What is chrome?

Spooner · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

And how do I get it off???

JWoodsie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

1: Chrome is that shiny stuff on motorbikes.
2: It doesn't like to come off. A grinder will do it though. :-D

[ This message was edited by: JWoodsie on 2005-08-01 08:56 ]

Spooner · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 08:55, JWoodsie wrote:
1: Chrome is that shiny stuff on motorbikes.
2: It doesn't like to come off. A grinder will do it though. :-D

:-D okay now...I guess I had that one coming.
But seriously...I bought a set of headers on Ebay and I thought I'd have some fun with them....turn them pitch black...and I guess that means getting the chrome off first....

jimmyj900 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

Quote:

I bought a set of headers on Ebay and I thought I'd have some fun with them....turn them pitch black...and I guess that means getting the chrome off first....

There are some high temperature ceramic-based spray paints on the market that will adhere to chrome, so you shouldn't need to strip the chrome to use them.

I'd suggest that you use something like "Blue Away" to clean the chrome and rough the surface slightly followed by a wash with acetone to remove any oily material.

You might also want to clean the inside of the pipes for the first foot or two from the engine and coat the inside with high-temp paint also. That will provide some insulation on the hottest part of the pipes.

Jim

Spooner · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 09:29, jimmyj900 wrote:

Quote:

I bought a set of headers on Ebay and I thought I'd have some fun with them....turn them pitch black...and I guess that means getting the chrome off first....

There are some high temperature ceramic-based spray paints on the market that will adhere to chrome, so you shouldn't need to strip the chrome to use them.

I'd suggest that you use something like "Blue Away" to clean the chrome and rough the surface slightly followed by a wash with acetone to remove any oily material.

You might also want to clean the inside of the pipes for the first foot or two from the engine and coat the inside with high-temp paint also. That will provide some insulation on the hottest part of the pipes.

Jim

Handing out pearls as always. Thanks buddy!

95TBird · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

I'm not sure about paint sticking to chrome as Jim mentioned but to truly remove chrome, you have to take it to a plater. Dechroming something is a chemical process very similar to chrome plating something. I believe it can be done relatively cheaply but it can be a time consuming process. A local plater here once told me from a couple days to two weeks, depending on the thickness and quality of the plating.

Removing the chrome and painting, powder coating or ceramic coating is the best way I know of to get a good, long lasting finish.

Frank

JWoodsie · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 09:09, Spooner wrote:

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 08:55, JWoodsie wrote:
1: Chrome is that shiny stuff on motorbikes.
2: It doesn't like to come off. A grinder will do it though. :-D

:-D okay now...I guess I had that one coming.
But seriously...I bought a set of headers on Ebay and I thought I'd have some fun with them....turn them pitch black...and I guess that means getting the chrome off first....

Sorry mate I just couldnt resist with that one, something about a lack of self control :-D

Spooner · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 16:16, JWoodsie wrote:

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 09:09, Spooner wrote:

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 08:55, JWoodsie wrote:
1: Chrome is that shiny stuff on motorbikes.
2: It doesn't like to come off. A grinder will do it though. :-D

:-D okay now...I guess I had that one coming.
But seriously...I bought a set of headers on Ebay and I thought I'd have some fun with them....turn them pitch black...and I guess that means getting the chrome off first....

Sorry mate I just couldnt resist with that one, something about a lack of self control :-D

No worries! I'll getcha back :-D

Guttermonkey · #9 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

Chrome is the end result of a triple electroplating process. First they electroplate the metal with copper. Then they coat it with nickel and finally chromium. Removing it? Not an easy process. If it was applied properly, it is on there for good. You could probably do it with an acid process. Not recommended at home. I would just have new pipes made. It would be easier and cheaper.
JR

Beemie · #10 (**permalink**) 08-01-2005

Quote:

On 2005-08-01 08:55, JWoodsie wrote:
2: It doesn't like to come off. A grinder will do it though. :-D

You must be a youngster.
If you think chrome doesn't come off, you should have seen the bumper of my '56 Chevy when I was in high school.