 Chrome paint
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485 |
I know, I know, but I just gotta ask. Want to chrome my lower forks but really don't want to got through the hassle of tearing them apart, shipping them away, etc., and was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on using chrome paint for the job. Any takers? Thanks!
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
Take them apart, strip and polish the aluminum. I did and I think they look great.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485 |
Can't keep up with you tonight Dave! Thanks again.
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
a couple pics from when I did mine... before...  then...  and...  end up with... 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485 |
That looks great Dave. What kind of polishing compound and wheel did you use?
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
I think I used 220 sandpaper (should have gone up to probably 800 but I got lazy) and some Mothers aluminum polish with a cloth wheel on a bench buffer. I plan on redoing it eventually the right way, but the enamel was such a pain to get off the forks even with aircraft stripper that I just wanted to be done the day I did mine. I should be able to get a mirror finish on them when I do it over.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I don't know about chrome paint, but you can do a chrome powder-coating. Of course your tubes would need to be disassembled for that process. I stripped and polished mine as well. There are a number of polishing thread on the forum and you can check Eastwood and Caswell site forums for a lot of tech advice.  http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm
Al
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
I have used chrome spray paint out of the can on old hub caps to "brighten" them up. Worked well initially but the paint became dull quite quickly in the sunlight.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 242 |
Check these guys out. "Kustom Rides". Can also find You Tube vids on their paint products http://www.kustomrides.com/kustom/chrome-paints/
Last edited by burtard; 12/20/2009 2:06 PM.
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Oh, I've tried chrome paint... any brand I could get my hands on. You know... the miracle cure syndrome? Kinda like, finally someone figured this out! NOT! Once applied, if ya lightly brush the paint with a cloth (or even just your hand) you get residue coming off the surface and the paint dulls. Nope, there ain't no quick fix for chrome... but the polished aluminum is a labour intensive second best to real chrome.
Btw... if ya want to go the chrome plated route... dig deeeeeeeep, real deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!! How do I know? Just ask...
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Oh Mountaindude!, you MUST not have found the GOOD stuff yet.  The brand I got is SOOOO good, NO ONE has been able to tell it's not the real thing!  Yep, I wouldn't lie. It's made by a company called "INYOURDREAMS.com" 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Quote:
I know, I know, but I just gotta ask. Want to chrome my lower forks but really don't want to got through the hassle of tearing them apart, shipping them away, etc., and was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on using chrome paint for the job. Any takers? Thanks!
Yes, works wonderfully.... used that technique on my tricycle and later on my Puma Bicycle.... but don't add tassles on the end of the handlebars ! UNLESS you are dealing with a Harley Davidson , then it is a must
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 23
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 23 |
I wonder if the chrome lowers for the Thunderbird's will fit our bikes Anyone know?
07 BA, 813 cams, 39mm FCR, 10.8 Pistons, Barnett clutch, Uni filters
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Re: Chrome paint
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
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