Re chroming forks.
- Thread starter Sir Neil d'Menture
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jim haseltine
Senior Retro Guru
Yes, I'm not saying it can't be done, just that you'd have to find somebody with super skills and they are few and far between. Your average wrap shop really doesn't like it when you mention 'chrome effect'. The surface preparation has to be better than 100% as metallic wraps highlight the appearance of even the most minor of flaws - even more than paint does.
And wrap doesn't last long, 3-5 years is average, 8 if you're lucky. Car guys aren't that bothered by that as some of them change the stuff more often than their socks.
And wrap doesn't last long, 3-5 years is average, 8 if you're lucky. Car guys aren't that bothered by that as some of them change the stuff more often than their socks.
Sir Neil d'Menture
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An update....
Thanks for your suggestions guys.
I tried Ashford Chroming as above^^^
They wanted £185 plus £45 return postage plus VAT on top. Turn round time was 6 weeks. Didn't fancy that.
Consulted Mr Google who came up with surprisingly few suggestions.
Eventually I found Chromefix in Birmingham.
https://www.chromefix.co.uk/They seemed to specialise in car and motorbike rechroming but they appear to have a good reputation. I sent them pictures and spoke on the phone. Total quote was £114 returned to me.
Quote was to do this...
We can Electornically Strip, Mirror Polish (minor dents/imperfections are removed at this stage) and quad plate with 4 layers of plating to achieve maximum rust protection and a deep chrome finish (Copper Plate, Acid Copper Plate, Nickel Plate and Chrome Plate)
Turnround time was quoted as 2 weeks.
They have come back today and it looks a very good job. Proof of the pudding and all that, but they are back on the bike now. They certainly won't be going on the road for a few months and will be for dry sunny day rides. Posing down the caff etc.
So far I'm a happy chappie.
Thanks for your suggestions guys.
I tried Ashford Chroming as above^^^
They wanted £185 plus £45 return postage plus VAT on top. Turn round time was 6 weeks. Didn't fancy that.
Consulted Mr Google who came up with surprisingly few suggestions.
Eventually I found Chromefix in Birmingham.
https://www.chromefix.co.uk/They seemed to specialise in car and motorbike rechroming but they appear to have a good reputation. I sent them pictures and spoke on the phone. Total quote was £114 returned to me.
Quote was to do this...
We can Electornically Strip, Mirror Polish (minor dents/imperfections are removed at this stage) and quad plate with 4 layers of plating to achieve maximum rust protection and a deep chrome finish (Copper Plate, Acid Copper Plate, Nickel Plate and Chrome Plate)
Turnround time was quoted as 2 weeks.
They have come back today and it looks a very good job. Proof of the pudding and all that, but they are back on the bike now. They certainly won't be going on the road for a few months and will be for dry sunny day rides. Posing down the caff etc.
So far I'm a happy chappie.
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Sir Neil d'Menture
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I'll see what I can do tomorrow. They are back on the bike now.
Sir Neil d'Menture
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Sent them by Evri. Quite cheap as they don't weigh an awful lot. My packaging was probably the heaviest part.
They came back by DPD 24 hour service. Arrived here before 9AM.
Sir Neil d'Menture
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OK, here goes. Not the best because I haven't kept a detailed record.
Seller sent me these two pictures.
He was a touch dismissive about the condition of the forks. Claimed they didn't affect handling so that made it OK. It seems a previous owner has coated the forks with some form of clear lacquer, presumably to control or prevent the spread of pitting. This had discoloured, was a dirty brown colour and was scratched. I passed on the sale until seller dropped the price to a level that gave me enough room to have the forks rechromed.
OCD rules of course, and if I'm riding a Colnago Master then I want to show off a bit. Dirty forks won't do it.
As mentioned for less than £120 inc post both ways and VAT, ChromeFix sorted it for me.
How good this will be long term is anybody's guess but they seem to be well thought of, and as I will only be riding it on dry days there is a good chance that the chrome will see me out.
