frame plating question.

1517 Views 10 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Threadkiller, Aug 21, 2006

rigidshovel

Discussion Starter · Aug 19, 2006

I'm contemplating getting my frame chrome plated. I was watching an old BBO a couple of days ago and saw that Indian Larry used to get his frames Nickel Plated. I dont know much about Nickel plating except that it's slightly yellower than chrome and is relatively tough.

Anyone else have any ideas why he'd choose Nickel or Chrome?

Cheers
Scotty

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von wrench

· #2 · Aug 19, 2006

I really dont know why Larry chose nickel.....but I have been contemplating it for my triumph. Heres why!

1. Triumph dirt trackers w/trackmaster frames were nickel
2. Had my frame Tig welded and want to show off the nice welds
3. Its softer looking and more old timey looking than chrome
4.Correct me if I'm wrong,but I dont think there is Hydrogen
embrittlment associated with nickel like chrome.
5.It just looks bitchin on the right bike.

rigidshovel said:
I'm contemplating getting my frame chrome plated. I was watching an old BBO a couple of days ago and saw that Indian Larry used to get his frames Nickel Plated. I dont know much about Nickel plating except that it's slightly yellower than chrome and is relatively tough.

Anyone else have any ideas why he'd choose Nickel or Chrome?

Cheers
Scotty

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KnuckleBuster

· #3 · Aug 19, 2006

Hell, if you had a big enough vat, you could plate the frame yourself!

Eastwood sells a nickel plating kit for small parts, but there are books that tell how to do it - if you could find the chemicals, build a vat, and put juice to it, you could plate everything!

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sumo

· #4 · Aug 19, 2006

there was a thread on chopperbuilder about this last week or so... apparently nickel will throw into corners better than chrome does but still not ideal - thats why you will sometimes see chrome frames with rust coming in the corners - i would be tempted to go for one of the new chrome type paint/powder finishes

im no expert but thats what ive been told...

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Rythemean

· #5 · Aug 19, 2006

I like the look of nickel. It is warmer and less harsh than chrome. But, as a rule, I like black or primer frames. It is real easy to overdo the frame and make it the focal point of the bike instead of the, well, uh, the frame...

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RidingHood

· #6 · Aug 20, 2006

rigidshovel said:
I'm contemplating getting my frame chrome plated. I was watching an old BBO a couple of days ago and saw that Indian Larry used to get his frames Nickel Plated. I dont know much about Nickel plating except that it's slightly yellower than chrome and is relatively tough.

Anyone else have any ideas why he'd choose Nickel or Chrome?

Cheers
Scotty

I dont know why Indian larry chose one or the other ,but I got the rear half of my Triumph frame chromed and it held up to daily riding in all sorts of weather.The blokes who did the job said for long life go the chrome ,as the nickel only deal ,will let rust form alot quicker in the base metal due to its porosity .There is a mob in Melbourne who have been plating frames for years,If you want their details let me know as one of my mates was going to get his pan frame chromed by them,(they do a lot of vintage Motocross stuff).
Hope that helps

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rigidshovel

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 20, 2006

RidingHood said:
I dont know why Indian larry chose one or the other ,but I got the rear half of my Triumph frame chromed and it held up to daily riding in all sorts of weather.The blokes who did the job said for long life go the chrome ,as the nickel only deal ,will let rust form alot quicker in the base metal due to its porosity .There is a mob in Melbourne who have been plating frames for years,If you want their details let me know as one of my mates was going to get his pan frame chromed by them,(they do a lot of vintage Motocross stuff).
Hope that helps

I'd really appreciate that chromers details. All the one's I've spoken to over this neck of the woods have either said a flate "NO, we don't do frames" or "maybe, but it'll cost a fortune and there's no guarantee on the job".

Back on the subject of chrome/nickel. I've read that chrome is an almost coulourless metal and it's applied as a very thin layer that's put on over Nickel. Apparently the Nickel gives it the depth and lustre, the Chrome just takes away the yellow tint.

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RidingHood

· #8 · Aug 20, 2006

rigidshovel said:
I'd really appreciate that chromers details. All the one's I've spoken to over this neck of the woods have either said a flate "NO, we don't do frames" or "maybe, but it'll cost a fortune and there's no guarantee on the job".

I'll email my mate then PM the details to you.
Cheers

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Boa

· #9 · Aug 21, 2006

rigidshovel said:
Back on the subject of chrome/nickel. I've read that chrome is an almost coulourless metal and it's applied as a very thin layer that's put on over Nickel. Apparently the Nickel gives it the depth and lustre, the Chrome just takes away the yellow tint.

That's my understanding. All "chrome" is nickel plated. Like you said, the chrome is just a clearcoat that is the very last step and seals the nickel plating.

I've heard that some places (people who do bathroom fixtures, for instance) can actually specify various tones of nickel, from yellow-ish to blue-ish.

I believe this is one of the places Indian Larry used for his plating:

http://www.brownsplating.com/

I'd like to hear of any other places people have used for plating (nickel especially) or testimonials, etc.

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greasystain

· #10 · Aug 21, 2006

every chrome frame gets coppered for smoothness and then nickled for better chrome adhesion.

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Threadkiller

· #11 · Aug 21, 2006

YUP, Copper, then nickel, then chrome. I don't completely understand the process, but the anodes/cathodes (I think) need to be strategically placed in order to "throw" the chrome onto the corners and crevasis'. That why not all chrome shop can do wheels and/or frames. I know ChromeMasters in Tenn can do frames for around $2500.00. I think Rippo-Dippo has his frame chromed (but its early Monday morning and my head hurts) I can turn you on to a guy in Texas if you want that apparently is reasonable and has good results, TK

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