general de-greasing Simple Green works well and I recently found a "purple" cleaner (but I do not remember the name) was far superior to Simple Green, my son bought it at an autoparts store....hope this helps....Bill
"Spotless Stainless" is a wet product I brush on my boats SS, let it sit, and wash off. This might work on reels too. It leaves a protective finish.
Cleaners that work well, for my type of reel restoring, repairing, and servicing operation:
There are many variations, many other products, but these have proven to be effective.
CHEAP WHITE VINEGAR -- this stops and halts Verdigris (green corrosion) and gets the green off. What is left is sometimes down through the chrome into the under metal -- but the corrosion is stopped from continuing. No product will bring back heavily pitted chrome -- but it will be fishable if cleaned and smoothed down.
ZEP PURPLE DEGREASER -- this is good for greasy metal parts such as chrome or bronze, brass, SS, etc. NOT FOR ALUMINUM, POT METAL, or PAINTED PARTS.
SIMPLE GREEN -- good for general cleaning of parts where the purple may melt parts -- such as nylon, plastic, bakelite, aluminum, pot metals, graphites, etc..
LACQUER THINNER -- a small wide mouth jar of this is great for eating off caked on grease quickly, or evacuating grease from bearings.
DAWN DISH SOAP -- for those fragile parts that need special and gentle cleaning.
MINERAL SPIRITS -- used for an overnight soak to free up frozen screws and parts.
WD-40 -- used as a cleaner for a final spray-down after a reel is serviced and completed. It removes excess grease, oil, and fingerprints. Just spray on lightly and wipe down with a rag. NEVER USED AS A LUBRICANT -- contrary to claims. Just a good cleaner.
Generally have 2 or 3 wide mouth containers of various liquids in the ultrasonic cleaner at all times. All can be cleaned at one time for 6 or 12 minutes -- rinsed in fresh water, dried, and done.
Use caution, especially with the purple or lacquer thinner -- use hand protection, strainers, just be careful...
This is just what works for me.
If I ever find a miracle product that is cheap and more effective -- I will use it.
For now, this works well.
Best,
Fred