Well I don't want to,but?????

[80mdnt11]

Howdy, '80 mid sp. project, rear grab bar (gold) clear coat flaking, some on spots of plating. Been looking for replacment in better shape,can't find. Has anyone had simmilar prob.? Thought of complete strip for replate or paint? Not sure? Any suggestions? Thanks

[Ken Talbot]

I had a similar problem with the grab bar on Black Ice when I got it. Used chemical stripper to get rid of the remains of the clear coat, then ended up taking it to a plating shop to have it stripped properly, then replated in brass. Applied rattle-can clearcoat over the brass and ended up with a decenet looking final product. It is not quite the same as the original finish, but it was close enough for the level of restoration I was working to.

[80mdnt11]

Man, That looooooooks gooooood!!!!! Done a hell of a job! What kind of $ on brass plating job did you end up with? Sounds like that might be do-able. Thanks

[Ken Talbot]

Sorry, it has been so long since I did that project I really can't remember how much it cost. Certainly, nothing sticks in my mind about it having been an outrageously expensive job. I do remember that the shop I used was a smaller scale, independent guy who didn't seem ot charge as much as the big scale, major plating shop on the otehr side of town, and the guy I used dealt only in cash (i.e. no receipts)...

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Ken,

The grabrail is aluminum, is getting it goldtone ANODIZED an option? Would make it's surface quite strong as well. I know I've seen other aluminum items in a gold tone, so I'm pretty sure it's available. Just wanted to make another suggestion!
T.C.

[Ken Talbot]

I've read about anodizing, but have never come across any place yet in this part of the world who does it. IIRC, there are some home kits, much like some of the home electroplating kits, but I don't have a proper shop space to handle those sorts of chemical proccesses safely.

[80mdnt11]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm going to keep looking for replacement if one comes along. Will probably work with what i got, keep in mind this is a poor-boy project! Has anybody tried paint? Prior owner done paint job with med. gold metalic. Was looking for orig. look, settled for what i found. Looks OK for me. I have paint code # for match. Wondering about how to approach for allum. though? Would it hold?

[80mdnt11]

Just to clarify, grab bar is still orig.(worn condition) Paint was done on tank,fenders & s. covers. Some of you may have seen it on e-bay, was located in Wis.

[yadada]

I had some aluminum anodized in a gold color once upon a time in Wichita KS.....so it is possible.

[80mdnt11]

powder coating?

Well been checking around, don't think i would be happy with paint look! Can't even find paint match!!!!ARGGGGG! Valspar paint, med. gold metalic. Guess i'll do blend match? Anodizing sounds poss.,but i'm loated in s.e. IL., can't find anyone close for this or plating for that matter. Seems everyone talked to & show grab bar to says powder coat. Have contacted local (50 mile-one way) powder coating company, says they can coat with gold tint & teflon coat, going to make the drive fri. to see what's this all about. Ahhh, the joys of living in hicksville!

[Pat Kelly]

Check out www.caswellplating.com
They have some touch-up kits I've had my eye on for the grab bar and other parts on my MNS