Where can I get factory Black Chrome rechromed back oe black

[Corvette95]

Hi, I have contacted about everyone I could find on the internet to rechrome (black chrome) my 86 GS550ES exhaust. They have no damage or rust, just not glossy anymore. I cannot find a single place..period, that will re-black chrome them. Can anyone help? My bike is a IMHO a museum piece with less than 3k miles. I want it all oe. ANY suggestions would be appreciated. Also, wheels are in good shape but would like them redone to factory shine (machine finish outer spokes with black inlays if anyone has a line on that too).
Thanks!

 

[Nessism]

This is your third thread on this same topic. You would do well to keep all the info consolidated so nothing gets lost or needlessly repeated.

 

[Guest]

In order to re-chrome them another chrome plating cannot be put over the existing chrome. They would have to be stripped and to do the job properly you might as well get them triple plated. Not cheap. Not only that, but most chrome shops are reluctant to chrome exhaust systems as there are oils inside that would contaminate the baths. There are 18 different baths that they would have to go through to do a proper triple plating job.

Triple plating involves the first layer which is copper, then all blemishes are repaired. The next plate is nickel and the third is chrome. There is a shop here locally that does this however it may not be around too much longer. To get all of the miscellaneous pieces of my bike done, handlebar, fenders, tail light, chrome caps and luggage rack set me back $2500 Cdn. Then another $2000 for miscellaneous stuff, paint, tires, and everything else. The bike was appraised at $2500. Was it worth it? Yes, as I have gotten a lot of looks and thumbs up from people on the road. It is the only one like it around here. My exhaust was stolen off my back deck by a scrap metal dealer early one morning. I had to find another one and was able to cobble one together that looks original. But that took time, some tricky welding and a lot of work.

Your best bet would be to get some chrome polish and work with that. Go to an automotive shop that sells paints etc, and ask them for the best chrome polish they have. You may even have to work it in with a buffer but it will shine.

As for the wheels, they will come clean with lots of elbow grease and a scotchbrite pad with aluminum polish. You can use a Tremclad or similar black paint on the black parts. It is tedious but a small artist brush or sponge brush will work well. Took me several hours to do both wheels the first time, now it is just maintenance a few times a season.

 

[Nessism]

If you use chrome polish and scrub the OEM black chrome the black will come off. I found this out scrubbing a couple of black chrome Katana exhaust systems I picked up and flipped.

 

[Agemax]

Yep, black chrome will rub off with chrome polish. I found that out myself!

 

[Corvette95]

My bike is a collector so polishing it off myself is out of the question.

 

[Guest]

I think your only option is to locate another mint exhaust. good luck, the black chrome seems rare.

 

[Nessism]

Can you post up some high resolution photos of the exhaust system? The forum software here will not allow high resolution photos so you need to post them to a photo hosting site such as flickr and then link the IMG code here in order for the photo to show up in high resolution. Of course, you can't photo/clean the system properly unless it's removed from the bike so you will have to do that if it's not already done. If the system is still on the bike I strongly advise searching for info on how to remove the exhaust header bolts without breaking them off.

As someone that has brought several low mileage bikes to life I suspect there are various other parts on the bike that need cleaning/painting/derusting. It would be very unusual to have a bike that's perfect in all ways but the exhaust system. Chrome cleaner will remove a lot of surface rust so that's what I would try first. Just don't hammer away with the stuff trying to remove every single little bit of rust flecking. That's the type of scrubbing that diminishes the black. It's a balancing act anyway; a little rust speckling but slightly reduced black color is not the worst compromise.

If you were to find someone to do the chrome work I suspect it will cost you in the range of $500+ USD. Is it worth that to you?

 

[bobgroger]

Have you tried these guys? https://www.arlingtonplating.com/capabilities/black-chrome-plating/

 

[Corvette95]

Thanks, I sent them an email with picture

 

[Corvette95]

yes, it's worth it. Why is it hard to believe the bike is pristine ? Maybe not perfect or new condition but one of the best in the country I would say. Will post pics

 

[Steve]

Nobody is saying your bike is not pristine. What he was asking was whether the possible $500 cost was worth it to you.

I have spent more money on something than most owners would, but it was worth it to ME. I could never expect to get more than a small fraction of that cost back, if I were ever to consider selling the bike, but that option currently does not exist.

.

 

[chuck hahn]

Any response from the black chrome place yet? Did they mention anything seeing that the exhaust has been ran full of carbon and soot? Ive heard most places will not take on used exhausts.

 

[Cipher]

why not weld metal plugs in appropriate places? Couldnt be that hard to do.

 

[chuck hahn]

I was thinking rubber test tube stoppers at both ends to keep carbon at bay.

 

[red1100]

Repainting the wheels isn?t as involved as it?s made out to be.No masking needed. With the wheel off and rotors off clean the wheels cast areas as best you can. Gunk,or spray starting fluid or brake cleaner. You?re going to paint over the old finish without masking anything. Have an old t shirt and some enamel reducer ready. Spray the black in sections,try to keep it toward the cast areas. Stop frequently to wipe the machined areas with the t shirt wrapped around a finger, do it carefully and will look as good as factory job.

 

[Corvette95]

I am still waiting on a response from the black chroming company that was posted here. Has ANYONE here actually done their OE black chrome exhaust with black gloss powder coat and how does it look compared to OE? My exhaust is in good shape so a used unit is not an option because mine is better than any used unit I have seen but would like it to be more new looking to match the rest of the bike. The next project is getting the machines (groves in rims) to be bright again. I cannot polish them due to the machining, I also can't find a wheel refurb company that can paint/powder coat the wheels and keep the machine finish...if anyone has some tips or has used a company with good success, please post here. Thanks!