Yes Dan, that is exactly what it seems to be. I just cleaned them with chrome polish and tin foil. They are now very shiny and ugly. I just put them back on the shell. I am going to use it as a down tom next to my 16" I don't think it will be to noticeable on stage under lights.
I will eventually find some replacements but these work for now.
I've even seen cases where the off-gasing spoils adjacent chrome with a black discoloration that also seems to have been a permanent ill effect, since I was never able to rid the pieces of it.
That chrome is blistered because the base metal underneath has corroded. The base metal is Zamac, a zinc alloy. When left in a very damp environment, the zinc will corrode which creates a white powder and also releases gas. The buildup of the powder and the gas causes the chrome to lift and blister. There is no repair, and the more you rub them, the more the chrome will flake off. They will never look good. They seem to be the clip-style lugs, no springs inside. If so, these are readily available and inexpensive. Much easier to just replace them and discard the old ones since they really are shot at this point...
yup/...
so Vibes...how many do ya need.?
contact me at [email]kfabian1970@gmail.com[/email]
Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.
