chrome Micron dint repair advice needed

[ozzysbikes]

Has anyone a contact for repairing a dent in a chrome exhaust and then rechroming ? or any advice about the possibility of diy repair and then rechrome, has anyone experience of a dented and scratched exhaust being repaired, I would replace the pipe if I could find one and I really like the look and sound of the Microns so want to keep them on the bike if possible

[84rzrider]

I use what I call the ice method. Ice is 18% larger by volume than water. Go to the hardware store and obtain a rubber plug that will fit tightly in the chamber head pipe end. Remove the baffle. Fill the pipe with water and hang it up plugged end down. Since it is summer you will need access to a walk in freezer unless you have one big enough at home. Leave the pipe in there overnight. The dents will pop out when the water freezes.I used this method a couple years ago on my Denco Killer chambers on my H2 750 and it worked perfectly. It can be used on gas tanks too but you have to monitor the tank closely as it can split the seams or spread the tank. When I did my chambers it was 8 degrees F and it took 12 hours hanging on my paint stand on my carport for all the dents to come out. Good luck Mate. Hope I helped.

[plumma]

So simple it's brilliant, you've got me inspired.

[ozzysbikes]

don't have a chest freezer so it is a no go for me, I would be concerned that it might alter the shape of the pipe if it expands in the wrong place, what is it that ensures it only pushes out the parts that you want it to (surely the ice will expand wherever it can and the dented area isn't necessarily the weakest point ?
I know you can put compressed air in the pipe and seal the ends, then (don't go too high on pressure as it will increase with heat applied) warm the dented area to soften it and ensure that it is the correct part that moves, alternative is a hole drilled in the back of the pipe, dent knocked out and then hole and any remaining dent brazed and sanded/polished this seems the favourite after lots of research

(I have now got some exhausts both standard and chambers but will probably get the damaged chamber repaired anyway)

[Mr M T Pockets]

hi tried the ice method on a dt 175mx petrol tank ,its a defiantly a no go ,the dents didnt come out and the tank went seriously out of shape,i could not use it afterwards ,the tank spread out and would not fit on bike ,

[ozzysbikes]

Aug 3, 2017 18:31:07 GMT 1 Mr M T Pockets said:

hi tried the ice method on a dt 175mx petrol tank ,its a defiantly a no go ,the dents didnt come out and the tank went seriously out of shape,i could not use it afterwards ,the tank spread out and would not fit on bike ,

That is what I suspected could happen, it is not a method that I will be using anytime soon

[bare]

Tough to fix dented chrome. Sans a replate which can be problematic as the metal must be 100% clean.
Many Platers won't allow used 2 stroke ex bits into their Electro Tanks.
Minor dents are badge of honour .. Proof of real world use ??

[ozzysbikes]

I have a local plater who has a very good reputation and he has already said that he can replate the exhaust when the repair is done, I don't like show pony type bikes but I do like it looking pretty good (and the scratched dented chamber looks rough)

[rigga]

Used to braze the ends up with some plates on old mx pipes, one plate had a schrader valve in to pump some air in under pressure, then gently heat the dent with oxy acetelene, dent will pop out. Then heat the brazed plates to remove.

Not sure how the chrome will react as all pipes I did were bear metal.

[jon]

Aug 5, 2017 17:05:52 GMT 1 bare said:

Tough to fix dented chrome. Sans a replate which can be problematic as the metal must be 100% clean.
Many Platers won't allow used 2 stroke ex bits into their Electro Tanks.
Minor dents are badge of honour .. Proof of real world use ??

That's right bare, I've heard this before.

However the plater that I'm using these days said he'd do it if I were to put the exhaust into an incinerator, full it with wood and set alight.

All the oily sticky carbon turns to small shiney flakes which after a few taps with a rubber mallet fall out once cooled down.

Jon

[84rzrider]

I wouldnt use the ice method on a tank either though I did use it once on a lightly dented HD tank with good results and it requires care and monitoring once the water starts to freeze. It did do really well on my Denco chambers...

[jon]

Ever learn about the physics of eggs?

I know they are ovoid, buts that's for another reason. Essentially they are 'round'.

The forces needed from the outside of a egg to break the shell are considerably less than the inside. Thus the chick is protected from a bit of outside force, but come time to break out they have the strength.

The same thing happens with a 'round' expansion chamber. Forces from the inside will concentrate on the dent and push it out more than the remaining 'round' sections.

This is exactly why hydro formed exhausts end up 'round' from a flat start.

I'd also consider the ice method on a not too sentimental expansion, but never a tank personally.

Jon

[veg]

Learnt something new. Thanks didn't know about the water method or indeed about eggs and I have 5 chickens. What I can tell you is that chickens make a feckin noise when laying

[bare]

Getting the dints out of chambers is No biggie. Moto X shops do it routinely.
Typically 12 psi and heat applied to the dented area does the trick nicely.
Real problem is redoing the Chrome.
Paint the things Black ?

[ozzysbikes]

black !!! nooooooooooooooooooo I am having palpitations at the thought of painting over lovely eighties stylee chrome chambers !!

I just like the chrome chambers on the bike, I have a body repair dint man looking at the damaged chamber at the moment, my local chrome plater will replate when I am ready,

my immediate issue is sorted, I got some new pipes (second hand but vgc and a decent price) ready for the trip to the classic TT on the 26th, I want to go on the "valve" but have the street triple as a backup just in case