“Spacecoast Plating”
by Bryan Bentley
This article originally appeared in Volume 37, Issue 1 of Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine
AIthough I have not had the opportunity to personally send parts to Spacecoast Plating, I have had the pleasure of viewing many pieces of their work, and they speak for themselves. This is some of the best chrome plating I have ever seen. Spacecoast uses the copper and nickel chrome process, rather than the nickel chrome process, on everything but exhaust. Yes, I said they do exhausts, also.
Most exhaust can be done, however, there are some “ifs.” Spacecoast Plating only uses a two step, nickel and chrome process for exhausts due to the low melting point of copper. This also limits the amount of repairs to pitting and dents that can be done, as copper, solder, or lead, which is normally used as a filler to repair these pits and small defects, will also melt when used on exhaust. Dents can be very tough to remove, also, as it is hard to access the inside of most mufflers. On all other parts, all of these materials can be used to smooth out your part, and most dents can also be removed.
Almost any metal found on a motorcycle can be plated. Aluminum, steel, brass, pot metal, and die-cast are some of their specialties. They also can polish your aluminum and other nonferrous metals to a show-quality finish. They do recommend a protective coating, which they do not supply after polishing, but they will be happy to recommend a proper coating to be used.
So, how do you find out about cost, shipping, turnaround time, and other factors? Just visit www.spacecoast-plating.com. Although you won’t find prices listed due to all the variations, they welcome a picture of your parts and can give you an estimate. After arriving at their facility, the part is inspected, and if there is any difference, they will notify you before they begin. Occasionally, they receive parts that are just too far gone to repair and plate. Rather than patch and hide, they will turn down the job. They offer a one year warranty to non-abused parts, and of course, they can’t offer this warranty to a poor-quality patch job.
What about custom work for those of you who prefer a different look? Yes, they offer what you need. How about copper plating for a different look on your custom? Maybe you would just like to try a nickel plate for the old-time yellow chrome look, rather than the slightly blue tone of chrome plating. They will also either polish or flash chrome your stainless steel. Stainless should be flash chromed if you are trying to match a chrome finish. Although polished stainless looks great, when it is placed next to chrome the difference is obvious. That is why the flash chrome is offered. Give them a try and be sure to tell them the VJMC sent you. You won’t be disappointed.
This article originally appeared in the print edition of Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine.