stripping chrome?

[xs650wis]

The chrome plating on my front engine mount is "past it's service life", (crappy). I'm considering a few options...

Blasting: I have a small Sears sand blaster. Is there a media that would work well, easy? Then repaint or powder coat.

Dip to strip: I found a web post on dipping it in Sodium hydroxide at 8-12 oz/gal. www.nmfrc.org/crarchive/jun02b.cfm
Then repaint or powder coat.

Re-chrome it by a pro: Find a reasonable vendor, ship it, pay the money, hope for good results.

Buy one: Trust an ebayer that the condition is better then the one I have.

This project is not a restore to original, so I'm not overly concerned about it being chrome. Just want a good finish with the function. Any ideas, experiences, cost of chroming? Other options?

Thanks,
Still cold in Wisconsin

[miker]

Having read over the options here and there on the net, it sounds like any kind of home chemical stripping is dangerous and a Bad Idea. Supposedly chromers will strip chrome at a reasonable cost for you, and I'll be doing some of that next year.

Otherwise, why not give the sandblaster a try? But I kind of like the chrome accent in that area, so I'd have a pro rechrome it - they may be able to do a bit of repolishing as well. There is (was?) a place in Minneapolis called Ken's Metal Finishing, he's done great work for me in the past and handled lots of bike stuff. 612-521-0673

miker

[tomterrific]

I think the easiest way for a chrome part to be painted is to scratch it up good with sandpaper and spray it. Your sand blaster will work too just use an aggressive grit (like aluminum oxide) so the paint gets to bite the surface.

Tom Graham

[xs650wis]

Thanks for the replies Miker & Tom,
I will make a few calls to chromers first and compare the price to NOS.
After looking at all the bits & pieces I may have a few more like the chain adjusters, done as well.
I will try Ken's,

Is there any other chromes anyone would recommend?

[xs650wis]

I meant "any other chrome plating services" anyone would recommend?

I think "Chromies" are the faction running around with tin foil on their skulls.