Chroming Stock Rims

[muscrat]

Just wondering if anyone has chromed the stock rims on our Valkyries, how did they turn out, how much and any suggestions.  Had mine glass blasted, got grease on them during tire changes and can't seem to remove the grease. They were not cleared after the blasting.

Thanks for any help and info.

[ValkISDan]

I did, I would show you a photo but I can't get them to load. I've had them for 5 or 6 years now and they still look new. Look up www.classiccomponents.com

[Jersey]

I did, I would show you a photo but I can't get them to load. I've had them for 5 or 6 years now and they still look new. Look up www.classiccomponents.com

Would love to see pictures of those.  If you can a chance... Thanks!

[ValkISDan]

[Jess from VA]

Very nice.   

I think I'd have to wear shades.... even in the garage. 

[BIG Bopper]

Were you at Inzane Morgantown WV with that bike? If so please send a couple pics of the bike and paint work. One of the prettiest Valks I have seen.

[ValkISDan]

Thank you, I wasn't there but hope to get back to Inzane soon

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thank you, I wasn't there but hope to get back to Inzane soon

Beautiful bike 

[RonW]

Some questions, do they reinstall new bearing for you? Were your lower forks chrome plated too?

[ValkISDan]

My mechanic installed the new bearings when he mounted the tire. I sanded and polished the forks they are not chromed.

[RonW]

thanks, ValkISDan. Just wishful thinking on my part that it was even possible to chrome the lower forks. The clear coating on mines is starting to deteriorate. Sadly.

[MarkT]

George Jackson chromed the wheels on his blown bobber show bike before he died of cancer in 2003.  I was fortunate to acquire it last year.  They are gorgeous and require no maintenance - I just keep them clean, throw wax on them when detailing the bike.

Everything not painted is chromed except the punkin and blower are polished. And the engine block, just cleaned.



Same bike before George died (House of Kolors Kameleon paint, Super Trapps - before I did the pipes):



At Palmer Lake this June:

[mello dude]

I did the deed. The trouble is, after the wheels are chromed, you start looking at a whole lot of other stuff that is "as cast" and now is ugly or blocks view of the wheels. For example, the left rear brake pushed me into this quest with the ugly brake plate and caliper, yes now that is chromed, plus the wheel.

On the front with a chrome wheel, the stocker rotors block any view of the work you put in on that wheel, so now the rotors are replaced with polished GW rotors. And then the forks now look like crap, more polishing..... on and on. -- I hope I finish this damn thing before I die... lol.... 

[Harryc]

I get the chrome wheels for ease of maintenance, but it's easy to get carried away. Ask yourself, am I building a show bike or is this still my daily rider? A couple of the bikes MarkT and others have are show bikes.

[hubcapsc]

I get the chrome wheels for ease of maintenance

I don't have chrome wheels, so I don't know...

don't they make it harder to change tires? Especially yourself, with
spoons... I can scrub off some spoon-scratches on my wheels with
1000/1500 grit sandpaper, scratches in chrome would be... forever?

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

I get the chrome wheels for ease of maintenance

I don't have chrome wheels, so I don't know...

don't they make it harder to change tires? Especially yourself, with
spoons... I can scrub off some spoon-scratches on my wheels with
1000/1500 grit sandpaper, scratches in chrome would be... forever?

-Mike

I don't have them either, but if I did tire irons wouldn't come near them. NoMar bar would be a must.

[Harryc]

I get the chrome wheels for ease of maintenance

I don't have chrome wheels, so I don't know...

don't they make it harder to change tires? Especially yourself, with
spoons... I can scrub off some spoon-scratches on my wheels with
1000/1500 grit sandpaper, scratches in chrome would be... forever?

-Mike

Yeah Mike, I was thinking more along the lines of cleaning, but you're right. If you scratch chrome you're done...it's permanent.

[Willow]

I get the chrome wheels for ease of maintenance

I don't have chrome wheels, so I don't know...

don't they make it harder to change tires? Especially yourself, with
spoons... I can scrub off some spoon-scratches on my wheels with
1000/1500 grit sandpaper, scratches in chrome would be... forever?

-Mike

Yeah Mike, I was thinking more along the lines of cleaning, but you're right. If you scratch chrome you're done...it's permanent.

I guess the good news is that on most chromed wheels the chrome itself isn't permanent.   

[mello dude]

Just screwing around here to figure out SmugMug...

Hot damn! Got it to work.. Here is my rear wheel as chrome. Separate thread on my chrome it saga to come....

[Attic Rat]

I have had several sets of wheels chromed in the past for me and my customers. I am getting ready to chrome another set next week but I called and Classic Components has gone out of business. I am now looking at another Chrome Shop in Santa Ana, CA  Call L&M Plating that I think I am going to give them a try.