Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Where can I get factory Black Chrome rechromed back oe black

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Where can I get factory Black Chrome rechromed back oe black

    Hi, I have contacted about everyone I could find on the internet to rechrome (black chrome) my 86 GS550ES exhaust. They have no damage or rust, just not glossy anymore. I cannot find a single place..period, that will re-black chrome them. Can anyone help? My bike is a IMHO a museum piece with less than 3k miles. I want it all oe. ANY suggestions would be appreciated. Also, wheels are in good shape but would like them redone to factory shine (machine finish outer spokes with black inlays if anyone has a line on that too).
    Thanks!

    #2
    This is your third thread on this same topic. You would do well to keep all the info consolidated so nothing gets lost or needlessly repeated.
    Ed

    To measure is to know.

    Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

    Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

    Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

    KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

    Comment


      #3
      In order to re-chrome them another chrome plating cannot be put over the existing chrome. They would have to be stripped and to do the job properly you might as well get them triple plated. Not cheap. Not only that, but most chrome shops are reluctant to chrome exhaust systems as there are oils inside that would contaminate the baths. There are 18 different baths that they would have to go through to do a proper triple plating job.

      Triple plating involves the first layer which is copper, then all blemishes are repaired. The next plate is nickel and the third is chrome. There is a shop here locally that does this however it may not be around too much longer. To get all of the miscellaneous pieces of my bike done, handlebar, fenders, tail light, chrome caps and luggage rack set me back $2500 Cdn. Then another $2000 for miscellaneous stuff, paint, tires, and everything else. The bike was appraised at $2500. Was it worth it? Yes, as I have gotten a lot of looks and thumbs up from people on the road. It is the only one like it around here. My exhaust was stolen off my back deck by a scrap metal dealer early one morning. I had to find another one and was able to cobble one together that looks original. But that took time, some tricky welding and a lot of work.

      Your best bet would be to get some chrome polish and work with that. Go to an automotive shop that sells paints etc, and ask them for the best chrome polish they have. You may even have to work it in with a buffer but it will shine.

      As for the wheels, they will come clean with lots of elbow grease and a scotchbrite pad with aluminum polish. You can use a Tremclad or similar black paint on the black parts. It is tedious but a small artist brush or sponge brush will work well. Took me several hours to do both wheels the first time, now it is just maintenance a few times a season.

      Comment


        #4
        If you use chrome polish and scrub the OEM black chrome the black will come off. I found this out scrubbing a couple of black chrome Katana exhaust systems I picked up and flipped.
        Ed

        To measure is to know.

        Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

        Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

        Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

        KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

        Comment


          #5
          Yep, black chrome will rub off with chrome polish. I found that out myself!
          1978 GS1085.

          Just remember, an opinion without 3.14 is just an onion!

          Comment


            #6
            My bike is a collector so polishing it off myself is out of the question.

            Comment


              #7
              I think your only option is to locate another mint exhaust. good luck, the black chrome seems rare.
              1983 GS 1100 ESD :D

              Comment


                #8
                Can you post up some high resolution photos of the exhaust system? The forum software here will not allow high resolution photos so you need to post them to a photo hosting site such as flickr and then link the IMG code here in order for the photo to show up in high resolution. Of course, you can't photo/clean the system properly unless it's removed from the bike so you will have to do that if it's not already done. If the system is still on the bike I strongly advise searching for info on how to remove the exhaust header bolts without breaking them off.

                As someone that has brought several low mileage bikes to life I suspect there are various other parts on the bike that need cleaning/painting/derusting. It would be very unusual to have a bike that's perfect in all ways but the exhaust system. Chrome cleaner will remove a lot of surface rust so that's what I would try first. Just don't hammer away with the stuff trying to remove every single little bit of rust flecking. That's the type of scrubbing that diminishes the black. It's a balancing act anyway; a little rust speckling but slightly reduced black color is not the worst compromise.

                If you were to find someone to do the chrome work I suspect it will cost you in the range of $500+ USD. Is it worth that to you?
                Ed

                To measure is to know.

                Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

                Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

                Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

                KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

                Comment


                  #9
                  Have you tried these guys? https://www.arlingtonplating.com/cap...hrome-plating/
                  sigpic
                  09 Kaw C14 Rocket powered Barcalounger
                  1983 GS1100e
                  82\83 1100e Frankenbike
                  1980 GS1260
                  Previous 65 Suzuki 80 Scrambler, 76 KZ900, 02 GSF1200S, 81 GS1100e, 80 GS850G

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Thanks, I sent them an email with picture

                    Comment


                      #11
                      yes, it's worth it. Why is it hard to believe the bike is pristine ? Maybe not perfect or new condition but one of the best in the country I would say. Will post pics

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Nobody is saying your bike is not pristine. What he was asking was whether the possible $500 cost was worth it to you.

                        I have spent more money on something than most owners would, but it was worth it to ME. I could never expect to get more than a small fraction of that cost back, if I were ever to consider selling the bike, but that option currently does not exist.

                        .
                        sigpic
                        mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
                        hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
                        #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
                        #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
                        Family Portrait
                        Siblings and Spouses
                        Mom's first ride
                        Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
                        (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Any response from the black chrome place yet? Did they mention anything seeing that the exhaust has been ran full of carbon and soot? Ive heard most places will not take on used exhausts.
                          MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                          1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                          NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                          I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            why not weld metal plugs in appropriate places? Couldnt be that hard to do.
                            1983 GS 550 LD
                            2009 BMW K1300s

                            Comment


                              #15
                              I was thinking rubber test tube stoppers at both ends to keep carbon at bay.
                              MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                              1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                              NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                              I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X