Topic: Any Chrome Shops that can handle a '77 CB550 Exhaust?

[dagersh]

HI Guys,

Just looking at the future of my build.  My stock muffler is in nice shape, but since I am going all out on this bike, it could definitely stand to be redone.

2 Questions:

1.  Are there any shops you have had experiance with that can handle the rechroming of the entire system?

2.  Can I detach the end piece to remove the baffle so that the entire muffler can be rechromed?  There are acid stains on the inside face of the Muffler, although not bad, they are visible.

I have already soda blasted everything.  The Head Pipes are a bit pitted by the engine side flanges.

As always, your input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Gersh

[calj737]

It seems that most chrome players don't want to re-chrome exhausts due to contamination of their chemicals. If your system does have some rust and pitting, chroming it probably won't cover it very well, unless you spend the time to fully polish it out first.

You could opt for a ceramic powder coat in a chrome-like finish. It won't be stock, and it won't be plated, but it will look great, perform well, and be lots more durable.

Best Chromer I know of is Browns in KY.

[Rgconner]

And only you and your hairdresser will know the truth....

[Whaleman]

14 years ago I had a local shop do the mufflers from a 1966 Yamaha YM-1 I was restoring. These have baffles that can be pulled out. I paid extra for them to be hot tanked to clean out all the interior oil and carbon. he said I had to do this or it would wreck his tank chemicals. I don't know if this is an option for a CB750. Dan

[Whaleman]

http://www.thechromeshop.com/

Link to shop that did my mufflers. They do top quality work. Or at least they used to. Dan

[Stev-o]

I had my K4 aftermarket mufflers rechromed in Austin earlier this year.

[dagersh]

Guys,

Thanks for the great advice.  I will give The Chrome Shop in IL a buzz and see what they would do.

I would love to go the Ceramic route, as I did a pair of '86 Moto Guzzi Lario Pipes about 10 years ago ,a nd they still look new - I wish the rest of the bike looked half as good!

I have not seen the "Chrome" ceramic coatings in person, and I know a few years ago, they were not really a viable option on a restoration.

My 550F will be mostly stock, but not entirely, I am upgrading everything to be a better performing bike, so I am not against the ceramic, especially because the coating will pretty much last forever with smart maintenance.

Anyways, your thoughts on the Chrome Ceramic are most welcome.

Thanks!

Gersh

[calj737]

Here's a picture of a hub covered with it-

[dagersh]

Wow,

Its come a long way.  I can actually see a reflection in it. Just beautiful.

I think that is the way to go.

So, here is the uestion - can the mufler of the 550F come apart?  Or should I just send it for the ceramic with the baffle still in it?

Thanks,

Gersh

[calj737]

Well, that depends upon whether you intend to coat the inside, outside, or both. Baffle must be out to cost the interior of the tailpipe section. Does it remove? I have no clue.

Me, I'd coat the inside at a minimum and before I'd coat the outside. Interior costing performs far more benefit than exterior, but exterior shows better. Optimum is both. If you struggle to locate a local source for costing, give me a holler. I've a very good guy locally I can intro you to.

[dagersh]

calj,

I have used Jet Hot for the Lario, and looking at their site, their "polished"
color looks pretty good.

I did have the Lario Pipes done inside and out, and darn, if those head pipes aren't cool to the touch in a couple of minutes after a ride!

I would do inside/out again as I thnk it will last forever.

I jsut have to figure out how to get at the baffle, or at least have a conversation with Jet Hot on how they would handle it.

Gersh