This stuff might be interesting for a try as you actually are chrome plating the part and can apply it to a small area. Probably could use the same method to remove the rust 1st...
http://www.micromark.com/PLUG-N-PLATE-COPY-CHROME-PLATING-KIT,8327.html?vm=r Quote:Electroplate Small Parts at Home with the Plug N' PlateTM System
Plug N' Plate, a new concept in plating small parts, is ideal for vintage vehicle restorers, antique collectors and dealers, model builders, gun smiths, clock rebuilders, jewelers, prototype work and plating repair. Plug N' Plate is safe and easy to use: just clip one power supply output lead to your workpiece and the other to the plating wand. Dip the wand into the plating solution, then swab it onto your workpiece. You'll watch in amazement as a gleaming new finish appears before your eyes. Kit includes 120v AC power supply with low voltage output, 16 oz. plating solution, clip leads, plating wand and instructions.
#83083 Copy ChromeTM Kit is ideal for chrome plating small parts made of steel, copper, bronze, brass and tin. Also repairs small damaged areas of existing plating, like a small scratch in an automobile bumper. (Note: to plate die cast or pot metal parts, you must first apply a base of copper to prevent corrosion. See Micro-Mark #83248 Copper Plating Kit for details.)