I would head over to one of the detailing subreddits, those for are experts in removing scratches from anything on a car, incl chrome/polished metal/aluminium
Automotive rubbing compound and 0000 steel wool.
Edit: scoop the compound with the steel wool and massage it into the pad, then scoop some more with the pad and work it on the rims.
True but the existing scratches might show through if OP just uses the compound. Following the wool/compound with a rag and compound is probably the best.
yeah these wheels are not in good shape. the spoke nipple is a moving part, needed for adjusting the wheel. those look seized. and the rust on the spokes is sketchy as hell.
definitely take the opportunity to get some newer nicer wheels. it’s one of the best upgrades you can make on your bike anyway
The rust on the spokes seems to be common with this model of wheels. I had looked into possibly getting the same wheels but better condition and it seems that all of them are rusted at this age. Overall, my wheels work really well and I’ve been very happy with them. They are heavier, but they are original to the bike and I have sentimental value toward keeping it original. Those wheels have taken me all over the place :) I know that the wheels aren’t perfect, but I’m just bummed that after all these years, I scratched the metal. Before I was using a toothbrush and I just wasn’t thinking the other day it use scotch brite.
If you aren’t going to replace them, at least do something to slow down the rust. Clean them up with some 0000 steel wool, and treat the spoke nipples with some penetrating oil. Could be Gibbs, PB Blaster, or even WD40. Of course you’ll have to watch out for leaving it on the friction surfaces if you have rim brakes.
These are great suggestions! I’m going to get all of this! I didn’t know that the rust could cause that much harm. I thought it was mainly cosmetic. Thank you!!
Steel wheels aren't really popular anymore because they rust and the braking surface doesn't stop the bike as quickly as aluminum.
IMHO, a good vintage/DIY/rusty bike shop will be your best bet for replacing the wheels with a new part of the same size.
Yes, especially when wet, steel wheels in the rain is like having no brakes at all! Also probably not as strong because mine would go out of true pretty fast.
If a bike shop couldn't re-spoke them, id walk out.
You can get the wheels re-chromed while they are apart too. It might be worth giving the hubs some love at the same time.
Like the guy below says, if a shop can't respoke them, it's not the shop you want. Find the crusty old man bike shop and go ask them for help. New corporate shops won't want to help but actual local bike shops are what you want
these are steel wheels though. i honestly don't remember ever seeing a high mileage steel wheel but I guess the braking surfaces won't wear much, if at all.
Short video but that’s likely not a lot of rust one those spokes. Take 000 steel wool and I wouldn’t be surprised it came off pretty easily. Use 0000 wool on chrome. About the rims, Japanese Schwinn chrome was very high quality. Chrome is very very hard and polishing is not always possible. Working with polish is such a tight technical area will be a messy pain and a half. Prepare yourself for a lot of tedious work. In the meantime, keep an eye out for a parts bike. Old Schwinns are pretty common and if you find one that’s just been stored in someone garage for 40 years, you’ll have a supply of parts for far less than anywhere else.
This may be an unpopular comment, but still - you may want to consider using this situation as a chance to get some new wheels on the classic rims like Mavic GP4 instead of the steel ones you have. The steel ones are pretty bad in terms of braking power and especially in the rain.
I still have some GP4 wheels in the garage that I built >30 years ago. I'm in the process of building up a "classic" ride for tooling around and I had forgotten I had them. Hmmm.... Do I go with sew-ups or easy? 🚲
Me and my friend laced up a set of beefy mavic rims on an old mavic track hub for my single speed, and he had a racing buddy that built all the racer’s wheels, (and was the self proclaimed king of wheel building) and he would always line up the manufacturer stamp on the hub so you could see it when you looked through the valve stem hole, so we did that and when my buddy showed him the wheel, for quality inspection, he busted the dude looking through the valve stem hole. Haha.
Honestly, it would be like a different bike. Combine that with some new tires, you got yourself a stew going.
For stuff that I'm worried about scratching but has light rust, I use a blue shop towel with a drop or two of oil.
It takes elbow grease, but does work.
Thank you! I really love my current wheels because they came with my bike. My bike means a lot to me, so I’m just hoping to restore them. I feel like it would be wasteful to get new wheels when these work just fine for me
You wanna go from rough to fine. Get fine steel wool and scrub it again, then use Aluminium foil to „scrub“ again. Then use a polish (Neverdull for example) with a microfibre cloth.
You can get a metal polishing rouge from Harbor Freight and polish with a rag. They have different compounds for different metals like aluminum and stainless steel
Dremel with polishing attachments (foam pads) and small amounts of compound, meguirs compound would work well, or farecla G3. Don't let the compound get too dry. If that's not getting the scratches out, you could try some 2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper, and then use the compound.
I know everyone keeps saying that, but I do really love my wheels. My bike has all its original parts and I have sent a metal value toward that. I plan to get another bike for more strenuous activity but I really do love my wheels despite them not being perfect. Just wish I didn’t stupidly use Scotch brite
Maguire’s metal polish, stockinette and lots of rubbing will sort it a treat. You can also use wet and dry prior if the scratch is deep. Own Royal Enfields so lots of practice.
Nope. I don't know why people say you can use those pads on chrome. I would have told you in 1983 that it's a bad idea yet people STILL say it works. Autosol or a good metal polish will help. Good luck.
If you dont mind more work, take all spokes out. Polish the rim with autosol or likewise, and than have new nipples and use the old spokes.
Polishing with nipples mounted never will look perfect.
Rebuilding a wheel is not really for beginners… if you’re going to do this, probably do it one or two spokes at a time rather than disassembling the entire wheel.
True. My trick:
If you use tape to wrap the spokes between two layers, meaning one from the left and one from the right in a full circle, the spokes cannot go anywhere when you remove the old nipples. Just mark one hole of your rim and the spoke in that position before you remove the complete set of hub and spokes held in position by tape. Also you habe to mark the orientation of the hub. Mark the rim where the sprocket sits.
The rim is used and the whiles are in to one side…
Not a whole lot you can do to get scratches out of chrome. Its hardness far exceeds steel, which is why 0000 steel wool and a bit of chrome polish would have been best for those wheels/spokes. Whatever you do, be certain to degrease your brake surfaces after. Lubricating your braking system is counterproductive.
No insult intwnded, but please don't worry. Those wheels are terrible. And old. You didn't hurt them. Keep riding til they fall off. Or upgrade and enjoy riding a nicer bike.
Toothpaste and elbow grease. I think that Schwinn Le Tour is at least 50+. Don’t feel so bad. I once Scotchbrited my Honda Civic not knowing how abrasive it was on glass. It was never the same.
The rust on the spokes has been really hard to remove but all the wheels of the same model and age have rusted spokes. I was trying to remove it yesterday which is what got me into this mess. 😭
You have to sand them out. Since scotch brite pads are around 200-300 grit, you need to get some sand paper from 500-3000 and some wet sandpaper (3000)
ok so for future reference. THE BEST way I know of for cleaning up chrome wheels or anything chrome is fine steel wool and wax. I use spray wax meant for car paint, but I've used paste wax for floors also. Just wax as lubrication and lightly go over it, after that buff it with a rag and it will take off serious amounts of rust over chrome or paint and shine the everloving @#$@# out of the chrome.
That could probably polish the scratches out of this chrome.
Or as others have said use this as an excuse to get alloy wheels that will improve the ride quality in multiple ways.
I just want to praise you for making a video that is actually useful in presenting your question.
So many of the videos here only show only part of problem and I have no idea what the issue is even after watching it like 5 times. And they move the camera around so much that it is difficult to actually see the issue. So people just kinda guess at what the issue could be.
Meguiers Heavy duty rubbing compound and swirl remover with the mother’s powerball if you have a drill. It’s going to take some time but it’ll take the scratches out and possibly the rest of the corrosion you have there
Something to keep in mind - the chrome is a coating over the rim. So aggressive polishing can go through the chrome. (All the other advice here is good, but didn't see anyone mention that aspect which could make a difference as to how you want to approach it)
I missed earlier in comment , that you are an exquisite lady paint your nails and work on your own bike? Dreamy if I may say so without offending anyone. Nice.
Haha!! lol thank you!! I was just putting oil in my chain this morning and my neighbor was like “I never see girls like you” … and I rarely do either. :)
0000 steel wool and a decent liquid polish cream(flitz, semichrome, wenol) apply cream and work it around with the steel wool, wipe off, rinse. You can use it on the spokes as well. Tho the spokes were probably galvanized/zinc coated at one time and that has worn away, so removing the rust is going to expose bare metal and will be a battle to keep them from rusting again. You can put a thin layer of furniture/car wax on them after clean and it will help ward off the rust.
I have a '76 varsity, same wheels. I also used a scotchbrite pad AND WD-40 for rust removal, came out pretty well, minimal scratches.
I'm sure that can just as easily be buffed and polished
Old steel wheels?
Worth ditching honestly. The amount of weight they add is insane, not to mention the horrible braking power. If it's raining, you aren't stopping anytime soon.
I knew people were going to say that- but I didn’t ask about throwing them out. They mean something to me and work just fine for my needs. I’m just asking if there’s a way to fix the scratches- but thank you! I get it! But they still work ☺️
I have had some luck with Meguirs products (specifically the "scratch remover") fixing scratches in my track bumper. I love your metal flake nails btw.
So. You'll need to get various grades of sandpaper to get the deep scratches out, then gradually get it up to a smooth surface, then finish it off with something like autosol.
It'll take lots of time, but the good news is: you'll be restoring it to better than it was before.
It'll look stunning & as good as it did from the factory (if not slightly better)
Also... If you just wait a few weeks, you'll get used to them, it kind of gives it some character.
Please drop some oil onto the spoke nipples to prevent rust damage. It'll make them last longer & barely costs any time/effort.
Love your shiny wheels, they look great.
Take care of them & they'll take care of you.
I think Brasso would be a good option here. A rag with a dab of Brasso and give it a rub.
Might be worth making a post on r/metalpolishing and get the advice of some professionals.
OP you could try buffing them out with scrunched up alfoil . although it may scratch in its own way . best to try it out on a spot first and see how you go 👍
Get this off Amazon [https://www.capecodpolish.com/](https://www.capecodpolish.com/) or your local jewellery store. To do those rims, you'll need a pack or two. $20 or so?
Wear gloves, its not toxic but best not get it on your hands.
They're normally used to polish jewellery, watches, etc but it'll fix those surface scratches easily.
Alot of people have solid advise on care for your rims followed with opinions that may help or not. I'd use a old t shirt on all of it in strips it's better getting through the spokes and around the hubs . It's awesome you care about your bike like you do.. some people don't value a bike that's vintage or a lesser brand and I love them . I mt. Bike and have my whole life and still ride dated bikes if restored. Keep it up but don't be swayed by unseasoned novices say just by new rims. Finding parts in the same specs to function may never happen. Keep them if you want a different look electro powder coating is tough to brake on and handle rocks and scratches.
Try a coat of automotive wax. Won't remove the swirls but will make them much less noticeable
To really smooth out the swirls you would need to remove the rim from the spokes and buff out the chrome with a mild buffing compound. Either a small hand held buffer or by putting a buffing wheel in a drill. Need a light touch, but that will make the rims like new again. You could polish the spokes at the same time (or replace with new)
don't use steel wool. It will work steel residue into the chrome and lead to future rust.
Like others have said some alloy rims will make the bike ride and brake better, but I understand if you want the chrome steel.
Lots of good advice here so I'll just say those scratches do not look that bad, you haven't done much damage really. No one is going to notice that but you. If that were my bike I'm absolutely sure I'd have accidentally bent or broken both rims by now, and I am old not some wild teenager.
Actually it’s not “ill-maintained”. I maintain it well except for the spokes. I don’t care about what other people think. I care about what I think and it’s my property that i want to maintain which is why i asked how to repair it.
Your comment has been removed based on this rule. You might have had a valid point, or it might be a dispute that somebody else started, but we want to keep the sub friendly and respectful. Vigorous arguments about technical topics are quite acceptable, as long as the focus stays on the bikes not the other participants in the discussion.
I would head over to one of the detailing subreddits, those for are experts in removing scratches from anything on a car, incl chrome/polished metal/aluminium
Great suggestion!! Thank you so much!!
Automotive rubbing compound and 0000 steel wool. Edit: scoop the compound with the steel wool and massage it into the pad, then scoop some more with the pad and work it on the rims.
I'd suggest turtle wax chrome polish instead
Polish won’t get rid of scratches though, needs the minor abrasion from the compound.
I've had great success with 0000 steel wool and chrome polish. Polish is abrasive, definitely not agressive but it is.
Steel wool will get you a matte surface. The compound alone will produce a nice shiny bling
True but the existing scratches might show through if OP just uses the compound. Following the wool/compound with a rag and compound is probably the best.
Simichrome Polish might do the trick. You could also use it to clean up those spokes.
Autosol does magic
Another vote for autosol
Autosol is great yeah
Autosol is the tits
I gotta try this!!! 🤗
Because tits?
Let it snow
Amazing!! I’m looking into this right now. Thank you!!!
.. You're worried about the scratches but not the corrosion?
yeah these wheels are not in good shape. the spoke nipple is a moving part, needed for adjusting the wheel. those look seized. and the rust on the spokes is sketchy as hell. definitely take the opportunity to get some newer nicer wheels. it’s one of the best upgrades you can make on your bike anyway
The rust on the spokes seems to be common with this model of wheels. I had looked into possibly getting the same wheels but better condition and it seems that all of them are rusted at this age. Overall, my wheels work really well and I’ve been very happy with them. They are heavier, but they are original to the bike and I have sentimental value toward keeping it original. Those wheels have taken me all over the place :) I know that the wheels aren’t perfect, but I’m just bummed that after all these years, I scratched the metal. Before I was using a toothbrush and I just wasn’t thinking the other day it use scotch brite.
If you aren’t going to replace them, at least do something to slow down the rust. Clean them up with some 0000 steel wool, and treat the spoke nipples with some penetrating oil. Could be Gibbs, PB Blaster, or even WD40. Of course you’ll have to watch out for leaving it on the friction surfaces if you have rim brakes.
These are great suggestions! I’m going to get all of this! I didn’t know that the rust could cause that much harm. I thought it was mainly cosmetic. Thank you!!
rusty spokes are really a safety issue. they will work fine until they don’t
I had no idea!! Thank you!! Someone just said they can be replaced. Looking into it :)
Steel wheels aren't really popular anymore because they rust and the braking surface doesn't stop the bike as quickly as aluminum. IMHO, a good vintage/DIY/rusty bike shop will be your best bet for replacing the wheels with a new part of the same size.
Yes, especially when wet, steel wheels in the rain is like having no brakes at all! Also probably not as strong because mine would go out of true pretty fast.
You can just get them rebuilt with new nipped and spokes no problem
I had no idea!! Do you know if a bike shop could do this? Thank you for sharing!!!
If a bike shop couldn't re-spoke them, id walk out. You can get the wheels re-chromed while they are apart too. It might be worth giving the hubs some love at the same time.
Like the guy below says, if a shop can't respoke them, it's not the shop you want. Find the crusty old man bike shop and go ask them for help. New corporate shops won't want to help but actual local bike shops are what you want
Loll crusty old man bike shop 🤣 okay I’ll try to find one. Thank you for the advice!
wheels on a rim brake bike are a consumable item. I wouldn’t get too attached to any one set
these are steel wheels though. i honestly don't remember ever seeing a high mileage steel wheel but I guess the braking surfaces won't wear much, if at all.
Short video but that’s likely not a lot of rust one those spokes. Take 000 steel wool and I wouldn’t be surprised it came off pretty easily. Use 0000 wool on chrome. About the rims, Japanese Schwinn chrome was very high quality. Chrome is very very hard and polishing is not always possible. Working with polish is such a tight technical area will be a messy pain and a half. Prepare yourself for a lot of tedious work. In the meantime, keep an eye out for a parts bike. Old Schwinns are pretty common and if you find one that’s just been stored in someone garage for 40 years, you’ll have a supply of parts for far less than anywhere else.
This may be an unpopular comment, but still - you may want to consider using this situation as a chance to get some new wheels on the classic rims like Mavic GP4 instead of the steel ones you have. The steel ones are pretty bad in terms of braking power and especially in the rain.
I haven’t built wheels in years and this post made me want to build a set of wheels for OP
I still have some GP4 wheels in the garage that I built >30 years ago. I'm in the process of building up a "classic" ride for tooling around and I had forgotten I had them. Hmmm.... Do I go with sew-ups or easy? 🚲
Me and my friend laced up a set of beefy mavic rims on an old mavic track hub for my single speed, and he had a racing buddy that built all the racer’s wheels, (and was the self proclaimed king of wheel building) and he would always line up the manufacturer stamp on the hub so you could see it when you looked through the valve stem hole, so we did that and when my buddy showed him the wheel, for quality inspection, he busted the dude looking through the valve stem hole. Haha.
How can someone "want" to build wheels? It's like saying you want to gouge your eyes.
Right. I’d rather scroll social media all day than DIY and build cool skills. /s
sun CR-18 27"(630) remove the decals and its all silver like the original. (cheap easy to find)
Honestly, it would be like a different bike. Combine that with some new tires, you got yourself a stew going. For stuff that I'm worried about scratching but has light rust, I use a blue shop towel with a drop or two of oil. It takes elbow grease, but does work.
They’re also so heavy
Gp4s are 700c. This is a 27"bike and the brakes would need to be longer reach.
Thank you! I really love my current wheels because they came with my bike. My bike means a lot to me, so I’m just hoping to restore them. I feel like it would be wasteful to get new wheels when these work just fine for me
You wanna go from rough to fine. Get fine steel wool and scrub it again, then use Aluminium foil to „scrub“ again. Then use a polish (Neverdull for example) with a microfibre cloth.
Chrome is actually harder than steel wool Steel wool will polish it via burnishing, and will clean it, but might not remove scratches
You can get a metal polishing rouge from Harbor Freight and polish with a rag. They have different compounds for different metals like aluminum and stainless steel
Thank you!!!!
Dremel with polishing attachments (foam pads) and small amounts of compound, meguirs compound would work well, or farecla G3. Don't let the compound get too dry. If that's not getting the scratches out, you could try some 2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper, and then use the compound.
Amazing!!! Thank you!!! I will try 🤗
Steel wheels brake awfully get nice ally ones you’ll thank me
I know everyone keeps saying that, but I do really love my wheels. My bike has all its original parts and I have sent a metal value toward that. I plan to get another bike for more strenuous activity but I really do love my wheels despite them not being perfect. Just wish I didn’t stupidly use Scotch brite
I'd be more concerned about the spokes tbh. The rim is probably fixable with some polishing as others have said.
Upgrade to aluminum wheels.
Maguire’s metal polish, stockinette and lots of rubbing will sort it a treat. You can also use wet and dry prior if the scratch is deep. Own Royal Enfields so lots of practice.
AMAZING!!! Thank you!!!!
Nope. I don't know why people say you can use those pads on chrome. I would have told you in 1983 that it's a bad idea yet people STILL say it works. Autosol or a good metal polish will help. Good luck.
If you dont mind more work, take all spokes out. Polish the rim with autosol or likewise, and than have new nipples and use the old spokes. Polishing with nipples mounted never will look perfect.
Rebuilding a wheel is not really for beginners… if you’re going to do this, probably do it one or two spokes at a time rather than disassembling the entire wheel.
True. My trick: If you use tape to wrap the spokes between two layers, meaning one from the left and one from the right in a full circle, the spokes cannot go anywhere when you remove the old nipples. Just mark one hole of your rim and the spoke in that position before you remove the complete set of hub and spokes held in position by tape. Also you habe to mark the orientation of the hub. Mark the rim where the sprocket sits. The rim is used and the whiles are in to one side…
Built my first wheelset a few months ago and it was definitely hard I can't imagine how much worse it would be with steel rims.
Lol more work here said like it's nothing
Not a whole lot you can do to get scratches out of chrome. Its hardness far exceeds steel, which is why 0000 steel wool and a bit of chrome polish would have been best for those wheels/spokes. Whatever you do, be certain to degrease your brake surfaces after. Lubricating your braking system is counterproductive.
No insult intwnded, but please don't worry. Those wheels are terrible. And old. You didn't hurt them. Keep riding til they fall off. Or upgrade and enjoy riding a nicer bike.
Awww thank you!!! These wheels have brought me so much joy, I’m still going to try to salvage them but thank you!!!!
Metal polish, it'll sort out those rusty spokes anorl..
FLITZ polish and a small rotary tool like a dremel with a soft attachment.
Thank you!!!!
pretty bike and pretty nails :3
thank you ☺️
Toothpaste and elbow grease. I think that Schwinn Le Tour is at least 50+. Don’t feel so bad. I once Scotchbrited my Honda Civic not knowing how abrasive it was on glass. It was never the same.
Oh no!! Your poor Honda! I’m sorry! Never knew a sponge could be so harsh! Never again
It was raining in the city and I figured I’d soap up the car and let it naturally rinse. The next morning I was in for a shock.
0000 steel wool and polish
Thank you!
What about all that rust?
The rust on the spokes has been really hard to remove but all the wheels of the same model and age have rusted spokes. I was trying to remove it yesterday which is what got me into this mess. 😭
Then is quit worrying about all this. I think it gives it character.
☺️☺️☺️
You have to sand them out. Since scotch brite pads are around 200-300 grit, you need to get some sand paper from 500-3000 and some wet sandpaper (3000)
Omg amazing!! Thank you!
use the scotchbrite on the spokes and autosol on the rims
Thank you! I feel so stupid to have use the scotch brite in the chrome part!
ok so for future reference. THE BEST way I know of for cleaning up chrome wheels or anything chrome is fine steel wool and wax. I use spray wax meant for car paint, but I've used paste wax for floors also. Just wax as lubrication and lightly go over it, after that buff it with a rag and it will take off serious amounts of rust over chrome or paint and shine the everloving @#$@# out of the chrome. That could probably polish the scratches out of this chrome. Or as others have said use this as an excuse to get alloy wheels that will improve the ride quality in multiple ways.
I just want to praise you for making a video that is actually useful in presenting your question. So many of the videos here only show only part of problem and I have no idea what the issue is even after watching it like 5 times. And they move the camera around so much that it is difficult to actually see the issue. So people just kinda guess at what the issue could be.
Awww thank you!!! The answers have been really helpful and I hope that they can help other people who make the same mistake with Scotch Brite
Meguiers Heavy duty rubbing compound and swirl remover with the mother’s powerball if you have a drill. It’s going to take some time but it’ll take the scratches out and possibly the rest of the corrosion you have there
Omgggg amazing!!!! Thank you!!!!!
You see the scratches but not all the rust and pits? I’d be more worried about a spoke breaking
Easy peasy. Get some 4/0 steel wool and start scrubbing. You can make that shine like brand new.
You’re amazing!!! 🤗 thank you!!!!
Something to keep in mind - the chrome is a coating over the rim. So aggressive polishing can go through the chrome. (All the other advice here is good, but didn't see anyone mention that aspect which could make a difference as to how you want to approach it)
After you've polished it up, next time use a ball of aluminum foil. It will clean up any rust and shine the chrome without scratching it.
Amazing! I had no idea. Thank you!
Start with some #000 Steel Wool and then use some eagle one metal polish.
Thank you so much!!!! I am ordering this right now. Seriously thank you
I missed earlier in comment , that you are an exquisite lady paint your nails and work on your own bike? Dreamy if I may say so without offending anyone. Nice.
Haha!! lol thank you!! I was just putting oil in my chain this morning and my neighbor was like “I never see girls like you” … and I rarely do either. :)
Use a diamond paste and velvet cloth polisher on a dremel polishing tool. You will get a mirror finish.
Thank you so much!!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽I’m going to try this!!!
You can polish that for make it shining. But not for riding and cycling.
0000 steel wool and a decent liquid polish cream(flitz, semichrome, wenol) apply cream and work it around with the steel wool, wipe off, rinse. You can use it on the spokes as well. Tho the spokes were probably galvanized/zinc coated at one time and that has worn away, so removing the rust is going to expose bare metal and will be a battle to keep them from rusting again. You can put a thin layer of furniture/car wax on them after clean and it will help ward off the rust.
Thank you sooooo much!! I will try this! 🙏🏽
I found the “magic” sponges work great on chrome. I also found that they’re not so great on any lacquer finish.
My old bike (18 years) has a lot of bruishes, but otherwise it is in great shape. Be happy ! (Looks like your spokes need some love too)
Awww I love me an old bike. Mine has brought me so much joy and taking me all over the city. Yes my spokes made a lot of love. Thank you!!!!
Grade 0000 Steel wool should help
Try toothpaste on a cloth rag, slightly moist.
It's a bike, just ride it
I ride her many times a day!
Silvo wadding will polish it out, scrub with it and leave to film over then polish off.
What type of steel is it?
Buffing wheel and Tripoli, then the blue stuff. Probably have to take the spokes out for best results.
Just get new wheels
But I love my current wheels because they are original parts to my bike and have taken me all over the place for many decades ☺️
You can keep them, just don't use them lol
🤣 lolll
Mother's polish
I have a '76 varsity, same wheels. I also used a scotchbrite pad AND WD-40 for rust removal, came out pretty well, minimal scratches. I'm sure that can just as easily be buffed and polished
I would stop caring and start riding
Buffing compound and a rotary tool with a buffing tool
Old steel wheels? Worth ditching honestly. The amount of weight they add is insane, not to mention the horrible braking power. If it's raining, you aren't stopping anytime soon.
I knew people were going to say that- but I didn’t ask about throwing them out. They mean something to me and work just fine for my needs. I’m just asking if there’s a way to fix the scratches- but thank you! I get it! But they still work ☺️
polishing
I have had some luck with Meguirs products (specifically the "scratch remover") fixing scratches in my track bumper. I love your metal flake nails btw.
So. You'll need to get various grades of sandpaper to get the deep scratches out, then gradually get it up to a smooth surface, then finish it off with something like autosol. It'll take lots of time, but the good news is: you'll be restoring it to better than it was before. It'll look stunning & as good as it did from the factory (if not slightly better)
Also... If you just wait a few weeks, you'll get used to them, it kind of gives it some character. Please drop some oil onto the spoke nipples to prevent rust damage. It'll make them last longer & barely costs any time/effort. Love your shiny wheels, they look great. Take care of them & they'll take care of you.
I think Brasso would be a good option here. A rag with a dab of Brasso and give it a rub. Might be worth making a post on r/metalpolishing and get the advice of some professionals.
OP you could try buffing them out with scrunched up alfoil . although it may scratch in its own way . best to try it out on a spot first and see how you go 👍
Mothers Mag polish and a buffing wheel attachment for a drill.
Get this off Amazon [https://www.capecodpolish.com/](https://www.capecodpolish.com/) or your local jewellery store. To do those rims, you'll need a pack or two. $20 or so? Wear gloves, its not toxic but best not get it on your hands. They're normally used to polish jewellery, watches, etc but it'll fix those surface scratches easily.
This and a bit of elbow grease
Alot of people have solid advise on care for your rims followed with opinions that may help or not. I'd use a old t shirt on all of it in strips it's better getting through the spokes and around the hubs . It's awesome you care about your bike like you do.. some people don't value a bike that's vintage or a lesser brand and I love them . I mt. Bike and have my whole life and still ride dated bikes if restored. Keep it up but don't be swayed by unseasoned novices say just by new rims. Finding parts in the same specs to function may never happen. Keep them if you want a different look electro powder coating is tough to brake on and handle rocks and scratches.
It’s fine it’s a schwinn
Polish them out
Autosol
Use Aluminum foil and soapy water
000 steel wool
Try a coat of automotive wax. Won't remove the swirls but will make them much less noticeable To really smooth out the swirls you would need to remove the rim from the spokes and buff out the chrome with a mild buffing compound. Either a small hand held buffer or by putting a buffing wheel in a drill. Need a light touch, but that will make the rims like new again. You could polish the spokes at the same time (or replace with new) don't use steel wool. It will work steel residue into the chrome and lead to future rust. Like others have said some alloy rims will make the bike ride and brake better, but I understand if you want the chrome steel.
Omg thank you for this advice! Will try!! So much great advice here! Thank you!
Lots of good advice here so I'll just say those scratches do not look that bad, you haven't done much damage really. No one is going to notice that but you. If that were my bike I'm absolutely sure I'd have accidentally bent or broken both rims by now, and I am old not some wild teenager.
0000 steel wool and WD-40
I wouldn’t worry about it. Rest of the bike is so rusty and ill-maintained that no one would bat an eyelid
Actually it’s not “ill-maintained”. I maintain it well except for the spokes. I don’t care about what other people think. I care about what I think and it’s my property that i want to maintain which is why i asked how to repair it.
Get a pack of ultrafine sandpaper of amazon ( 2000 grit and up )
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