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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Motorcycle Chrome defects on Custon Exhaust System
2007
I have a new custom chopper type motorcyle. I purchased an after-market custom exhaust system (V&H) right after the bike was bought. I noticed that the chrome finished exhaust pipes have very small (.5-.75mm) tear-drop / irregular shaped discolorations within the finish. At first I thought it was tar or bugs and really but a good cleaning and polishing to the pipes. This just made them real shiny and did not remove the 'marks'. I spoke with the manufacturer and they said something must have been spilled and/or splashed onto the pipe's chrome to cause this discoloration. These tear-drop / irregular shaped marks are even / flush with the chrome surface and look to be intergral with the finish (to my bare eyes). There is no
'pittin' or uneveness in the surface.
I was wondering if the chroming process did this or are they possibly correct in saying something chemical caused the discoloration?
Any help would be most appreciated. I can send photos if needed.
Architect & Biker - Hartville, Ohio
2007
Sounds to me like something dripped on the pipes. Maybe battery acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or oven cleaner ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . The only fix is to replate.
I don't exactly know what the problem is with your pipes, but I have plated literally thousands of exhuast pipes and can most likely fix yours
Regards,
- St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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