To chrome or replace with chrome? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

doug5336 · 09-20-2003, 06:17 PM

Didn't know which thread to write this in, but since I am a Dyna owner, I'll try it here.

I own a 2003 FXD (many of you have seen my pics of it). I am in the process of adding chrome to the engine (cam cover, transmission top cover, rocker boxes, etc). Looking at the prices of new stuff, or having my existing pieces plated, the cost is almost the same in many cases!!! My mechanic (also a very good friend) says that I would be better off chroming my exisiting parts, because those are the parts that fit MY bike (without leaking, perfect fit, etc). I see that HD only sells the rocker boxes with the entire chrome engine kit. I already have a chrome outer primary cover.

What would you guys suggest? Has anyone ever had this dilemma?

Doug

Thealien · 09-20-2003, 07:11 PM

Every part has a number, you can buy each part individually. A parts manual for your bike would help. I'm not sure if it is cheaper to get the whole kit though. Some chroming places do a far superior job than HD (in my opinion). The advantage to buying HD parts already chromed is the lack of downtime. And most of the parts in the chrome kit ie; rocker boxes, primary, timing cover, tranny top are pretty good quality. Not show, but decent.

doug5336 · 09-20-2003, 07:41 PM

That's what I was thinking. I found everything except for the rocker covers on the HD web site. Strange enough, I bought my outer primary cover from the Custom Chrome catalog. I paid $ 150.00 vs $ 300.00 from HD. It is exactly the same thing, and great quality too. Perfect fit, doesn't leak, etc.

I have often heard that the plating shops make a better product than some of the new stuff in the HD box. But I was also considering the down time as a factor too. I'll have to think about this

Doug

FLHTP · 09-21-2003, 09:53 AM

You better shop around for chrome i just got alot of chome done and every piece was fudged up in some way.
+ i had yo clean the chome out of bushing and other places the chome should not be the shop should have listened to me when i gave them instuctions as to where i did not want the chrome. They didn't give a crap.
i bought some after market stuff and hard some ploblems with fit on that to ETC... fit and bushing sizes stuff you don't want to mess with.
Now i'm fighting with this chrome shop over my hard urned money. and stuck with Crapy aftermarket stuff that has no right being on the market!!!!!!
I ended uup getting some stock chrome covers and i have good chrme and no fittting probems..

Good luck with your choices and not every body has had the problem i've had with this issue.

You pays your money and you takes your chances.
Question is are you a gambling man.
I was!!!@

doug5336 · 09-21-2003, 10:01 AM

It seems like a "hit or miss" deal! Wish me luck !

fxdl2002 · 09-21-2003, 07:26 PM

you might want to check out www.chromethathog.com....i heard from a bunch of guys on another board that they are pretty reliable and fairly priced. They do exchanges, where you give them your piece and they send you an already chromed or stock piece immediately , or if you don't mind waiting they will chrome your piece.

doug5336 · 10-18-2003, 03:21 PM

Just got my bike back, fully completed with my "chrome transplant." I bought the following parts from HD: Cam Cover, Transmission top cover. Bought the transmission side cover (clutch release cover) from Custom Chrome. Got a pair of lifter blocks from Custom Chrome as well. Got a set of chromed rocker boxes from another 03 FXD.

End result: Great looks, and no leaks at all!

Thanks for all of the input!

Doug