Triple Chrome Plated Upper Intakes (pics)

[92Ty#1524]

Re: Triple Chrome Plated Upper Intakes (pics)

I was also concerned about gasket mating. As a precautionary measure, I scuffed the underside with 400 grit and lined both sides of the gasket with permatex blue. Dont think it will be an issue.

Lower isnt plated. The incredible expense would outweigh the result since its not very visible. I can only imagine what it would cost just to prep it. The fuel rail is plated and well worth the $60.

 

[SY2932]

Re: Triple Chrome Plated Upper Intakes (pics)

What, there are impurities in the upper intake casting??? Say that it isn't so :lol: ! Looks very SHARP ! Nice to see other owners who are steeping up to the plate to preserve these trucks and not just drive them into the ground.

I opted for the polished look over chrome due to the temperature extremes the top of the motor experiences. Yeah, the upkeep for polished stuff can be a royal pain. I plan to clearcoat mine to delay the inevitable. I don't wash my truck *really* good once expecting to never have to wash it again. My engine bay isn't any different, and most folks who detail their trucks on regular basis usually enjoy it. I do...

I'm not familiar with the zinc process, perhaps that will hold up better than the traditional method of plating the aluminum with nickel, copper then chrome. Chrome doesn't adhere well to aluminum but, nickel does. Chrome doesn't adhere well to nickel either but, copper adheres well to nickel. Chrome adheres VERY well to copper. The item is polished first, then plated with nickel. Then it is polished again and plated with copper. Then it is polished one last time before being chrome plated. Incidentally, plastic parts that are chromed will have a copper plating under the chrome if you sand/scrape the chrome off. That is why some plastic parts that are chromed turn greenish in color, the copper under the chrome oxidizes like an old penny discoloring the part as it ages. So many layers of different metals with dissimilar reactions to heat seemed like a recipe for flaking off at some point. Rims don't see such extremes in heat so, that's a different ballgame...

 

[92Ty#1524]

Re: Triple Chrome Plated Upper Intakes (pics)

I'm glad you dropped in. Just wanted to say that I totally respect and appreciate what you've done with yours. I'm sure it was much more labor intensive than what I've done with mine. Especially admire the EGR blockoff-meld. Is one of a kind.

I was also concerned about the heat issue you mentioned. I've taken measures to prolong the life of the plating.....ceramic (in and out) on the new KB headers, Thermotec wrap on the turbo and downpipe. Hope to have it on the road in the next month or two. I'll know soon if it works. lol

Nice work!

 

[SY2932]

Re: Triple Chrome Plated Upper Intakes (pics)

I'm glad you dropped in. Just wanted to say that I totally respect and appreciate what you've done with yours. I'm sure it was much more labor intensive than what I've done with mine. Especially admire the EGR blockoff-meld. Is one of a kind.

I was also concerned about the heat issue you mentioned. I've taken measures to prolong the life of the plating.....ceramic (in and out) on the new KB headers, Thermotec wrap on the turbo and downpipe. Hope to have it on the road in the next month or two. I'll know soon if it works. lol

Nice work!

Thanks ! If it wasn't to "broaden the knowledge of the community" I wouldn't DREAM of doing another one but, I'm going to for a detailed "how to" write up soon with pics. I KNEW that I was going to regret not documenting the process when I did mine...

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Triple Chrome Plated Upper Intakes (pics)

Maybe if i get bored i'll prep a complete set of upper/lower intakes and have them plated. Would someone actually be willing to pay $1750 for a set like that though? I highly doubt it. Or $1000 and trade in your cores.

I doubt there are many people out there willing.

 

[ircwet]

Re: Triple Chrome Plated Upper Intakes (pics)

Very nice !!!!!!!!!!!!