Ironhead To chrome, or not to chrome engine

[ezmerf]

Chrome holds more heat in is what I've always been told so there's a good reason not to put chrome on it.

[marine_hm]

Yes, chrome looks good. Here's my theory. I'd rather be riding than polishing. I don't think the chrome on the rockers is going to hold up If you ride alot. I ride every day, if you're just bar hop'n on the weekends or whatever just to show her off then go for it. It wont look right getting the lowers covers
done and not the rockers though. Tough call. Me... Spit shine it from time to time and ride the piss out of her!

[scottfisher]

My opinion to the OP:

Keep it original...if you want shiny bits chrome swap-meet bits and add...don't mess with the original bits; you will have a hard time replacing the old stuff later. My chrome is old chrome. It has stood up well and lasted...new pcs I have added in the recent past has not stood up well. It seems thin and cheaply done; I have ended up putting the old chrome back on.

s

[JBGoode]

After I use mothers to initially polish ( which I haven't used in a long time ) I hit it with NevRdull, simple wipe on, wipe off process, keeps it shiny longer.

if it's a 57, why do you want it looking new anyways? I have rusty jugs and polished aluminum, I love it ;D

[Monte03]

Chrome- Yes it can look great but things to also consider:
Will the polisher destroy your parts? find a High Rep Plater and talk to the Lead, ask about the process, ask about protecting threads, machined surfaces, etc
Do Not just take for Granted that they can read your mind...
One thing that I know for sure, any Plater is going to F up one of your parts, if that part is a Rare Vintage non replacable piece, it is painful..
and not to mention the costs involved these days..
One more thing: lay out your parts on a table and take a digital picture before you box them up..

[simeli]

While I certainly like chrome and certain quanities of it set a bike off, but as far as engine parts I like polished much better. Yes there is some work to it. But after all isn't pride one of the reasons you spend half of possible riding time rebuilding these old bikes to begin with?

[tracbike]

you really have to do your work finding a triple plate vendor... but My first round it was a leaker after. that bike.... I decided to remove crome, yes and it cost the same as croming. (no leaks) second bike (shovel/crome exchange) junk after a few winter cycles crome flake/pop. I am anti crome now.
Done get me wrong just on my bikes.

i have seen some real nice work done right on bikes.

[jamieg101]

Mine's all black, very little shiney stuff.

[CaptCaveman]

Personally I don't do shiny but back when I did I preferred polished aluminum. Once it has been polished and sealed it's about as easy to maintain without little problems like flaking.

[boneheaddoctor]

Originally Posted by 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....

Will you be my friend too?

I used to know someone that that was a lot of years ago.....don't know anyone with those contacts any more.

I like chrome on them, but I would talk anyone that doesn't have indoor storage out of it, chrome plated aluminum and wet or damp places are a bad combination.....but if you do...damn it looks nice.