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Tough decision on going with chrome. Almost all the chrome parts on EBay are platted in Mexico, and I suspect at least some platers in the US send parts there too. I understand the appeal of not having to constantly polish aluminum. But ...
I have several friends that use Atlas Plating in Houston TX for custom bikes they build. They say they do excellent work, but I personally have never used them.
I use Sharkhyde to clean and protect aluminum. It was designed to clean and polish the aluminum on pontoon boats. They also have a polish that works well, which you can get in a kit with the cleaner, polish and protectant. It will remove the dark spots, but you have to be carefull because it will bleach the surface white if you use the cleaner too strong or leave it on too long. You have to sneak up on the bad parts by using multiple applications.
Do chrome it, stuff a bit of hose in the bearing tight enough it won't come out without work, change the bearing when you get it back. Old bearing keeps the hole clean and the correct size, no flash over from the chrome process, nickle loves to build a thick ridge on edges and small openings like that on aluminum.
The plating industry has been hit hard over the years 1st with the elimination of hexavalent chromium then the high visibility for any alternative solutions. I know several exhaust suppliers are struggling with the current cold process for plating aluminum muffler tips and the chrome peeling after multiple heat cycles. Bottom line is the new stuff is just not as good as the old stuff. There are still people out there doing it the old way you just need to find out who and where.
Or you could buy used off ebay, visit some winter motorcycle swap meets in your area or polish the bare aluminum out with Happich SemiChrome.
Update. Went to my local Indy on Saturday to get started on the forks for my Panhead build bike, so I brought the primary cover with me. I knew he would pull the bearing for me, instead of my going to buy a new tool. We started talking about chromers, he had issues with Space Coast Chrome in Florida and mentions he has new guy that is local, comes to the shop etc. So he is going to keep the cover and have his guy do it, we will see how that plays out. Easier than boxing it up and sending it to Florida, plus he will reinstall the bearing when it comes back and deal with reaming the hole if needed.
For the Pan I have early style fork sliders, Indy will switched out bushings so we can install 77-84 Showa fork tubes and dampers. He did this conversion for me on the Shovel and it is a nice improvement, so since I had no tubes anyway, just lower legs, figured I would just start the Panhead with the Showa upgrade.
And for this who do not want me to chrome the cover, this is for my 1970 Chrome *****. I already have a chrome aftermarket cover that likes to leak, this is an upgrade to OEM the attempt to get rid of the leak. Way too much chrome on this bike to stop now, but thanks. I assure you the Panhead will not be chrome anything.
Update. Went to my local Indy on Saturday to get started on the forks for my Panhead build bike, so I brought the primary cover with me. We started talking about chromers, he had issues with Space Coast Chrome in Florida and mentions he has new guy that is local, comes to the shop etc.
Just wondering which Indy shop. Are they located in Long Island? I'm looking to get some pieces chromed out. Thanks
Rosa's in Huntington. Sending chrome out is not really his thing, he was doing me a favor since he had other stuff going out. But excellent Indy for any work you may need.
Rosa's in Huntington. Sending chrome out is not really his thing, he was doing me a favor since he had other stuff going out. But excellent Indy for any work you may need.
Update to close the thread. $200 later and we have a pretty chrome OEM 8 bolt cover. I have been having a leak which I felt had increased since our little accident a couple of years ago, I was really hoping to find the old after market cover cracked, no such luck. Starting to think from looking underneath that the transmission seal let go and that is the cause of the leak!??!?! Well taking this bike to Daytona in 3.5 weeks, not tackling that job until after some sunshine and palm trees. Cover installed, everything else looked good, chain did not need adjustment etc.
Then because we are going to Daytona the land of too many State Troopers, I decided a good pre-action plan would be to remove the "blue" running lights from the bike. FLA Police have a thing with blue lights, always a no, no down there and no reason to encourage them to say Hi. Plus I figured riding through the swamp at night, some extra running lamps are a good idea.
That closes this thread, success and ready for warm temps and cold beer.
Blue cop magnet lights
Clear for better night time visibility. After this picture I also adjusted the blue window down closer to the nacelle, that gap was making me crazy.
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