Re-Chrome Luggage rack?

[BriTXbike]

My 83 GS850G came with the rack system when I purchased the bike but they have a good amount of rust. I was thinking about having them re-chromed. You think anybody would do this or has any other ideas on how I can rid the eye sore or Rust on the Rack?

[crag antler]

Check in the local phone book for Chrome/Metal Plating shops.
Usually some still around.
I had mine down for my GT250 for around $75.00 a few years back. Still looks good. 8)

[Anonymous]

chrome rack

Years back I saw a buddy clean up an rusty old set of chrome rims he had read about using tin foil (not aluminum) and kerosene he tried it and it worked killer it was hard to belive they were the same rims when he was done

[isaac]

Re: chrome rack

Years back I saw a buddy clean up an rusty old set of chrome rims he had read about using tin foil (not aluminum) and kerosene he tried it and it worked killer it was hard to belive they were the same rims when he was done

What do you mean he "cleaned up" chrome rims "using" tin foil and kerosene? What do you do with those items to make the wheels look better?

[Anonymous]

chrome clean up

simple answer; Elbow grease

[Anonymous]

Details: wad up the tin foil in a ball dip it in the kerosene and rub like crazy

[Jethro]

I've heard some chrome shops will not put a rusty old part in thier chrome bath. Apparently it can contaminate the whole bath.

[BriTXbike]

Jethro you have a good point. I'm going to start calling around next week, bonus came through 8)

I suppose I could try the Tin foil thing but other then metal like Aluminum I'm not sure how chrome could be made to look new after the plating is gone.

[jimcor]

Re: chrome rack

Years back I saw a buddy clean up an rusty old set of chrome rims he had read about using tin foil (not aluminum) and kerosene he tried it and it worked killer it was hard to belive they were the same rims when he was done

Where do you find tin foil? I've heard of this technique before.

[johnnyh750ex]

Yes, rust will contaminate the bath. Use a wire wheel brush and coarse sandpaper to remove the old chrome and the rust. Then bring the part to the plater. Will look like new. Just be sure you polish it up real good with fine emery before plating as how it looks under the chrome will show thru.
Buff it up, then plate it up. 8)

[Rock]

Regular aluminum foil and coke-cola pop will do wonders on rust removal quickly. Try it and you will be amazed. It won't take out any pitting though and in those cases new chrome would be best.

[Anonymous]

Depending on your taste, you may consider powder-coating.

There was an old, nasty GK luggagge rack left over from a bike I parted out. Couldn't toss it maybe it would be used someday. Anyway, I cut off all the extra brackets, sandblasted the thing and had it powder-coated flat black for $40.

The thing is a bit large :? , so flat black makes it "disappear" somewhat.

Just my two bits, you have options if the chrome doesn't fly. greg

[BriTXbike]

Well since I purchased my bike 4 of my neighbors ran out and bought new bikes. LOL One of them has a new Suzuki M50 after recently passing his MSF course AND DROPPED IT LAST WEEK! I TOLD HIM.

Anyways got to talking with one of them and he has a buddy that Powder coats. I think I might take this route at this point, for cost reasons. Now the question is should I have it media blasted or take a day and sand the crap out of the entire rack? I haven't called to see how much media blasting would cost is why I ask.

[Anonymous]

I sandblasted mine, worked out great. Would media blasting "rough" up the chrome enough for powder-coating to stick?

[Rock]

I has some chrome parts powder coated and the powder coater handled all the prep work.