Author Topic: Information on re-chroming  (Read 2228 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline techy5025

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 886
  • 1969 Diecast and Sandcast 750's
Information on re-chroming
« on: March 18, 2006, 05:32:38 PM »
Can anyone that's had parts re-chromed describe the process.  Do
that strip off all the old chrome and start from bare metal?  What
about rust.....do you have to sand or some such between the strip
and the replate?  ???

The parts in question are wheel rims and fenders.  They have a medium
amount of rust that will have to be removed.

How about steel bolts...can they be stripped and replated?

I suspect it is best to do all the parts at once rather than piecemeal also.

So many questions.....   ::)

Jim
........
1969 750 K0 (Reborn)
1969 Sandcast 750 K0 (Reborn)
2003 CBR600F4I
........

Offline seaweb11

  • 1st Mate &
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,258
  • Ride & Smile
    • Playground Directory
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2006, 09:51:51 PM »
The courier just picked up a box of parts for my recent rebuild project. 1st time I have sent stuff out for chrome/

I did include some bolts that can't be bought easily anymore, assorted parts and a fender with some rust on it.  I sent it and crossed my fingers. The place I sent them to has  a good reputation and I hope to get "like new"  results/

I will post the be-fores here now and the afters next week if that works for the thread.

Also a Post here on bike re-build http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=4489.45

Offline turtle

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 283
  • 1980 CX500 Custom
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2006, 05:14:13 AM »
The guy who is going to do my chroming said it all goes into an acid bath to remove old chrome, rust etc.
1972 CB350 Four
1977 CB750 K7
1979 Suzuki GT250 X7
1980 CX500 Custom
1980 CX500 Shadow
1981 CB900 Bol D'or
1982 CB750 F2



"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Offline Bob Wessner

  • "Carbs Suck!"
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,079
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2006, 05:31:26 AM »
Quote
I will post the be-fores here now and the afters next week if that works for the thread.

I would definately be interested in the "after" pics myself, thanks.
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline number13

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 521
  • 1973 CB500, 2002 VT750DC
    • Sound Exchange
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2006, 10:53:00 AM »
I've had a lot of chrome done here in Houston at Specialty Metal Finishing.
Like Turtle said, it all gets stripped of old chrome/gunk first, then dipped.
If there is any pitting or minor scratches they will, of course,
charge you to polish those out, so it is best to try to
clean things up as much as possible before sending them
out for plating.
It's sorta like painting, prep,prep,prep!!
Bikes parked out front mean good chicken-fried steak inside.

Offline techy5025

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 886
  • 1969 Diecast and Sandcast 750's
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2006, 06:42:10 PM »
Thanks for the replies.  I will wait with baited breath for the "after" pics.

The underside of the fenders lends itself to being sanded to remove rust, but
how to you remove the rust on the chrome side...just send with the old chrome
in place?  ???

Do these guys charge by the square inch of surface area , plus, plus,  for extras?

Sounds like I should wait for recent results before leaping.  I don't know whats
available here in Orlando, but if someones results are good elsewhere....into the
box they go.  ;D

Jim
........
1969 750 K0 (Reborn)
1969 Sandcast 750 K0 (Reborn)
2003 CBR600F4I
........

Offline seaweb11

  • 1st Mate &
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,258
  • Ride & Smile
    • Playground Directory
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2006, 06:55:43 PM »
It's all new to me.  I'm sure I will get a phone call from the chromers telling me how much extra work needs to be done.....or maybe not. Who knows, I need to get this bike finished so $$ won't be a stumbling block.

I will post after photos and my charges for anyones interest.

Offline grumburg

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 944
  • 74550, 76400F, 72 750 67S90, 68CL90, 65 s65 66 x6
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2006, 05:13:56 PM »
Chroming is  dirty, messy, boring, unhealthy work. Been through several chrome shops and they earn every dime. My favorite is Custom Chrome in Grafton, Ohio. They can work miracles.
Fonda Honda

Offline mutters

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 136
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2006, 08:05:37 PM »
 Techy,I asked my chrome guy a question just like yours ,then I couldn't shut him up!!
 I got a rear guard rechromed last year . After an indepth explanation of chrome plating , the  history, and the story of why my guard     needed    to be done properly and not like they do in taiwan ,I just left the piece with him.
 When I picked it up he started the story  where he left off a month ago. :-\
 Basically he stripped off the ol' chrome then copper plated the piece and polished it,to fill the rust spots. 3 times.
 then chromed and polished to a mirror finish.
 Some of the best money ever spent given the final product ;D
 Just give the people the parts and tell them what you're after ,it's that easy.
I know its only rock and roll,
but I like it...

Offline techy5025

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 886
  • 1969 Diecast and Sandcast 750's
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2006, 11:17:40 PM »
I always have trouble hearing people when they tell me how
great their work is......something keeps going ...  ka chang ..  ka chang .. very
loud in the background and drowns them out.  ;D ;D

Jim
........
1969 750 K0 (Reborn)
1969 Sandcast 750 K0 (Reborn)
2003 CBR600F4I
........

Offline mutters

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 136
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #10 on: March 21, 2006, 12:00:30 AM »
 Mate,I know that sound well. :o   But once you go down (or over ) to yhe plating joint and see what these guys do to earn their money,all you hear is "aaaahhhh" ;D
I know its only rock and roll,
but I like it...

Offline 74cb750

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,419
    • old japanese parts and bikes
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #11 on: March 21, 2006, 11:21:52 AM »
Wasn't there someone on this forum whom just opened a plating shop?
Laugh at least once a day.
Life  $ucks, then you die.
You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.
God forces us to live with  non-believers to test our resolve.

Offline Bob Wessner

  • "Carbs Suck!"
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,079
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #12 on: March 21, 2006, 11:36:11 AM »
I seem to recall reading about a revision to EPA rules recently regarding chromium and workers exposed to it. In short they were revisions to tighten current rules. My guess it this will translate into more $$$ for the shops and of course their charges to customers.
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline seaweb11

  • 1st Mate &
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,258
  • Ride & Smile
    • Playground Directory
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #13 on: March 21, 2006, 12:28:45 PM »
Update on photos above.
I received the quote today. $322.50 CDN or about $285.00 US  They are 3 weeks behind, so I won't get the stuff back until
April 15th.  I will post  the "after" photos then.

Offline techy5025

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 886
  • 1969 Diecast and Sandcast 750's
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #14 on: March 21, 2006, 01:31:49 PM »
Ouch....285 bucks and only one fender.  I'm probably looking at 1000 bucks or more
with two fenders and two wheels plus misc. other parts. :o

Hope the results turn out good and meet your expectations.  :)

Jim
........
1969 750 K0 (Reborn)
1969 Sandcast 750 K0 (Reborn)
2003 CBR600F4I
........

Offline Magpie

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,328
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #15 on: March 22, 2006, 10:28:15 AM »
$322 for all that stuff doesn't seem bad after my quote for a front fender with stays and a rear fender. Both needed some body work but were coming in at nearly $500 with tax. Could buy new from offshore for that I think.
Cliff.

Offline seaweb11

  • 1st Mate &
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,258
  • Ride & Smile
    • Playground Directory
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #16 on: March 22, 2006, 12:08:28 PM »
ALL the parts shown are IMPOSSIBLE to get anymore. I've tried :'(

ElCheapo

  • Guest
Re: Information on re-chroming
« Reply #17 on: March 22, 2006, 04:50:34 PM »
Chrome Masters is best. There is a reason the big gun commercial guys use them. Thier chrome surfaces are much thicker than most. The chrome is so nice it is just sick.

http://www.chromemasters.com/