Chrome Valve Covers?

[TheHungarian]

One of the reasons I picked up a used '13 stone was for the contrast of the matte black with the chrome pipes, grab handle, bars, headlight bezel and fuel line accent pieces. I just prefer it to the all-blacked-out look of some of the newer stones. To me, it looks more authentically vintage, especially with the amber turn signals.

I have some scratches on one of my black valve covers and was thinking of having it re-powder coated black over the winter, but then I saw this pic:





The chrome valve covers look so right on this bike, at least to me. Now I'm thinking I might want to have them stripped and then chrome plated. There's a local shop that does this type of work and I want to talk with them about it. I'd have to retain the black plastic spark plug wire covers (i think) but that contrast might look good.
How do you guys think chrome valve covers would look on this rig?: (yes, I know, one man's treasure...etc.). Thanks!





Best,
Mike

[Guzzistajohn]

I don't really look at small block Guzzis that way.  But I like the looks of 'em!

[fotoguzzi]

I did that once back in my chrome period, I say go for it!

[TheHungarian]

I did that once back in my chrome period, I say go for it!

Love how the chrome on your valve covers ties the engine in with the rest of the chrome. Nice bike!

[wirespokes]

Rather than chrome, or instead of, you might consider clear powder coat. Or Cerakote.

[rutgery]

Aren't those valve covers aluminium? Polishing them will also give them a great shine

Edit; added picture of (I believe) polished valve covers

[TheHungarian]

Rather than chrome, or instead of, you might consider clear powder coat. Or Cerakote.

Clear powder coat? Hmmm. Might consider that if, after stripping, they can be polished smooth enough. Not sure what the surface looks like under the black powdercoat. As far as polished aluminum, I've done that on bicycles and found that it gets dull without some sort of protection or re-polishing. Thanks for the feedback!

Best,
Mike

[malik]

Yes, you can put a mirror finish on aluminium, with the application of wet n dry, elbow grease & polish.




just dance humberto


But it will need periodic renewal, which can be a pain. I've seen the results of a GRiSO's black rocker covers polished - looks good. The advantage of chrome is ease of maintenance - an occasional wipe & the odd polish. Aluminium can be chromed - had is done on the Enfield V-twin successfully - there the rocker covers are up under the rank & frame and not easily accessible. I have not had any experience with other coatings, although I'm about to try out a KBS clear coating on some rocker covers from a Nevada I had bead blasted.

[TheHungarian]

Yes, you can put a mirror finish on aluminium, with the application of wet n dry, elbow grease & polish.




just dance humberto


But it will need periodic renewal, which can be a pain. I've seen the results of a GRiSO's black rocker covers polished - looks good. The advantage of chrome is ease of maintenance - an occasional wipe & the odd polish. Aluminium can be chromed - had is done on the Enfield V-twin successfully - there the rocker covers are up under the rank & frame and not easily accessible. I have not had any experience with other coatings, although I'm about to try out a KBS clear coating on some rocker covers from a Nevada I had bead blasted.

Clear coating over aluminum? That sounds like a great idea. Would love to see how it turns out.

[malik]

I'll let you know how it goes. Getting it for the alternator cover mainly. Couldn't get all the peeling chrome off it, so had it blasted. Sand blasting removed the remaining chrome, bead blasting made the finish finer. Now the colour matches the tank & side cover. This coating is supposed to spread evenly when painted on, and then resistant to stone chips. We shall see. Comes in a 500ml tin, so plenty left over, looking for a home.

[PeteS]

I vote for polish and clear powder coat. Chrome has a tendency to peel off aluminum especially if the bike is stored in an unheated space below freezing. The expansion and contraction of the aluminum causes the chrome to crack.

Pete

[wirespokes]

Don't the Japanese bikes come with painted aluminum - or clear coated? The oilhead beemers and newer are also painted. Clear coat makes sense.

A trick I was given is to heat the aluminum to 100F and then spray it. It opens the pores and the paint sticks better.

[TheHungarian]

I vote for polish and clear powder coat. Chrome has a tendency to peel off aluminum especially if the bike is stored in an unheated space below freezing. The expansion and contraction of the aluminum causes the chrome to crack.

Pete

Have not heard that...thanks for that! So many options. Going to flog this new (to me) bike for the next four months while I ponder this!  Grazie!

Best,
Mike