Anyone ever chrome plate carb bowls ?

[pearljam724]

I understand the little jet on the rim of a 750 bowl
But can it be done?

[Coyote]

I assume so. I've seen lots of old Triumphs with chrome carbs. Of course those are Ahmal carbs.

[pearljam724]

I figured it could be done. If the chromer takes a little precaution. But, im no plater. Learning quickly just how fast unprotected polished aluminum oxidizes. Always knew that it did. Just thought it would be a little slower.

[tz375]

If we are talking stock OEM carbs, then they are made of a zinc based material.

[GT750Battleship]

I figured it could be done. If the chromer takes a little precaution. But, im no plater. Learning quickly just how fast unprotected polished aluminum oxidizes. Always knew that it did. Just thought it would be a little slower.

Hi,I used Autosolv for years on my Aluminium parts,had the same problem maintaining a "shine".I've now switched to Macguairs Aluminium Polish,very good mirror finish & takes a long time to oxidise !!

Cheers,
GT750Battleship.

[pearljam724]

If we are talking stock OEM carbs, then they are made of a zinc based material.

Im referring to the bowls. They sure polish like aluminum. But, I believe you.

[pearljam724]

I figured it could be done. If the chromer takes a little precaution. But, im no plater. Learning quickly just how fast unprotected polished aluminum oxidizes. Always knew that it did. Just thought it would be a little slower.

Hi,I used Autosolv for years on my Aluminium parts,had the same problem maintaining a "shine".I've now switched to Macguairs Aluminium Polish,very good mirror finish & takes a long time to oxidise !!

Cheers,
GT750Battleship.

I know what you mean. I have a lot of parts polished to a chrome shine. But, a week later I turn around and they need lightly polished again. You can see why manufacturers learned how important it was to clear coat the aluminum. I'm pretty impressed how well Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish works. I just didn't realize that I would have to keep up with it every couple of weeks. I thought the shine would last at least several months. Boy, was I wrong. I want to avoid constantly taking the carbs off to keep up with the bowls. Therefore I want to plate them. I put a ton of elbow work and time into that shine. Lol !

[tz375]

If we are talking stock OEM carbs, then they are made of a zinc based material.

Im referring to the bowls. They sure polish like aluminum. But, I believe you.

Good point. I wonder if the bowls are manufactured from Aluminum rather than the zinc based material the bodies are made out of. The top caps are on BS40 I believe, but I'm pretty sure the bowls are MAZAK/Zamak but it's possible. We used to polish Amal carbs, so no reason why Mikuni can't be polished,. but they do oxidize pretty quickly.

[pearljam724]

If we are talking stock OEM carbs, then they are made of a zinc based material.

Im referring to the bowls. They sure polish like aluminum. But, I believe you.

Good point. I wonder if the bowls are manufactured from Aluminum rather than the zinc based material the bodies are made out of. The top caps are on BS40 I believe, but I'm pretty sure the bowls are MAZAK/Zamak but it's possible. We used to polish Amal carbs, so no reason why Mikuni can't be polished,. but they do oxidize pretty quickly.

The tops and bowls seem to be aluminum. Where the bodies are that zinc you are referring to. Seems that way to me anyhow. What are Amal carbs ? Is that a make like Mikuni ?

[GT750Battleship]

British Engineering Co,1923 to 1993 Used on a lot of British Bikes naturally,BSA,Vellocette etc !
Read more on Wikipedia,interesting reading...
Cheers,
GT750Battleship.

[tz375]

Oh my. I must be older than I thought.

Mikuni started making AMAL carbs under license which is why they used to refer to the long hex jet as an AMAL jet. BS series were closer to a Stroberg design where the dashpot (CV) Keihins were more a copy or adaptation of the SU - All older British companies.

[oldjapanesebikes]

BS series were closer to a Stroberg design where the dashpot (CV) Keihins were more a copy or adaptation of the SU - All older British companies.

Actually, the BS series were based on a SOLEX design that Mikuni licensed and started to develop in 1960 ! If you look at the early BS carbs on the XS650, you will see they actually have SOLEX cast in the top cover.

[tz375]

You are good Ian. Stromberg and Solex merged back in 1955 and the Solex name is now owned by Magneti Morelli. You are correct that the BS40 is a Solex design and not Stromberg that I mentioned. Good call.