Chrome plating

kingwj · Posted: October 17, 2005, 2:37 pm Post subject: Chrome plating

Anyone had their header pipes or other pieces replated? I am looking for a company that will do good work, the bike is not show and I am not planning on going that way but Yamaha did not seem to think chrome should last 25 years.

I figure this would be a good winter project as it gets a bit cool and snowy here in beautiful Delaware Razz

Bill

Phred · Posted: October 21, 2005, 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: Chrome plating

Most major cities have at least one decent chrome shop. Check the local Harley or hot-rod shops to see who they use. Usually a lot cheaper than mailing them across the country and a good shop will understand what you want and will work with you. Also, if there are problems with the work, it's generally easier to get corrected if the shop is local.

xs650mike · Posted: October 21, 2005, 8:58 pm Post subject: Re: Chrome plating

kingwj wrote:

Yamaha did not seem to think chrome should last 25 years.

Well the chrome bits including headers still look good on my '82SJ (manufactured 9/81) but thats only 24 years, maybe they'll just rust all of a sudden just before the bike turns 25.:wink:

kingwj · Posted: December 1, 2005, 10:06 am Post subject: Re: Chrome plating

I found a shop who will rechrome the head pipes but he requires the pipes be cleaned of all carbon and exhaust residue as it will contaminate his tanks. Is there a product anyone knows of which will clean the pipe interior? I was thinking of using a plumber's snake with scotchbrite pads tied to the end to scrub the interior along with hot soapy water. Any better ideas?

xs650g · Posted: December 2, 2005, 11:54 am Post subject: Re: Chrome plating

Walmart sells a product that removes rust. I forget the exact name, but it is in the automotive section, and labeled "rust remover". It is a fairly strong acis in a gel base. I think that if you bought 2 bottles of this, applied it with very coarse steel wool (more abrasive than scotchbrite), and worked the heck out of it with a snake or a pull cord, I think you could get the pipes clean enough for a chrome bath.

Phred · Posted: December 6, 2005, 2:03 am Post subject: Re: Chrome plating

You might also try oven cleaner-the stuff is made to cut carbon and cooked grease.

Barrett · Posted: January 25, 2007, 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: Chrome plating

I bet, you could go to a local machine shop or radiator shop. Machine shops usually have a vat/hot tank for parts(like cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds) and radiator shops usually have a tank/vat to soak parts in to clean them.

Or, you could find some freeze plugs(the rubber ones with a nut on one side) and seal the tubes up that way.

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