Ironhead To chrome, or not to chrome engine

[1957xler]

Thinking about chroming my rocker, boxes, and bottom end covers on my 1957 sportster. Any pro or con's input invited. I've had my wheel hubs chromed, and my chrome headlight panel, and chrome shocks really light the frame up. Wanting to do the same with the motor this winter.
I've cleaned the aluminum covers, and boxes with numerous products, and they look clean for a couple of weeks, and then back to dullsville. Any suggestions for chroming, or a product to prolong those laborous, cleaning jobs if i stay original. Thanks guys.

[ryder rick]

My friend owns a chrome shop (I can get anything done for free),

and I go to great lengths to eliminate chrome from my stuff....

[scottfisher]

Originally Posted by ryder rick

My friend owns a chrome shop (I can get anything done for free),

will you be my friend?





s

[antsap]

That's a tough one. If your motor is really a 57, it would be a bit of shame puttin' clothes on her. I understand the urge and annoyance of your spit shining going away after a week or so though.

Damn ... 57 ... is it feasible to get some repro stuff and chrome that? Then you can keep the originals nice and sealed up should you want to return her to stock.

I'm guilty though, my 71 has a ton of wrinkle coat black on it ... but that comes off pretty easy with some solvent. Maybe chrome does too, I'm not very knowledgable on the subject.

[Pan55]

well, I guess I would be old school on this one 57XLR and leave her all original....

but Im one that has always loved chrome and black...it just gives it that extra Harley's love.

Like they say...

"Chrome wont get ya home....
But it can help ya get laid*..

[shooterj2003]

I like polished aluminum,IT seems that when I have a new chrome part I only like it when its new,after that I just see more and more scratches,at least aluminum can be renewed,but I have a thing with polishing metal it's my military upbringing!

[brianbbs67]

Originally Posted by Pan55

well, I guess I would be old school on this one 57XLR and leave her all original....

but Im one that has always loved chrome and black...it just gives it that extra Harley's love.

Like they say...

"Chrome wont get ya home....
But it can help ya get laid*..

I agree if the parts are original PLEASE DON'T CHROME THEM. Buy some chrome repop parts and have at it. Original covers are near impossible to find in good or any condition and are expensive. You've got a first year bike!

[khaskins]

I have used Sharkhide over polished aluminum with good results. I'm about to the 6 month mark and it still looks good.

http://www.eastwood.com/sharkhide-al...FURxQgod3TwALA

[big andy]

I have chrome rocker boxers and timming cover as well as primary cover and that is how they were when i got the bike and had no problems so far but if i had the choice i would polish the covers and maybe clear coat them or after every run spray a little wd 40 or similiar on em to keep oxidation at bay .But if you do go the chrome way make sure they plug up the bolt holes they can be a bugger to try and retap adter the chrome process

[jharback]

I'm with most of the others. I'm a real chrome whore but, on a '57 I'd leave it as is.

I don't understand why the polishing is looking like shit so soon. Is it left outside a lot? I use to polish mine and I had to do a thorough polishing every spring but, just some minor buffing once a month other than that. You can clear coat them after polishing. But, to do that you'd have to remove the covers. Works much better for polishing that way also.

Here's the instructions (the best I've come across) I use to use to get a chrome like look by polishing: http://www.chuckhawks.com/harley_polish.htm