Dechroming tips?

[Gwil]

I'm building an outfit from an old Russian sidecar and a Suzuki 1500. The Suzi is bedecked with tinsel like a Christmas tree, and I'm after a desert sand Rommel meets Mad Max kind of look.

So the chrome has to go. Any ideas/experiences? Bear in mind that I live in the middle of nowhere!

 

[cumbriasteve]

No idea at all but where are the photo's

We love stuff like that so get the camera clicking so we can all enjoy and follow the build.

 

[rtbcomp]

Take it to a chrome platers - they will do it electrolytically.

Also have a search on here, this has been discussed many times.

 

[Rig Pig]

Abrasive blast will strip it off non critical parts and give the paint something to grip

 

[rtbcomp]

^^ Depends on the quality of the chrome, sometimes it flies off, sometimes it won't budge.

 

[norlander]

one way of getting the chrome off a Suzuki is to ride it.

I have keyed back chrome parts using a sander- I 've got an orbital soft/aggressive action thing with a soft pad -then used a decent quality rattle can matt black and in most case its stuck pretty well,sand, prep with Acetone, leave to dry off, then few thin coats of paint, thibnk I might have used the HT paint and warmed the part with a hot air gun on some bits.
I think if you use HT, you just do one coat but can't recall what I did.

 

[SmartWerks]

Give the chrome a light blast with ao to etch it then powder coat it.

SmartWerks

 

[500e]

So true Norelander the only thing faster is a Moto Guzzi

 

[Gwil]

Good tips guys- I'm a bit worried about several bits- the rocker covers, clutch cover and a huge cosmetic bit hiding the rectifier. They appear to be made of pot metal like cheap car doorhandles......

As I progress (backwards?) I'll do some photos. I'm going to lower the sidecar so some suspension and axle mods are in order. What I want finally is something that looks like it was cooked up in the Ural factory after too much vodka at Friday lunchtime.

I never learn, I'm looking for a crashed one as well for my next project, while measuring the 1500 lump I realised with subtle mods (!) I could wedge the engine & shaft drive into a Norton Featherbed for an interesting caff racer. Don't laugh, I once wedged a Saab Monte Carlo 3 cyl 2 stroke into my Triton after I trashed the Triumph motor......