Re: [Classicrendezvous] Re: [chrome Paramounts)- Rene Herse's

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: <CYCLESTORE@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 01:08:58 EDT
Subject: Re: [Classicrendezvous] Re: [chrome Paramounts)- Rene Herse's
To: Philcycles@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org, ed.martin@worldnet.att.net, randonneurextra@hotmail.com


See Below Phil,

As I recall (and I may be mistaken so feel free to correct) Nickel is not an element at all but an alloy composed of copper and silver and is much harder than the original elements. Nickel plating was once common on bearing surfaces even on 1 pc cranks from the pre war era and wears very well.

This aside, the chroming procedure outlined below seems conscientious and well thought our by experienced people. My information came from Keith Kingbay (Great Guy and Tight with the LAW too) who was a big deal at one time with Schwinn. They did extensive tests for long term durability on lots of chroming techniques. They may not have tried the ones outlined below but could have perhaps rejected it as too costly. Who knows, I tried to call Keith but sadly he is dead and cannot be reached at this time for comment. Your chromer sounds good.

Yours in Cycling,

Gilbert Anderson

Bicycle Outfitter 519 W. North St. Raleigh, NC 27603 voice:919/828-8999 toll free: 800/321-5511 email: cyclestore@aol.com

In a message dated 10/21/00 2:51:04 PM, Philcycles@aol.com writes:

<< In a message dated 10/21/0 6:33:49 AM, CYCLESTORE@aol.com writes:
>He told me most chromers use a
>copper base to bold to the steel followed by the chromium plating and then
>
>polish. Copper adheres to steel while chrome will not. Chrome adheres
>to
>copper well so you have a durable surface....but the best solution is
>nickel
>over steel ( nickel is a copper an silver alloy) followed by the chrome
>
>plating.

Not quite. First, nickel is an element all on its own, not an alloy. The best plating job is known as a triple plate-copper, then nickel, then chrome. Few platers do it that way today because of labor-the part must be polished between each coat. If you want this type of plating look around,there may be someone in your area who does it. Bike frames fail after plating because the acids used are not flushed out properly. I either seal the tube (forks and seat stays after treating with Framesaver) or make sure there are holes at each end of the tube so water can flow through it. Expensive to plate a frame-my guy charges $750 and it's worth every cent. Phil Brown >>