I am restoring a neat old Montague fiberglass boat rod for a customer. Wooden handles are two different kinds of wood and really
looks sharp.

The reel seat, which I assume is chrome plated brass, has that green
junk (mold, oxidation? I don't know). On a similar rod I used the dremel tool and a buffer to try and shine up the reel seat and I just took the chrome off. I have tried 000 steel wool, and again, when the green comes off, so does the chrome. Any suggestions on how to restore this to looking decent?
Thanks,
Buzz Butters
Ripon, WI

Have fought this battle many times with no luck. The corrosion is coming from the brass under the chrome plating. Once the corrosion gets started it spreads under the chrome eventually flaking it off. Wish I could help but I have been to a metal refinishing company here in town and they pretty much said SOL.

Try CLR (calcium, lime, rust remover) found at most drug stores. If the stuff is just surface crud, it will remove it very well. If it is coming from underneath, like Mike pointed out, you are pretty much stuck.

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I use it for removing corrosion from reel parts. I mix it about 2 parts water to 1 part CLR and soak the parts in it over night. Have also used it to remove corrosion from roller guides before re-installation.

Be aware, if you use CLR on aluminum corrosion, it will eat up all of the corrosion back to good base metal. I have had an aluminum spool almost disappear after a night in the juice. I will also remove anodizing.

Green Corrision can be easily removed very quickly by applying diluted Muriatic Acid to the area. This is commonly sold as swimming pool acid. The way to use it is to mix one part acid with four parts water (remember acid to water from H.S. chemistry).
Apply this to the chrome area and rinse with plain water when the green is gone, this can be anywhere from 15 sec. to 2 min depending on the degree of corrision. A second coat may be required on very heavly corroded areas.



BIG NOTE: Wear rubber gloves, protect your eyes, and protect your lungs by doing this outdoors only.

Cam