Chroming rocker boxes
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,006
the ole shovel castings have a lot to be desired. the sand cast process left voids in the material at times which can show up during the chroming process.
will it hold up??? hummmm!!!!
depends upon the plater. epa has put many of the famous platers out of business and those who stayed are very $$$$$$. the after products are a controlled substance as they are hazardous.
finding a quality plater with ole hd castings is hard, just do not believe yep i can do it i have in the past.
just like mr. chopper said, a lot of work to keep up either way.
what about powder you say?? hummmm
research well as there are various formulations. these era machines were not known as oil tight so there is an issue there. heat cycles and oil will eventually start a downward spiral. the clears are most effected.
now to the finish!! (finally you say, YEA!!)
look into anodizing. there are many colors these days.
will it hold up??? hummmm!!!!
depends upon the plater. epa has put many of the famous platers out of business and those who stayed are very $$$$$$. the after products are a controlled substance as they are hazardous.
finding a quality plater with ole hd castings is hard, just do not believe yep i can do it i have in the past.
just like mr. chopper said, a lot of work to keep up either way.
what about powder you say?? hummmm
research well as there are various formulations. these era machines were not known as oil tight so there is an issue there. heat cycles and oil will eventually start a downward spiral. the clears are most effected.
now to the finish!! (finally you say, YEA!!)
look into anodizing. there are many colors these days.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,525
Likes: 57,083
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
As Bustert has mentioned ... Shovelhead rocker boxes can be / are quite porous due to sand casting ... Finding a quality chrome plater can be tough ... I had mine done ( years ago ) by a recommended shop and was exceptionally displeased ... After some research I found "Atlantic Coat Plating" ( not sure if the same crew is still around after all these years ) and they did a remarkable job .. It wasn't cheap they had to be dipped and polished several times in copper to fill the porosity then the chrome was applied ... They have a mirror finish and still look great after almost 30 years ... Good Luck
@tinymike66
@tinymike66
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 27
From: Ontario
the ole shovel castings have a lot to be desired. the sand cast process left voids in the material at times which can show up during the chroming process.
will it hold up??? hummmm!!!!
depends upon the plater. epa has put many of the famous platers out of business and those who stayed are very $$$$$$. the after products are a controlled substance as they are hazardous.
finding a quality plater with ole hd castings is hard, just do not believe yep i can do it i have in the past.
just like mr. chopper said, a lot of work to keep up either way.
what about powder you say?? hummmm
research well as there are various formulations. these era machines were not known as oil tight so there is an issue there. heat cycles and oil will eventually start a downward spiral. the clears are most effected.
now to the finish!! (finally you say, YEA!!)
look into anodizing. there are many colors these days.
will it hold up??? hummmm!!!!
depends upon the plater. epa has put many of the famous platers out of business and those who stayed are very $$$$$$. the after products are a controlled substance as they are hazardous.
finding a quality plater with ole hd castings is hard, just do not believe yep i can do it i have in the past.
just like mr. chopper said, a lot of work to keep up either way.
what about powder you say?? hummmm
research well as there are various formulations. these era machines were not known as oil tight so there is an issue there. heat cycles and oil will eventually start a downward spiral. the clears are most effected.
now to the finish!! (finally you say, YEA!!)
look into anodizing. there are many colors these days.
To be honest I have no idea on a reputable chrome place up here
I know there's one in Quebec gg's but , yes I've heard shovel rockers can be stubborn
A set of new chromed aftermarket here are close to $1000.00 canadian
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,006
WHATEVER you do, do not let them apply copper!!!!
it is a dissimilar metal and with react with the aluminum. if there is even a pin hole in the surface and moisture gets in, all over but the crying. what happens is there will be an electrical ion exchange and the aluminum is the sacrificial goat and turns to a white powder and eventually will blister to the surface, NO repairing easily.
the common base over aluminum is nickle.
anodizing will last decades. my 74 ch had the fork sliders done and after 40+ years, road abrasion has faded them, cannot complain though.
it is a dissimilar metal and with react with the aluminum. if there is even a pin hole in the surface and moisture gets in, all over but the crying. what happens is there will be an electrical ion exchange and the aluminum is the sacrificial goat and turns to a white powder and eventually will blister to the surface, NO repairing easily.
the common base over aluminum is nickle.
anodizing will last decades. my 74 ch had the fork sliders done and after 40+ years, road abrasion has faded them, cannot complain though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,525
Likes: 57,083
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
"WHATEVER you do, do not let them apply copper" ... Evidently mine are an exception to the rule
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,006
all i can say is read and weep, take a look at the online charts.
it doesn't take much to find this corrosion, one just needs to open their eyes. i probably can shoot you a photo today just by going outside and finding an era machine even in this small town.
IF you are meticulous and make sure the surface is sealed at all times, then you can probably get by, but do not let your guard down, it is invisible until it is toooooo late!
this can happen also with iron, all it takes is a microscopic hole and moisture.
the use of copper is that it adheres well, can be built up so the surface can be smoothed to achieve a good finish, way cheaper than building up with chrome.
it all starts with the plater!
it doesn't take much to find this corrosion, one just needs to open their eyes. i probably can shoot you a photo today just by going outside and finding an era machine even in this small town.
IF you are meticulous and make sure the surface is sealed at all times, then you can probably get by, but do not let your guard down, it is invisible until it is toooooo late!
this can happen also with iron, all it takes is a microscopic hole and moisture.
the use of copper is that it adheres well, can be built up so the surface can be smoothed to achieve a good finish, way cheaper than building up with chrome.
it all starts with the plater!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post