Exhaust / Re-Chrome

[Mike V]

All,
I wanted to start some discussion and try to get some ideas from all of you regarding the subject of exhaust re-chroming. I'll try to keep this short. I'm nearing the motor rebuild (top end) phase of my 81 R65 restoration and thinking ahead; wanted to get my exhaust taken care of. The existing exhaust on this bike is in good structural and functional condition. Unfortunately the chrome finish has deteriorated to an extent of irreparable return without aggressive abrasive maneuvers. The rust pitting is excessive from it's PO's exposed historical storage near the salt water environment. My restoration intent is to restore to it's "stock" showroom condition and maintain the OEM system for obvious reasons (if at all possible).
I'm researching a local respectable vendor to re-chrome the entire system (5 pieces) in the neighborhood of $450 - $500. Seems the way to go since Stainless or replacement OEM systems is over double that price not to mention some of the problems I've heard regarding fit & finish of some of the aftermarket Stainless systems. If FORCED to go stainless, I would probably choose Kiehan.
Curious if any of you can shed some advice, experience, opinions, details etc. regarding this process and/or options. I like the durability of chrome and most of all maintaining the original equipment for this build.

Any help or persuasions are appreciated.

Mike V. / San Diego

[Justin B.]

I have had exhaust components re-chromed in the past and was not very happy - especially on header pipes.  The chrome burned off very quickly and over time the nickel started bubbling.  I would lean more toward ceramic powder coating...

[montmil]

Mike,

If the rust pitting has gone beyond the surface chromed finish, I'd definitely want assurances from the chrome shop that these issues could be addressed.

What is the condition of the weld area / pinch bolt locations at the cross tube junctures? The interior of the pipes?

With the already snug fit of the "five, you say" individual pieces in the exhaust header system, will the slip fits still "slip fit"?

That's a big buck investment in a twenty-eight year old plumbing system. [smiley=shocked.gif]

Which brings up the question; what mufflers are you planning on investing in?  

Monte

[Mike V]

Thanks guys,
All good information and you've already brought up some good points for me to ponder. As I understand it, the procedure to be used will be a triple plating process; chemical stripping, machine polishing, degrease and clean, bright nickel plating, and chrome plating. As I understand it copper is not used for exhaust applications due to it's heat absorption and lack of heat dissapation properties. Starting to get out of my realm of knowledge and obviously no experience with re-chroming (yet).
Please keep the responses coming...

Mike V.

[Lucky_Lou]

Keep an eye on Ebay or if your lucky like me you could drop on a set from your local bike bit shop ,,,,,,i found a pair of brand new still boxed OEMs for 50 Quid  about 80 bucks to you guys Lucky or what!!!!!
Lou

[Justin B.]

The process I used on a set of "drag pipes" for my old '73 Honda 450 was minus the copper as you indicated and the results were as I described.  I was a plater in a previous life...  Check out Jet-Hot for ceramic coating.  They have a silver they call Ceramichrome and also a semi-gloss black that would also look nice.

[Mike V]

Justin,

Well I took the plunge. I found a plater I felt comfortable with and he does quite a bit of m/c and auto restoration. He's guareteed his work. I'll be sure and share some photos in a couple of weeks when i get them back. The real test will be when the heat gets to them. He walked me through the shop and process, obviously I expect the blueing to return to the headers but that's a BMW signature as far as I'm concerned, doesn't bother me. I figured it was an affordable gamble for under $400.

Mike V.

[Justin B.]

I wish you luck, Mike.  Perhaps there is a special process to use on exhaust components but I worked at a bumper re-chroming company and that process and single walled pipes and high heat didn't get along.

[jskola]

Looking forward to the results, make sure you keep us posted!

[Mike V]

Jay,

Sigh....Well, the plater called me the other day and after stripping the mufflers he informed me there was too much rust (pin holes) damage to the mufflers in-between the plating and steel mufflers to insure a quality job. The headers are a go and I'll be sure to report to you guys when I get them back and after I apply real exhaust heat to them. So, the search for a set of near pristine OEM replacements have come up enpty and my extensive search for OEM mufflers have turned up 25 right side mufflers and no left side mufflers world wide. They just don't exist. I am leaning towards stainless muffler replacements at the moment and am finding this process a bit more challenging than originally anticipated. I'm in contact with some vendors regarding Kiehan replacements - all the anecdotal information I've received regarding the Kiehans are positive. If you have extra sets of mufflers at home for your 650, you may want to hang on to them. Seems to be a rare piece of hardware.

Mike V.

[Mike V]

Well, the headers are back from the plater and they look beautiful. I wanted to report back as promised. The real test will be after they're installed and exposed to continuous exhaust heat, more later as the restoration progresses to the motor. Finished the Bing rebuilds yesterday and they both went perfectly. I have a blow-by-blow photobucket link to the carbs if anyone is interested. Here's some shots of the exhaust...the mufflers were too damaged to re-plate.

http://s428.photobucket.com/albums/qq8/gruntyman66/81%20R650%20Restoration/Exhaust/?albumview=grid

Mike V.

[MrRiden]

Mike,
They really look excellent. I've heard an old wives tale that a shot of heat proof paint into the pipes to coat the bend section can help prevent bluing. I've not tried it but perhaps some others here have heard of this.

[Semper Gumby]

Yeah there is an internal pipe coating somewheres ---- what was the name?

Let me e-mail somebody quick....

You might check out these guys at Swain Tech Coatings.  They might have something to protect your chrome...

www.swaintech.com

[Mike V]

Thanks guys, I'm expecting blueing to take place. I just want the plating to hold up and not crack or flake.

BMW without blue pipes?!

Mike V. / San Diego

[Semper Gumby]

My buddy with the BSA Lightning e-mailed me back said he used this stuff and it seems to work but he adds that he has only 300 miles on the bike so far...

http://www.kreemproducts.net/p-19-blue-shield.aspx

Whoowee that swaintech stuff is expensive!!!

http://www.swaintech.com/store.asp?pid=10972