dlhoulton Posted November 24, 2008 #1 Posted November 24, 2008 Trying to brainstorm an idea. Is there anyone out there that has connections or resources to having ABS plastic chrome plated? I've serched on the web and there are several out there that do this and in several was. My idea was to "bling" up the air cleaner covers. Much like the way you can get the chrome Ignition cover for the RSV. I know there air the billet covers offered by Yamaha, but costly as well as having to get the K&N air filters. One quot I got was having both covers chrome plated very much the same way you would have metal chrome plated for $85 to $105 each. Have contacted several other companies out there but have not gotten any answers yet!! Just thinking there might be someone here that might know someone or a buisness locally that might be able to do it for a little less!!! Thanks, Dennis
yamahamer Posted November 24, 2008 #2 Posted November 24, 2008 I know of one place in Alabama I can't remember what he charges but he does good work. heres a link to his site. I've thought of doing it myself. http://www.bwvtwinmotorcycle.com/
dlhoulton Posted November 24, 2008 Author #3 Posted November 24, 2008 Called him and they said they no longer provide that service. Said he would remove that advertisment from his web site. Thanks for the response.
1BigDog Posted November 24, 2008 #4 Posted November 24, 2008 Try this place: http://www.customcoatings.net/ They did a former members 99 RSV about 5 years ago and it was really nice. At that time I asked for a price quote on the air boxes. It came to roughly $350.00 with an 8 week turnaround time. This was for the complete box, not just the covers. They also did the kick panels inside the lower fairing and the piece below the neck. Not sure if they still do it now, but theyre located in Tallahasee FL.
jburrell Posted November 24, 2008 #5 Posted November 24, 2008 I talked a while back with a Mr G"s that does this type of work. They use "Vaccum Metallization" rather than just chrome paint ect. If you used this it is supposed to be better than just chrome painting and you would not ahve to use the K&N air filters. However, what you have to remember is that every time you wipe down this piece, it is going to remove some of the "chrome" no matter what method you use. Mr "G"'s is in Ft Worth Texas and they do a ton of Classic Car work ( door handles knobs etc). Went by there back in early 90's for my classic 63 Impala SS convertible restore.You might want to try looking him up on the web then give him a call and prehaps send them a picture of the part. Then get a idea of what they can do. I thought about this my self but, have been too busy with clutch problems. Just got the 99 back from the stealership Sat. Hope this helps jb
Freebird Posted November 24, 2008 #6 Posted November 24, 2008 Chrome plated ABS is not just chrome paint. It is truly electroplated. I sold production plating equipment for about 12 years and a lot of it was for plating on plastics. It is done by first copper plating the plastic using an electroless copper process and then electroplating the nickel over the copper and then finally the clear Chromate.
dlhoulton Posted November 25, 2008 Author #7 Posted November 25, 2008 Roger that Freebird. I did a little homework before starting this quest and did find that there are several ways to make plastic look like chrome. What I found was ABS was the plastic of choice and thickness plays a part in this. Also to get the ture chrome plating they first etch the plastic with a chemical so that the copper will stick then they can continue the process of plating with nickle and cromium just like it was metal. I know there is a lot more to it just kind of shortened it. Then a lesser process is Vacuum plating where they use vapor lead and adhere it to the plastic and after that process they put clear coats over it. Problem is this is less durable and will peal and yellow and even give an orange peal look to the surface. Then there are several more but toooo long to type. They even have a paint that they can use. Bottom line is that the Chrome plating process is the most durable and longest lasting. So far I've gotten quotes of $85 to $105 for each coverfrom one company. Just got another and they quoted me $45 each for the Vacuum chroming process and $255 each for the true chrome plating. For that price I could buy the billet covers from Yamaha!!!!!! Dennis
boominup Posted November 25, 2008 #8 Posted November 25, 2008 I'm considering trying this: http://www.alsacorp.com/products/killercans/kc/killerchrome.htm I've seen the results and I'm impressed! Sound like a fairly easy application. Brian
Roy Hoffman Posted November 30, 2008 #9 Posted November 30, 2008 There is supposed to be a man in the Poconos that does chroming and I was told that he does plastic chroming also. It would take some research to find out about. ROY
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