1966 ironhead upper triple tree .... made of what ??
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From: santiago-chile
1966 ironhead upper triple tree .... made of what ??
Hello to everybody
I am restoring a 1966 ironhead.
I need to weld the upper triple tree. It is originally chromed (it seems to be at least).
The matter is I heard different opinions about the alloy that is made of. Some people say that is 'zamac' some others say that is 'aluminun'.
So the question is ... what is that made of ?? can be welded ?? can be chromed ??? (I believe that can be chromed since mine still have chrome )
Any help is welcomed.
I am restoring a 1966 ironhead.
I need to weld the upper triple tree. It is originally chromed (it seems to be at least).
The matter is I heard different opinions about the alloy that is made of. Some people say that is 'zamac' some others say that is 'aluminun'.
So the question is ... what is that made of ?? can be welded ?? can be chromed ??? (I believe that can be chromed since mine still have chrome )
Any help is welcomed.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
The old upper tree was a forged cast aluminium, no idea what the grade equivalent would, think like pot metal but much stronger and yes it can chromed rather nicely.
Welding, yes but needs somebody who knows what they are doing.
Welding, yes but needs somebody who knows what they are doing.
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From: santiago-chile
I took that to a shop that chrome and repair parts... I was told the best place in the city.
There has the conversation
-can this be welded and chromed ?
-this thing is made of aluminum so can not be chromed
-but you can see still have some chrome on it so how can you say it is made of aluminum and can not be chromed
-aluminum can not be chromed may be is some alloy like zamac-antimony in that case can not be welded
so ... they have not idea what is that made of but if it is made aluminum can not be chromed....
I am really confuse ...
I have a few 'alumaloy' rods. I may try welding with that I believe
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,524
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From: Long Island, New York
You can chrome aluminum, just not directly. Triple chrome plating, copper, then nickel, then the chrome. If you chrome the aluminum directly it will not adhere, ask me how I know!??!?!
So many parts any new or old HD that are chromed aluminum, triple plating is the answer. My guess, you went to the wrong place to get it welded, good luck.
So many parts any new or old HD that are chromed aluminum, triple plating is the answer. My guess, you went to the wrong place to get it welded, good luck.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I took that to a shop that chrome and repair parts... I was told the best place in the city.
There has the conversation
-can this be welded and chromed ?
-this thing is made of aluminum so can not be chromed
-but you can see still have some chrome on it so how can you say it is made of aluminum and can not be chromed
-aluminum can not be chromed may be is some alloy like zamac-antimony in that case can not be welded
so ... they have not idea what is that made of but if it is made aluminum can not be chromed....
I am really confuse ...
I have a few 'alumaloy' rods. I may try welding with that I believe
There has the conversation
-can this be welded and chromed ?
-this thing is made of aluminum so can not be chromed
-but you can see still have some chrome on it so how can you say it is made of aluminum and can not be chromed
-aluminum can not be chromed may be is some alloy like zamac-antimony in that case can not be welded
so ... they have not idea what is that made of but if it is made aluminum can not be chromed....
I am really confuse ...
I have a few 'alumaloy' rods. I may try welding with that I believe
Worked in a chrome shop, aluminum certainly can be chromed, just takes the correct process as Architect said.
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; May 24, 2023 at 01:51 PM.
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From: la la land jerzey
GO To someone else that guy is not the right one
my shop back when did 2 to 3000 a week in alloy chrome most was chrome exchange take yours give you a exact in chrome on the spot
my shop back when did 2 to 3000 a week in alloy chrome most was chrome exchange take yours give you a exact in chrome on the spot
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,524
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From: Long Island, New York
I remember chrome exchange at the Dealership, NYC Harley would do it. Talk about instant gratification, times change.
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Joined: Dec 2020
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From: santiago-chile
I found a place where they told me they can remove the chrome left.
So the plan is to remove the chrome and try to tig weld the broken parts. I can not find a place 'here' to do the chrome again so it is going back to the motorcycle with a polish ... may be anodizing ... I do not know.
At the side has a big hole where once had a thread for something ..... what was that thread for ?? mine has nothing just a hole and a broken thread at the other side
Thanks a lot for your help guys
There are the pictures of the part
