Topic: Complete chrome for a 750, has anyone done it? What to pay?

[edwardmorris]

I've seen some really over the top projects here in the project forum and I noticed that many cafe racer builds have a lot of chrome work and powder coating done on the bike. My 72 is almost complete now, except for the front fender (which I now have) all the remaining chrome was on the bike, but I think it the original coat. Will it be worth getting it all rechromed? If anyone has done it, I am looking for price ranges. One of the platers by my work really wants me to bring in all the parts so he can give me one lumpsum deal (not including the hm341s). From a quick scan I noticed the following are all chrome parts, and none of them are all that big/surface heavy.

Headlight ring
Speedo/Tach bottoms
handlebars
four blinker backs and rods
grab rail
rear shock spring covers
fenders
those things holding the headlight in place on the fork
exhaust flanges
shift lever
kickstarter
rims
Chain adjusters
axles/nuts
steering stem nut
fork caps
bar clamp bolts
horn cover

What would be a good deal to consider getting all this replated? Also, did I miss anything? I'll keep adding as I get help.

[harisuluv]

mirrors, shift lever, kick starter, exhaust/exhaust flanges, starter cover, RIMS

[edwardmorris]

mirrors, shift lever, kick starter, exhaust/exhaust flanges, starter cover, RIMS

Thanks, added a few. I might just end up buying NOS mirrors since I can't seem to find good used ones. Same for the starter cover, the one that's on there has dents in it.

[lone*X]

Chain adjusters, axles/nuts, steering stem nut, fork caps, bar clamp bolts, horn cover.......

[edwardmorris]

Chain adjusters, axles/nuts, steering stem nut, fork caps, bar clamp bolts, horn cover.......

I thought the chain adjusters were aluminum, must be wrong on mine then. Added all, thanks! Any hints on pricing?

[754]

I am guessing 1100 bux.
 Uness they show you a set of bars they did,  successfully,dont give them yours to screw up.
 Check BROWNS PLATING prices, you can get cheaper but you cant get better.

[harisuluv]

Yeah it ain't gonna be cheap.  I don't even know anyone who has redone a whole bike.

I think in most cases it's cheaper to just buy new parts!

[Nic]

I was quoted 200 bucks each for rims, I bought new DID ones cheaper. That might give you some idea just on the rims?

[Stev-o]

I was quoted $200 for a front fender.  I bought a nice used one for less than half.

[Black 750K8]

It will cost more than it is worth in the long run as far as resale goes. I don't think you would break even. Now if you decide to go to your grave with it or never sell it then only you can say if it is worth it. If your goal is a museum restoration maybe. If it were a sandy yes.

[Xnavylfr]

You should be able to buy GOOD chromed replacements for less than the cost to re-chrome,, except for the HM341s  Lucky if you can find some!!!



Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[Cougars750F0]

mirrors, shift lever, kick starter, exhaust/exhaust flanges, starter cover, RIMS

Frame, swing arm, hubs, sprocket, front sprocket cover, chain guard, triple tree, motor mounts and fork lowers! ;

[edwardmorris]

Thank you all for the input. It does look like most of the small(er) parts are just cheaper to replace as most of it is on ebay as OEM or NOS stocks.

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

I do have a rather banged up set of HM341s that I got patched up. Not entirely sure if it would be worth replating them as they've already cost me more than they should (live and learn). Out of curiosity, what would be a fair price to get them plated?

[MCRider]

I'm known for being a chrome whore. Check my build thread in my signature. Part of my build theme was to chrome (nearly) everything, with a few exceptions that could be polished aluminum instead. Excepting the frame and engine.  I've got over $5000 in chrome and counting. That doesn't include pipes. I used Brown's exclusively as their quality and service (turnaround time) can't be beat. A few parts were broken or not up to snuff and they promptly replaced them no questions asked.

They have a price list on their website for CB750s.  www.brownsplating.com I think.

Plating is in the eye of the beholder. I bot a new OEM dipstick thinking about the chrome. It was dull and lifeless. I sent it to Brown's and it is now deep, thick and luscious. Just depends on what you want.

Here's one batch, near $1000 I think. I had the ends of exposed bolts and in this case the brake spindle, chromed, so as not to detract from the chrome around it.

[harisuluv]

You can tell that is some thick quality chrome there.  Looks great even not close up.  A lot of parts like this have some rather rough castings so surely there is a lot of labor taking out those casting marks and smoothing/polishing. 

Chromed kickstand--that is luxury, brother.

[MCRider]

After having the swingarm rebuilt by HondaMan, it went to Brown's:


Ignition nut (spinning behind a clear points cover)


Shortened centerstand:


When I see how much I've done, I see how much is left to do. To chrome a whole bike, well, what's a whole bike?  Luckily Browns doesn't do frames.

[harisuluv]

that swingarm is dead sexy.

[edwardmorris]

Hooooly. As great as it all looks, its a bit much for me. What I meant was the complete stock stuff that was chrome on the bike out the factory door, not 100% of the bike. I'm absolutely loving the shortened center stand, perhaps I can do that too. Does it help with pulling it on?

[MCRider]

Hooooly. As great as it all looks, its a bit much for me. What I meant was the complete stock stuff that was chrome on the bike out the factory door, not 100% of the bike. I'm absolutely loving the shortened center stand, perhaps I can do that too. Does it help with pulling it on?

Well its good to define what you mean. Rechroming the stuff that was originally rechromed would be a good "theme" and look good too. Kinda raise the eyebrow, what's going on, appearance.

I dropped my rear to a 17" from the stock 18" (front to a 18" from 19") and with a /70 tire, getting it up on the stock stand was near impossible. Didn't realize it would make that much difference. On the shorter stand it just pops up, no sweat. A little dif profile on the feet helps too. Paid a local machinist about $100 to cut and weld it. It was too short. Paid him $50 to weld some feet on it. Paid Brown's $XX to chrome it.

[Stev-o]

Chrome whore....good one Ron!