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I'm looking at re-plating some parts, specifically the frame for the hard bags and a luggage rack / back rest combo. I've sent photos to some plating shops in my area and am waiting for quotes. What experience do members have with either chrome or nickel plating? Any thoughts on the pros and cons of either method. There are just times where the plating on fenders, handle bars, etc is too far gone to polish back to a nice finish. Thanks for the input.
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Billy
1982 XJ1100, Ceramic Coated Headers, Raptor ACCT, Barnett Clutch Springs, Dremmel Fix, TC's Fuse Block, De-Linked S/S Brake Lines, 850 Final Drive, Yahman's YICS Eliminator, Pods, stock jets -
Nickel should be plated under the chrome. Does that help?Marty (in Mississippi)
XS1100SG
XS650SK
XS650SH
XS650G
XS6502F
XS650E -
Chrome is what gives the nickel plating the ability to shine for years. It keeps the silver from oxidizing and turning black. It is also a very hard plating, and will keep things from wearing through the nickel.Ray Matteis
KE6NHG
XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!Comment
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If you nickel plate without the chrome you get a different finish, more muted and less shine. Before chrome plating was practical, older vehicles used nickel because that was what was available. One advantage of nickel is that it bends a bit more without cracking. Does take more work to keep it from oxidizing.Jerry Fields
'82 XJ 'Sojourn'
'06 Concours
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"... life is just a honky-tonk show." Cherry Poppin' Daddy StrutComment
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OK, thanks for the replies. Looks like chrome is the better way to go. Got a couple quotes, pretty pricey and not many places that do it. If I spend this money I'll never be able to complain to my wife again about beauty products!Billy
1982 XJ1100, Ceramic Coated Headers, Raptor ACCT, Barnett Clutch Springs, Dremmel Fix, TC's Fuse Block, De-Linked S/S Brake Lines, 850 Final Drive, Yahman's YICS Eliminator, Pods, stock jetsComment
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1981 XS1100H Venturer
K&N Air Filter
ACCT
Custom Paint by Deitz
Geezer Rectifier/Regulator
Chacal Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
Chrome Front Rotor & Caliper Covers
Stebel Nautilus Horn
EBC Front Rotors
Limie Accent Moves On In 2015
MikeComment
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Hi Billy,
"chrome" plating is a 3 layer process.
first layer is copper because it sticks good.
Next layer is the nickel which does the actual protection.
Last layer is the chrome to look pretty.
Back in the 1930s & earlier they mostly stopped at the nickel layer and polished it instead of adding the chrome.
The "look" you want is up to you.Fred Hill, S'toon
XS11SG with Spirit of America sidecar
"The Flying Pumpkin"Comment
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Good to see you posting again Fred!......just remember, you can 'check out' but never leave
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81H Venturer1100 "The Bentley" (on steroids) 97 Yamaha YZ250(age reducer) 92 Honda ST1100 "Twisty"(touring rocket) Age is relative to the number of seconds counted 'airing' out an 85ft. table-top.Comment
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