Topic: chrome plating confusion

[gecko672]

So Im looking to re chrome some parts on the cb750. (gauge plates and a few bits and pieces.)
There are plating places all over Burbank CA.  So I call a few places and they say they do auto parts but only do hard chrome, one place says that its a satin finish. he says call around for places that do decorative chrome ( I think he said nickel based) if I want the shiny stuff.
I find another place that does decorative chrome. They say they dont do auto parts and that I need the hard chrome as the chrome they do  is for store fixtures, light fixtures etc stuff that stays indoors. They explain that the decorative chrome wont last outdoors and will peel and rust. they also said that the hard chrome is what I want and it is just down to the polishing as to how shiny it gets.
Now Im confused. I guess i wasn't aware of the differences. Anyone able to shed some light here? I might be asking the wrong questions of the plating places as well. What should I be asking for?
Cheers

[CycleRanger]

http://www.finishing.com/faqs/chrome.html   

[MCRider]

Can't help you out with your specific questions. I'll just throw in that if you want someone who knows, and will talk to you about it, may i suggest www.brownsplating.com  The shipping to KY is likely not more $$ than driving esp as you mention its just small parts.

Brown's advertises in the VJMC magazine and caters to the needs of the motorcycle crowd.

PS great link CycleRanger

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

+1  It doesn't get any better than Brown's. Pricey but you get what you pay for. You need at the least a 3 part chroming process. Copper, nickel then chrome for proper filling, smoothing and chrome plate adhesion. Ronnie Brown boasts that there's is a 7 step process.

[gecko672]

Thanks for the info.  As far as Brown's goes. When you say pricey, what are we talking? Do you have any examples? Im starting to wonder if some of the parts I was going to do might turn out way to expensive, compared to searching ebay for new ones.

[MCRider]

Thanks for the info.  As far as Brown's goes. When you say pricey, what are we talking? Do you have any examples? Im starting to wonder if some of the parts I was going to do might turn out way to expensive, compared to searching ebay for new ones.

If you click the link and go to theri homepage, then click "retail" you'll see the downloadable (or viewable) pricelist. The CB750 stuff starts on page 19 of the PDF, page 14 of the catalog itself. To me just the fact that they have cataloged and priced virtually every part of the CB750 and many other models as well indicates their dedication to the MC business. I've had 2 significant orders done by them. Turn around door to door was less than 2 weeks. We did have a problem in that they broke a part, They searched it down, (it was an out of production, non-honda aftermarket part) bot it, plated it and had it to me within days of the rest of the order.

Service is worth 10 to 15% to me. Pictures available on request (I like to show off)  

I'm sure you have a local place that can handle it, but you see what I'm saying? These guys are good.

[markb]

Some parts like turn signal posts and rear axle adjusters are much cheaper to buy than to get replated.  But the replating will probably be better quality.
Mark

[gecko672]

Brilliant. that price list is great. It will help me to see if any of he places around here are worth it. otherwise I'll definitely support Browns.

[Whaleman]

http://www.thechromeshop.com/

This shop is only 5 miles from my house and they do beautiful work on steel and aluminum. Browns does also but is expensive. Dan

[gecko672]

Cool. Thanks.

[Whaleman]

I would like to point out that while The Chrome Shop looks on its website like some giant chrome plating empire it is actually a small building with the owner in and working and polishing and running parts daily. I think it might be a 3 man operation. The owner does not let anything out that is not perfect. I have used them for 15 years. I have also used Browns because The Chrome Shop did not used to do aluminum. I think I sent my first parts to Browns back in 1974. I hope small operations like The Chrome Shop can stay in business but the owner told me it is getting harder for a small shop to meet all the EPA requirements. He once told me all chrome plating in 20 years will have to be sent to Mexico. Dan