having frame chromed?

just wanted to get everyones thoughts on having my frame chromed! ill probably get a new swing-arm (aluminum) to match and wanted to know if i would be a good idea to go this way? i know its pretty expensive and i may consider it ,only if funds alow me to.
is there any pros and cons for a chrome frame, such as rusting faster or stregnth wise! i know when /if i do the 810cc kit, ill brace the frame and i will have to mess the chrom up for that , but i may just not do it (chrome) until i have the 810cc kit all done, paid for,
and ready for test-running/ tuning/ break-in.
DANG I CANT WAIT FOR THIS TO BE ALL DONE ANE READY TO RIDE!!!! LOL!!

any thought on a chrome frame please let me have them all! pros ---cons!

i LIKE THE LOOK OF IT. yOU SHOULD BRACE IT BEFORE YOU HAVE IT CHROMED THAT WAY IT'S DONE AND YOU WON'T HAVE TO MESS IT UP.

Look up the term "Hydrogen embrittlement" before you decide to chrome the frame.

The problem can become so severe as to cause the complete failure of a part which has been placed in service and subjected to loads. Typically this occurs when the combined or compounded stresses from the substrate itself, and the pretreatment and plating processes reduce the fatigue strength of the plated part below its fatigue limit.

www.nmfrc.org/crarchive/feb02a.cfm

Rickman (and others) nickle plated their frames.

Post edited by: steell, at: 2006/09/23 18:16

been there done it.its a major pain in the ass to keep clean,once you do it yourestuck with it.:S picture too big!

Post edited by: wireman, at: 2006/09/23 18:28

Nickle plated, thats awsome, i cant belive didnt even think of it!
anyone know the average cost for somthing like this on a 77 kz650b-1 frame?
does anyone know of a good quality place to have this done around the michigan area?

I had an ex flattracker BSA with a chromed frame. It took years but all the welds started to rust. The engine cradle rotted from the inside out, probably just a matter of time and condensation, but I always thought the plating process accelerated it.
I would recommend powder coating over plating, (the price is better too!).
Here's a thought - chemically strip your frame, have it polished and clear coat it.

I know NHRA now is making it illegal to have chromeplated rollbars because they say it makes the metal brittle. I've heard that before too. How much more brittle is beyond me, but NHRA, I believe, knows a few things about these things. I have seen many bikes this way though. I would think it would be hard to keep clean and like was said, once it starts to rust, and it will being metal, there's not much you can do. My dragbike's frame is powdercoated and personally, I'd never do that again either. It looks fantastic til it chips. Once it's on there, it's damn near impossible to get off. If you are going to take very good care of it, then it would be good.

There is an excellent third option- have it powder coated "chrome"- it isn't really shiny enough to be called 'chrome" - me and the powder coater call it "satin near polished aluminum" - you can't see your reflexion in it like chrome, or high gloss polished aluminum, but it is close, and super, duper rugged! And, of course, harms the frame in no way!

But that is my style this year with all the frames I am building- so say you copied me, okay? LOL

does any know of a good place to have a "satin near polished aluminum" powder coat "chrome" job done!
or for that matter any powder coat job done!
any more advise or sugestions!!!

Do you have any pictures of that treatment on your bikes? Does it look like the Nitroplate or Jethot coatings they use on headers, etc.?