Topic: Rechroming old Honda parts

[kyle750]

Many of the chrome parts on my CB550 were too far gone (dented and extremely rusted) and beyond saving - fenders and fork ears.    They were replaced with original parts in much better condition. But the handlebars on the bike are in decent shape (not dented or pitted) showing some light surface rust.  Unfortunately the original chrome plating has almost completely worn off.  Finding correct replacement handlebars in excellent shape might prove to be a difficult search and because it is such a long part the shipping would be prohibitively expensive.  I believe the original handlebars currently on the bike might be a good candidate for saving and rechroming. 

I have no experience with rechroming and plating but I am told it is a service that is readily available here in Thailand where I live from both small shops and larger industrial companies.    Price is reasonable but quality probably varies widely.  Obviously I would want a quality plating job that would last a long time and not start peeling after only a few short years.

As always your thoughts and observations and sharing any experience would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[kyle750]

When I took the indicator light cluster off the handlebars you could really see the original high quality Honda chrome underneath 

[Ozzybud]

Original Honda chrome was not quality show chrome.
It was called flash chrome and was very thin and most pieces were done over bare metal with no copper prep underneath
 It was not made to last 50+ years.. but here we are.
If you score nos parts and pieces you will.open the package and be disappointed if you were expecting perfection.

[seanbarney41]

Yeah, say what you want about the quality of Honda's chrome, sure it was not done with the most expensive process, but then have a look at the Yamahas and Suzuki's that shared garage space right next to the Honda for decades.  I don't think the difference you see is due to the dog having an aversion to pissing on the Honda.  That said, having Japanese motorcycle parts rechromed is not something that is often financially viable here in the states anymore.  If it is in Thailand, don't take that benefit for granted!

[kyle750]

Closeup photo.  Original vintage Honda rear view mirrors purchased used on Ebay for very little money with excellent chrome vs the old worn chrome of the handlebars

[kyle750]

A little hard to believe but this is a very small shop located 15 minutes from me.  It has received good reviews for quality of rechroming with long lasting results.    He will even rechrome exhaust pipes (no guarantees).  I've read that there are better quality plating shops in and around Bangkok but I don't know if it is worth the extra effort.

[MauiK3]

I'd suggest picking a few parts and let the shop to them to see how they do. If they do ok, do your more visible and important stuff. Go visit them to see if they are doing a copper layer and look at anything they have on display.

[Stev-o]

A little hard to believe but this is a very small shop located 15 minutes from me. 

I've had car and bike parts re-chromed here in Texas, it is very expensive but the shop I used did a great job, including the exhaust pipes on my Kawasaki.

Bring that shop one of your rusty fenders and give him a shot!

[kyle750]

Here is the translation of the sign outside:

Bad chrome

We accept chrome plating, nickel plating, copper plating, stainless steel plating, aluminum plating, and all types of metal plating.

06-316-6680

[Stev-o]

Here is the translation of the sign outside:

Bad chrome

We accept chrome plating, nickel plating, copper plating, stainless steel plating, aluminum plating, and all types of metal plating.

06-316-6680

Stainless and alum plating?  It must be polishing, that might be worth a shot too for your engine covers.