Topic: chromed or polished aluminum, how to tell the difference

[550_ko]

Hello everyone.

I recently got a spare 750 engine with my new 750 and the guy told me the engine and carb parts had been chromed.  I am selling all the shiny stuff on ebay, 'cause it's really not my style, but I am now worried that perhaps I have listed them improperly (based on a guy who insists it's not chrome from the pictures).

They look like chrome.  Have some pitting like chrome in spots. Have some flaking in spots. And the covers and other aluminum bits are slightly attractive to a really strong magnet.  Do I have chrome or do I have polished aluminum? 

Is magnetism a definitive test?

Thanks.

Pics are here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4618836943&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4618841624&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT

[theunrulychef]

Aluminum is not magnetic.

The engine covers all look to be aluminum except for the clutch adjustment cover (steel) - whether they're all chromed or not is difficult to say from the photos, but it looks to be so.

The carbs are mostly aluminum, with some steel & brass parts.  They look like it's about 50/50 chrome.

Hope this helps
-Jay in Philly