Topic: Polished vs Chrome engine covers

[KC_Northstar]

Just got off the phone with Brown's Plating.  They charge the same for polishing as chrome plating, so I am trying to decide
which way to go with my engine covers.  My 750 K2 is totally stock, but I kind of like the chrome parts on the stock engine
and I don't think it will detract much from resale value in the future.  Anyone have any opinions on chrome vs polished engine covers?   Anyone have plating or polishing done by Brown's?

http://brownsplating.com/chrome_direct.php

[flybox1]

definitely no expert, but just from a maintenance aspect, i would guess that a polished surface would require MORE maintenance over the years , and some sort of clear coat, to prevent oxidation and to keep its shine.
If i had a choice, i would chrome plate.

[NewOldSchool]

Slightly different look with polished vs. chrome, but polished required a lot more maintenance to keep it looking shiny.

[CycleRanger]

Personally I don't care for chrome plated aluminum.
It's not that hard to break out a little aluminum polish now and then.

I also find it odd that they would quote the same price for polishing or plating since polishing must be done prior to plating.
And plating aluminum is a three-stage process.

[MCRider]

Just got off the phone with Brown's Plating.  They charge the same for polishing as chrome plating, so I am trying to decide
which way to go with my engine covers.  My 750 K2 is totally stock, but I kind of like the chrome parts on the stock engine
and I don't think it will detract much from resale value in the future.  Anyone have any opinions on chrome vs polished engine covers?   Anyone have plating or polishing done by Brown's?

http://brownsplating.com/chrome_direct.php

I've hada lot of chrome done by Brown's. Mid 4 digits. Beautiful show chome. (See the later half of my build thread). They told me the same thing on polishing v chrome. Polishing is the labor intensive part, same labor for both. So they discourage, and stop the conversation, polish only by pricing it the same. I've had some local shops do the polishing, they'll do it for half the chrome price often.

I did a lot of polishing my own self. Never happy with it and won't do it again. Either local polishing or Brown's chrome.

Chrome on engine covers is controversial, but Brown's does it all the time and it lasts fine. Controvery comes from bad chrome jobs failing and discoloring or chipping. Also some think chrome on the engine will make it run hotter. Never seen the proof though.

[jamesb]

i took my chrome covers off my 750 they suck. polished is the way to go.i polished my cases on my cb550 it holds a good polish yes you will have to stay on top of it but i think it is better.as far as the heat goes i think the 750 runs cooler with the polished covers it's just like when you put all the chrome stuff on a v8. i can tell the difference when sitting at a light that the polished aluminum is running cooler than the chrome plated aluminum.

[754]

 Polished is extra work.. chrome..wash with soapy water, rinse blow off with air..done..now you are riding.
 If you want chrome, pay the guys that do it right..

[CycleRanger]

I've had a lot of chrome done by Brown's. Mid 4 digits. Beautiful show chome. (See the later half of my build thread). They told me the same thing on polishing v chrome. Polishing is the labor intensive part, same labor for both. So they discourage, and stop the conversation, polish only by pricing it the same. I've had some local shops do the polishing, they'll do it for half the chrome price often.

I did a lot of polishing my own self. Never happy with it and won't do it again. Either local polishing or Brown's chrome.

Chrome on engine covers is controversial, but Brown's does it all the time and it lasts fine. Controvery comes from bad chrome jobs failing and discoloring or chipping. Also some think chrome on the engine will make it run hotter. Never seen the proof though.

Yeah, that makes some sense, it's the initial polish that takes the time & skill. I polish my own stuff, it's not as good as a pro job by any means and I hate doing it but I'm cheap.

[BobbyR]

Good Chrome is good. Good polish is good. Sounds conflicting but they do look quite different. Chrome can look too flashy and shallow. Well polished aluminum has a depth to it you cannot get with chrome. Once you have a good polished cover, keeping it up is a quick rubdown with Mothers in the spring and fall. You may want pass a wheel over it every couple of years.

It really depends on the look you want. Chrome has to be polished also.

[Stev-o]

I bought my K4 with a plated head cover and do not like it.  When the motor gets pulled, it will be replaced with the polished cover on the shelf. 

BTW, I also have a plated head cover on the shelf if your interested.

[Johnie]

Agreed...it depends on the look you want. The high chrome looks good if you are not going stock. My 750's are all stock so I have polished all my covers myself and use no clear. That way I can touch it up whenver I want too. As of yet, I have only touched it up with semi chrome polish and it still looks good. Granted it is dirty and tedious, but the end result is great. Plus I have the satisfaction of doing it myself and the cost is minimal...1 Sears buffer, three 6 inch cotton wheels, red, green, white rouge, time and patience.

[killersoundz]

I bought my K4 with a plated head cover and do not like it.  When the motor gets pulled, it will be replaced with the polished cover on the shelf. 

BTW, I also have a plated head cover on the shelf if your interested.

How much for the chrome plated valve cover???    msg me

[KC_Northstar]

Anyone have a picture of a stock 750K with chrome engine covers?

[mono]

yeah, polishing the aluminum yourself is initially very labor-intensive, but if you keep up with it, it involves minimal maintenance.  that said, chrome involves nearly NO maintenance, so... there's that.

[speedy gonzalais]

polished.

[Markcb750]

I prefer the look of polished..it just takes work.

[Stev-o]

Anyone have a picture of a stock 750K with chrome engine covers?

Not a great pic and my engine def needs some TLC, but this shows a chrome head cover and polished stator and shifter covers.

[Steel CB650C]

Its all good I perfer the polish but the crome is ok