Triumphrat

kdlutes · 09-13-2005, 12:56 PM

I've been thinking I might send my cam cover out to be chrome plated. Advice appreciated.

Where's a good place to have it done?

How much would it cost?

Is it cheaper to do this than to buy a new one already chromed?

Any problems re-installing?

GaryD · 09-13-2005, 05:43 PM

I have had other parts chromed and my recommendation is to buy the new one already chromed (I did on this item); the price is about the same and your bike won't be down for more than 45 minutes. Reinstalling the cam cover can be a bit tricky to do by yourself as the "gasket" is one very flexible "O" ring that can try your nerves to get back properly in place.

Archimedes · 09-13-2005, 05:59 PM

KD. Some factory chrome covers are not always good in the 'U' section. If you go out to get it chromed make sure that the people you deal with are experts in chroming aluminium. It is a dark art and much different from chrome plating steel. How do I know? I have found only two places in the U.K. that can do a professional job of chroming aluminium to show standard.

You might be better getting it stripped and polished first if you don't buy a factory cover.

Cheers.

Robert :razz:

Brooksie · 09-14-2005, 12:08 AM

I had a factory chrome one put on my T100 and really like it. The chrome is great all around and the price is reaonable. Just be sure you own a torque wrench and Service Manual if you put it on your self. I had mine put on at the 1000 mile break in, so it didn't cost for installation. Chrome "experts" can be very time consuming as well.

bluesjeans · 09-14-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

On 2005-09-13 15:43, GaryD wrote:
Reinstalling the cam cover can be a bit tricky to do by yourself as the "gasket" is one very flexible "O" ring that can try your nerves to get back properly in place.

Installing an O-ring dry can cause a nervous breakdown, better to first lube it up a bit with some heavy-duty grease. This will help hold the O-ring in place as you re-assemble everything plus makes for a better seal when it's all locked up again.

paul

kdlutes · 09-14-2005, 01:00 PM

Quote:

You might be better getting it stripped and polished first if you don't buy a factory cover.

That's an interesting idea. I saw a polished cam cover in the member's photo albums once (can't remember who).

Got any suggestions on how to polish the stock one?

Archimedes · 09-14-2005, 01:51 PM

KD. Easy. Unless you have access to special professional buffing compounds and pads here's how to do it.

Buy a tube of Solvol Autosol (about 3 or 4 bucks) - that is the paste type not the liquid. Get a Dremel or similar small hand polisher.

Smear the solvol paste over small sections of the cover and buff away. Solvol is incredible stuff and has been going for over 100 years. Lots on here have used it.

Don't put it on the buffer or it will just zing off when you switch it on.

Make sure you remove any paint from the cover with a paint stripper like Nitro-Mors.

With a little work it will look as good as chrome. The beauty is, you can keep re-polishing it whereas with chrome it can flake off.

Solvol is also good for dirty or tarnished headers. Don't however you it on cosmetic chrome or it will take it off!

Robert :razz:

kdlutes · 09-14-2005, 02:59 PM

Robert,

Thanks for the directions. This sounds like a good plan for something to do this winter.

-Kyle

ssjones · 09-15-2005, 01:48 PM

I got my chrome cover from Brent at New Speedmaster. It was $105 and the chrome work was far better than the factory pieces I've seen. If you don't already know a good plater, you may want to get yours from Brent. He had one on Ebay last week, not sure when the auction went off. I've heard plenty of chrome horror stories over the years, make sure you check references if going that route.

Neducati · 09-19-2005, 11:52 PM

I too bought a chrome camcover from Brent of newbonneville.com on eBay a couple weeks ago (his eBay name is bsmith). I paid $96 plus shipping. The cover arrived quickly and the chrome is first class.

Al, I'm going to try your masking tape trick on the gasket when installing it.

Ned