Chrome vs. Something Else?

[gregwils]

I just looked at Jim's post on the 250 Street Scrambler project. I am so low budget compared to him I am almost embarassed...almost. Anyway, I ground, then filed then sanded my way from the very nasty looking kick starter in the before to a suprisingly decent after. I like the polished steel look. Is there a way to preserve it or should I get it chromed if I want to maintain a high gloss?

Before

After Sanding

[amartina75]

looks good, considering what you started with. you shouold be able to get that chromed for $20 to $30 I would think. (Browns Plating, Paducah, Ky.)
If you are on a tight budget I would recomend to not get too caught up in trying to make everything look brand new.
There is nothing wrong with having a bike that has some rust on it and shows its age.
Just make it safe to ride and look pretty good from 10ft away
thats My 2 cents

[gregwils]

Thanks. $30 is not a problem. I will contact Browns. I hear you on not shooting for perfection, I think the good to perfect multiplier is 10 for money and time. If this was a Diana or Mach 1, I might feel different. This is a Monza Jr.

[blaat!]

1. Do no harm. Store the bike in a covered dry place.
2. Refer to the rust as "patina".
3. Work slowly and prioritize.
4. Make up some excuse where all your money is... "until the hedge fund assets free up, I don't have the resources to..."

I'm a year and a half in on my basket case. I'm dying to ride It, but realistically I'm probably another two years away from that. I'm slowly buying all the parts I need as the budget doesn't allow me to spend too freely - especially with all the real estate investments

[Sam]

Why not coat the kickstart with a clear lacquer that would give it some protection.
The parts I had stripped polished and chrome plated only cost £100 that was two fork sliders two lever mounts kickstart two rear wheel snails gear change and petrol cap, may be worth the while getting a few quotes.