question about pc'ing chrome plated parts (I searched)...

[x1rider]

I couldn't find conclusive answers. I'm looking into PC'ing brand new Harley chromed pieces (no chipping, clean parts). I saw that some people recommended just sandblasting, cleaning, and pc'ing and others said to remove the chrome layer with muriatic acid. I'm a little confused now. If the parts are in good condition, can I just sandblast and PC the parts?
Thanks a lot in advance for any help.

[Harleydad]

Originally Posted by x1rider

I couldn't find conclusive answers. I'm looking into PC'ing brand new Harley chromed pieces (no chipping, clean parts). I saw that some people recommended just sandblasting, cleaning, and pc'ing and others said to remove the chrome layer with muriatic acid. I'm a little confused now. If the parts are in good condition, can I just sandblast and PC the parts?
Thanks a lot in advance for any help.

I like to put chrome thru an out gas cycle (450 degrees for an hour) to be sure the chrome holds up and doesn't bubble/blister, if it does it would need to be stripped.
If you're applying a solid color you can lightly blast (or scotchbrite) to etch the chrome a bit, blow off with clean dry air and if you choose spray down with the cleaner of your choice (acetone, denatured alcohol, etc.....nothing petroleum based). Be sure it's completely dry before you coat.
If you're applying a trans/candy color, clean really well with hot soapy water to remove any polishing compounds and dry well with clean dry air. If you wish to wipe it down with acetone or whatever you can. I usually follow that up with a tac rag or lightly pass a hand held propane or mapp gas torch over the part to remove any rag lint or dust bunnies.

[x1rider]

Wow, thanks, that's a very complete answer!!! I'm mostly contemplating using flat black (my buddy has a StreetGlide that he wants totally blacked out and it looks like I might get one as well next year).
Do you have a picture gallery of bikes you have worked on (I assume, by your username, that you have done a lot of work on Harleys)?

Thanks again, much appreciated!

[Harleydad]

You're Welcome

No pics right now, website is being updated.

[donafams]

just did some chrome fenders in flat black and they turned out great, just hit them with alluminum oxide to dull the chrome up, you may see flames when your near the edges but dont worry.

[x1rider]

Thanks for the info guys, it helps a lot.
Harleydad, could you please provide me with step by step instructions on what you do to strip the chrome off? Thanks!

[Harleydad]

Sure,
1. Put the part in the truck
2. Drive to the chrome shop and drop off the part
3. Pick up the part after it's been stripped.


I don't strip chrome, I let someone else do it. It can be done at home, but I'm not gonna mess with that process. Search the web for "stripping chrome" I'm sure you'll come across the process.

[x1rider]

Originally Posted by Harleydad

Sure,
1. Put the part in the truck
2. Drive to the chrome shop and drop off the part
3. Pick up the part after it's been stripped.


I don't strip chrome, I let someone else do it. It can be done at home, but I'm not gonna mess with that process. Search the web for "stripping chrome" I'm sure you'll come across the process.

Haha! OK, unfortunately for me, there would be a step#1.5 which would be "drive 10 hrs to the nearest chrome shop"!
I'll do another search, I'm pretty sure the muriatic acid post I saw was for chrome stripping.

[Harleydad]

Go to the drop down menu at the bottom of the page "forum jump" . Check/search in some of the other forums.

[x1rider]

Originally Posted by Harleydad

Go to the drop down menu at the bottom of the page "forum jump" . Check/search in some of the other forums.

Thanks, I already did a search and came up with tons of information.