Topic: Plating CB650 engine covers

[CBJoe]

I've searched, but I cant find a thread I read a while back about the material of the engine covers causing problems with plating.

What I want to do is copper plate the engine covers on my '80 CB650.  Does anyone have any experience or insight as to whether this is possible and any negatives of having it done?  Is there something about the material (Cast ZINC?) that would make this not possible.

Many thanks... Joe

[cb650]

The 82 nitehawk had some covers chromed plated already.




                 Terry

[eurban]

I do believe that your engine covers are made out of aluminum rather than zinc. Search here or elsewhere on the net for the ups and downs of plating (most typically it will be chrome but a copper coat will likely be part of the chrome plating process anyways) aluminum.   Try caswell platings website. 

[c_kyle]

The covers are aluminum, you could anodize them a copper color.

[CBJoe]

so.... I take it that there's no problem plating the engine covers then  .

Does anyone have any pictures of copper plated engine covers??  From what I understand, copper plating is one of the first prep steps in chrome plating.  Does anyone see reason why I couldn't copper plate and then clear coat?? 

Does anyone recommend a good plating shop in the Indiana/Indianapolis Area??

Many thanks
Joe

[ekim98]

 I think the biggest problem you may have is that the copper plating wants to oxidize so quickly, if you are not ready to clear coat within a very short time. I saw it on a chopper show I believe, and the guy said like about 1/2 hour and it starts to deteriate the shiny finish from the moisture in the air. 

[mystic_1]

How about powdercoat clear over copper plating?

I've seen clear powdercoats available but never seen it applied.  Anyone tried this personally?


mystic_1

[cb650]

U could also have a copper color powdercoated.



                   Terry

[CBJoe]

U could also have a copper color powdercoated.



                   Terry

Anything that has to be clearcoated in to remain shiney is doomed from the start. If that clearcoat chips, and if you do the chain housing it will, water can get behind the clearcoat and lift it. If thats the look your going for, why not powdercoat with a copper colour? not quite the same but it would be nice.

I thought about that today as well  .  I've been looking at some powder coating websites to check for colors.  If I can find a powder coating that's a good copper color, then I'll probably go with that since it'll most likely be cheaper and more durable. I'll probably try and hit some of the local shops to see an example of the paint in person.  All in all, this project is probably going to take me through next winter so I've got plenty of time to investigate

Overall, I think that my engine cover question has been answered.  But, I wish I could find the thread on the forum where chrome plating the engine covers was discussed.  I swear that I read that the covers were a cast "something??" with a thin aluminum coating.  And something about this caused issues with the plating process.

Thanks for the input ... Joe

[troppo]

i love that exhaust, your right looks very chrome like.
how colour fast, fade/stain resistant is it?

[troppo]

thanks for the link canuck,that looks like incredible stuff