ReChrome or RePop

[Cam3512]

Being still relatively new to Beemers, is it less expensive to rechrome the parts or buy new? I know with cars and sometimes Guzzi's, it's less to buy quality reproduced parts. Restoring an R75/5, and have the original handlebars, fender braces, grab handle, etc.

Cam

[swall]

Biggest issue with chrome plating is the long lead times at platers. As to a rechrome or repo part, it depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you want bike that will be judged in antique m/c competition, go with the re-chrome, assuming your base metal is in good shape. If you just want a nicely restored rider, then go for the repops.

[barryg]

I think Swall's got it figured out. It's kinda 50/50 either way. I'm redoing a '74 R90. When I get the the bike totally apart I'll probably take all the pieces that are crome and get them all redone. I'll probably grab abunch of other chrome pieces I got around here and throw them in the pile. I think the people I use charge me the same pretty much no matter how much I bring. I do the same with the parts I have cad plated. When I assemble the bike, the parts I don't use are ready for the next project or can be sold as good usable pieces.

[lkchris]

BMWs are a really small market, so "reproductions" may be hard to find.

Parts are still available from dealers, not that expensive.

Economics of rechroming aren't good.