classical
1st Gear
originals stand the test of time. UK
Posts: 40
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Post by classical on Oct 18, 2015 3:30:11 GMT -5
Eureka ! Acquired some globe indicators for My "m" model,but will they re-chrome ok as I Am not sure what material they are made from (Steel/alloy?) Is/are there any risks attached to This process ? I am in the U.k. so if any Members know of a trusted rechromer nearby Please let me know. Cheers. Allan.
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Post by wayne on Oct 18, 2015 4:11:01 GMT -5
Except for the very early M models, the indicators were made of what some people called "pot" metal. I don't know much about it except that chrome platers don't like it, I found a couple who would not chrome it and the ones that did, would not guarantee it. Having said that, I got a couple done over 10 years ago and they look as good as when they were done, no pitting or flaking.
If your indicators have small bubbles or even small flakes missing here and there, you've probably got one of these more common "pot metal" M indicators.
Someone more knowledgeable may be able to pinpoint what the really early M model indicators were made of but they have a distinctly different look to the later ones. A sort of "machined" finish. I've seen them but not held in my hand and am just not sure what they're made of or what the finish is.
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fonnyfth
1st Gear
Suzuki RE5M (1blue 1red)Suzuki SV650s Burgman 4OO
Posts: 79
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Post by fonnyfth on Oct 18, 2015 11:37:59 GMT -5
Eureka ! Acquired some globe indicators for My "m" model,but will they re-chrome ok as I Am not sure what material they are made from (Steel/alloy?) Is/are there any risks attached to This process ? I am in the U.k. so if any Members know of a trusted rechromer nearby Please let me know. Cheers. Allan. I have had 4 indicatord (pot metal) rechromed in Holland....at €250!expensive but very well done
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Post by jm0406 on Oct 19, 2015 11:07:18 GMT -5
They are made of poor quality metal that does not plate well, especially if it has set out in the weather. They tend to "gas" when plated, and that makes the plating bubble. You will have better luck if corrosion has not set in. Your plating shop can tell you all about this. Jeff
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Post by goandy on Oct 19, 2015 18:41:22 GMT -5
Some places will repair them by sandblasting them, ensuring that there are no traces of corrosion, then copper plate, filling the pits and scarred areas with lead, polishing, copper plate, polishing etc then plating. If the corrosion isn't bad, they may get away with just stripping the chrome, polishing until smooth then plating but either way it's more labout intesnive than chroming steel and thus alot more expensive.
Unless of course you have some very early (pre-production) machined aluminium ones which have a turned/brushed finish.... but I've only ever seen one set of those!
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Post by wayne on Oct 20, 2015 1:35:16 GMT -5
Unless of course you have some very early (pre-production) machined aluminium ones which have a turned/brushed finish.... but I've only ever seen one set of those! That answers my question about what they were made of. I've seen a couple of sets on bikes, one in the UK and the other somewhere else. Both were apparently run-of-the-mill proddy versions. Didn't know enough to check the frame numbers at the time though, must have been very low numbers.
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Post by goandy on Oct 20, 2015 5:40:53 GMT -5
I suspect the brushed ones were made in a small volume for the pre-production testing and what was left over used for the first production bikes. I believe they're ali but I guess they could possibly be stainless.... Timpa might be able to weigh in on this?
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Post by timpa136 on Oct 20, 2015 13:41:33 GMT -5
I don't believe I can add too much. As I recall there was a weight difference in that the new chrome indicators seemed lighter maybe it was just perceived but my reactions when setting them up new were the first brushed ones felt heavier and the visual richness of the brushed appearance was apparent.
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Post by goandy on Oct 20, 2015 19:30:35 GMT -5
Can you just pop back to Jay's and try a super strong neo magnet on his indicators? If they're stainless you may get a small attraction. Or I'll have a better look next time I'm over!
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Post by timpa136 on Oct 20, 2015 21:19:00 GMT -5
I'll just carry that magnet in my wallet next to my credit cards. His has them and those were the only ones I know of to view right now. I really don't know what the make up was, others here are better qualified . What a great time we had Andy, and the ride beforehand was a lot of fun ,too.
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classical
1st Gear
originals stand the test of time. UK
Posts: 40
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Post by classical on Feb 9, 2016 14:27:04 GMT -5
Good news.....they turned out very nice indeed!
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Post by goandy on Feb 9, 2016 23:34:00 GMT -5
Excellent. Photos? Cost? Where were they done?
Oh and I recently found one of the very early brushed ones in my parts collection- looks like brush Al to me but I'll have a closer look when I remember.
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classical
1st Gear
originals stand the test of time. UK
Posts: 40
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Post by classical on Feb 10, 2016 14:40:35 GMT -5
Excellent. Photos? Cost? Where were they done? Oh and I recently found one of the very early brushed ones in my parts collection- looks like brush Al to me but I'll have a closer look when I remember. A company called Doug Taylor metal finishing in south west UK....cost was about £185..ouch! But it looks right!
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Post by goandy on Feb 10, 2016 23:36:11 GMT -5
Thanks- as for the cost, well it's all hugely expensive now!
$350 per exhaust.. but then you can't get new ones so it's a bargain I guess!
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