nickel or chrome?

[samster143]

Anyone have any knowledge on the pro's and con's of nickel and chrome plating? I want to get some of my stuff plated and the only guy around only does nickel.... I think the cost is about the same. Thanks to all who reply.

[Joel85350X]

From my experience, Nickel is more durable. Durablue has begun Nickel plating it's axles because the old chrome plating would sometimes come off. I had a bunch of stuff on a car plated in nickel and it really worked out well. Nickel doesn't really shine or anything like chrome, but it does protect better than chrome, imho.

[Trikeaholic]

Joel is right. Nickle will prove much more durable. I have attempted to chrome some grade 8 Hex screws for a customer before, they didnt even make it there without peeling off, we nickled them and they are still in service today, on a fire truck. (saulsbury fire apparatus, Tully NY) go with the Nickle.

[wizzard]

Nickel is tough but doesn't look worth a crap, at least the nickel platinf i've seen.

[JohnR.]

I would say if chrome is done correctly it is tougher than nickle. I know ChrisD.'s Chrome Paul Turner pipe is a few years old and it still looks great. Even the spot your foot hits when you kickstart the trike cleans up 100% with a little mothers chrome polish. I say ask some of the Harley dudes in you area those guys are in love with chrome and they'll know who does it well and who doesn't.

John

[Trikeaholic]

Im no plater, but the ATK bikes come with Nickel plated pipes. I think the "Chrome" used in Harleys and stuff has a high nickel content, that is concocted to look shiney and be durable on the pipes and other parts. You need to talk to a plating shop, I use a decent one in Elmira, NY but most every town has one.

[350xing]

you could always do it yourself. This place sells nickel, chrome, copper, brass, gold, silver, anodizing, etc.., plating kits.
http://www.caswellplating.com/

[samster143]

Thanks for the replies!