Any ideas for restoring chrome seat trim on CB500/550?

[petersy]

Does anyone have any ideas for restoring the chrome strip around my 1974 CB550 seat?

The chrome layer has been damaged over the years and it cannot be replaced without buying an original Honda seat because the chrome strip is attached to the edge of the seat cover moulding.
I have rubed the chrome down with emery cloth and this leaves the (white) plastic underneath exposed, which is actually better looking than the crappy chrome look.

However, I would still like to get the chrome back, and the only thing I can think of is chrome tape.

Does anyone have any ideas please?

[Woodside]

On site the guys who lag the ducting and pipes use a chrome tape that is very thin and could possibly be of use...nothing to lose I suppose

"Aluminium foil tape"

[petersy]

I don't know if aluminium would be too thick. It would need to cling to the profile of the 10mm curved plastic around the edge of the seat.

I have now tried chrome tape but it doesn't stick well to the plastic and it also tends to crumple around the bends.

I'm now thinking of glueing the tape to the plastic and cutting it with a sharp knife where it crumples in order that it will lie flat.

I've bought the tape, so as you say - nothing to lose.

[AshimotoK0]

You can get plastic chromed but not sure how much it would cost. I would estimate about £25

Ash

[Woodside]

The aluminium tape is about the same thickness as tin foil it is so thin it would probably lay right on to the trim....you could cut it the correct thickness or trim it afterwards

[MeilakJ]

Hi , I found this not sure if it can help in your case , I will be getting a set for my CB750

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120934462094?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[MeilakJ]

Here is another listing saying it will fit cb550

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-CB-CJ-360-450-500-CB360-CJ360-CB450-CB550-CB360T-SEAT-COVER-CHROME-TRIM/120934455823?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3Ddcca2e32377d4e11b6efcc806b78c474%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D120934462094&rt=nc

[Trigger]

You could try a chrome spray > www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaFJsiBclb0

[petersy]

The chrome spray on Youtube looks really good, but aslo really expensive when used just for spraying a seat edging trim.

[petersy]

I finally went for the chrome spray, but not the type shown on Youtube above.

I bought a can of chrome spray on eBay for £2.99 including post.

The lid of the can looks like real chrome, but the final sprayed result looks more like shiny aluminium.

Anyway I'm satisfied with the result, as it looks better than the non-shiny white plastic showing after I rubbed off what was left of the original chrome.