Mexican Chrome
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 4
From: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Mexican Chrome
As a few of you know I have been having issues with a certain fishtail manufacturer. So, I have decided to design and build my own custom cholo's along with stretching the rear fender on my Deluxe and other bikes.
Anyway, I have friends in Tijuana and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with chrome from Mexico?
So far the chrome costs in the US are in the stratosphere. So, If I go into mass production with my fishy's and can get good quality chrome from Mexico, I may do that (working on prices and lead times now).
I will be designing multiple styles of fishtails from flame tails to whale tails to quad tails. It's going to be a slow process. But once I get the process down, I'll be ready to roll.
So, Mexican chrome... Turn off? Good quality? Let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance!
Anyway, I have friends in Tijuana and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with chrome from Mexico?
So far the chrome costs in the US are in the stratosphere. So, If I go into mass production with my fishy's and can get good quality chrome from Mexico, I may do that (working on prices and lead times now).
I will be designing multiple styles of fishtails from flame tails to whale tails to quad tails. It's going to be a slow process. But once I get the process down, I'll be ready to roll.
So, Mexican chrome... Turn off? Good quality? Let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
Because of the EPA most shops in the states stopped. So Mexico is getting to be the only option. But I'd be surprised if you get production in quality that will pass. Ones and twos maybe but nothing in any quantity.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 4
From: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
That's my understanding too. The EPA is forcing chrome shops into costly upgrades.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,072
Likes: 11,094
From: San Diego, CA
The money savings from a shop in TJ, would be due to cheaper labor costs, and less overhead because there are no EPA requirements.
I know many people who have their boats (40+ footers) painted in mexico boat yards because they can save a lot of money on the paint jobs for these same reasons... same process, same paint, lower labor & overhead....
The chroming process can differ from shop to shop and that is what makes some chrome last longer than others.
If you could find a TJ shop with a good chroming process, that won't cut corners, you should be able to get good chrome at a much better price. Quality control will be your challenge.
As long as your chrome holds up well, there won't be a problem. Of course, the first time you have an exhaust with premature failing chrome, people will complain about the "mexico chrome" on your exhausts....
Good luck with your venture...
I know many people who have their boats (40+ footers) painted in mexico boat yards because they can save a lot of money on the paint jobs for these same reasons... same process, same paint, lower labor & overhead....
The chroming process can differ from shop to shop and that is what makes some chrome last longer than others.
If you could find a TJ shop with a good chroming process, that won't cut corners, you should be able to get good chrome at a much better price. Quality control will be your challenge.
As long as your chrome holds up well, there won't be a problem. Of course, the first time you have an exhaust with premature failing chrome, people will complain about the "mexico chrome" on your exhausts....
Good luck with your venture...
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 4
From: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The money savings from a shop in TJ, would be due to cheaper labor costs, and less overhead because there are no EPA requirements.
I know many people who have their boats (40+ footers) painted in mexico boat yards because they can save a lot of money on the paint jobs for these same reasons... same process, same paint, lower labor & overhead....
The chroming process can differ from shop to shop and that is what makes some chrome last longer than others.
If you could find a TJ shop with a good chroming process, that won't cut corners, you should be able to get good chrome at a much better price. Quality control will be your challenge.
As long as your chrome holds up well, there won't be a problem. Of course, the first time you have an exhaust with premature failing chrome, people will complain about the "mexico chrome" on your exhausts....
Good luck with your venture...
I know many people who have their boats (40+ footers) painted in mexico boat yards because they can save a lot of money on the paint jobs for these same reasons... same process, same paint, lower labor & overhead....
The chroming process can differ from shop to shop and that is what makes some chrome last longer than others.
If you could find a TJ shop with a good chroming process, that won't cut corners, you should be able to get good chrome at a much better price. Quality control will be your challenge.
As long as your chrome holds up well, there won't be a problem. Of course, the first time you have an exhaust with premature failing chrome, people will complain about the "mexico chrome" on your exhausts....
Good luck with your venture...
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 3
From: Montclair, CA.
Tariffs will be low as we have NAFTA.... Yeah right.....
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 30
From: FL
Could you also add a line of extensions for those who want longer pipes? I have a set of V&H dual fishtails and don't have the budget to purchase a new set of cholos. Just a thought....
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
It would also be to your advantage to speak the language and well. So that nothing is left to interpretation. But I suspect any problems you might encounter with possible flaking chrome will be prep. Don't know how you can warranty something if you don't also control that part. I do wish you luck though.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 4
From: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Thanks!