Chrome peeling off timing belt cover

[dummysales]

I will post photo here. My ‘83 Aspencade timing belt cover is peeling Chrome. It’s ugly. I’ve run my budget into the hole ( what else is née fir an classic bike owner). My first consideration is chrome paint. Anybody have recommendations besides buying somebody else’s problem?

[DenverWinger]

I kinda don't think the chrome is original, might be on the '83 Aspy, but the '80 STD covers are just brushed aluminum w/clear coat like the rest of the engine....

[dummysales]

Thanks for the reply, but these are both chromed, or chrome painted. If it’s painted on these light aluminum covers, there may be an issue with primer, or lack thereof.

Let’s see what the Aspey owners suggest.

Cheers.

Waj

[Rambozo]

Remove the chrome, replace with the finish of your choice.
Muriatic will take off the chrome, but it won't do the layers under it. To strip everything your best bet is to take it to a plating shop where they have the right chemicals. If you want paint, or powder coating you could just sandblast it, but if you want a polished finish you need to chemically strip it.

[dummysales]

Thank you, Rambozo. Sounds like the procedure to strip is appropriate for this. waj

[julimike54]

Have you considered 'new' used? I believe those covers started life, on the original bike, as aluminium. A big thing back in the day was to buy 'chrome' ones to bling up the looks. Lots of reports of chrome failing on valve and timing belt covers over the years. You might find an original for not much $$$$. But then again you might find more work that way also.....

[dummysales]

Thanks for the note. I’m a bit leery of someone else’s headache relative to used parts. We’re I to find one at a yard sale where I can handle them, it might well be worth it.

[joecoolsuncle]

blast em, polish em, then spray em with clear. it be foofoo shiny and last as long as the originals have. my aspencade is stock, has clear coated aluminum that still is ok from 30 ft.

[dummysales]

I may get to that point. The lower fork tubes are shiny where the casting allowed polishing. And I’ve polished my 750 cases. So know what that’s about. Waj

[Corkster52]

Thanks for the note. I’m a bit leery of someone else’s headache relative to used parts. We’re I to find one at a yard sale where I can handle them, it might well be worth it.

With the '88 and '99 Wings that I've owned, I have very good luck buying used parts from Ebay. Study the photos linked to the part and it's a pretty safe bet the part will fit your needs.