Rechroming die cast 1952-up ratchet top

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George57
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Rechroming die cast 1952-up ratchet top

#1

Post by George57 »

Hi ! My Panhead tranny has a chromed oem ratchet top, footshift model without neutral switch. I understand these ratchet tops are die casted, not sand casted. But is it made of steel, iron or aluminum ? The nearest chroming company here informed me they can rechrome steel and brass but don't do other metals as those need special chemical removal of the old chrome layers. Working on steel and brass is what they do, no exceptions. So if the top is made of die cast steel it would be okay for them, if not I have to look for a chromer with a license for chemical processing. Your info is very welcome !

George
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Re: Rechroming die cast 1952-up ratchet top

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Post by RUBONE »

All ratchet tops are aluminum, whether sand cast or die cast for their entire production run. No exceptions!
Robbie
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Re: Rechroming die cast 1952-up ratchet top

#3

Post by 1950Panhead »

You can test the base metal with a magnet, steel is magnetic, aluminum is not.
Chrome can be removed by sand blasting, reverse electroplating, chemical strippers.
Original lids are aluminum, not plated.
Jerry
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Re: Rechroming die cast 1952-up ratchet top

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Post by George57 »

Thanks guys ! My ratchet top has the HD partnumber inside so is a oem one, must be made of aluminum then.
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