Chrome devil tail help

[03lectricMotel]

I've owned my '22 Honda Rebel for a few months now and it's time to add some flair. A custom sissy bar is next on the list and I'm set on a 60s devil tail design. Plenty of chrome, of course! I'm considering reaching out to a local fabricator but I'm worried about quality. Does anyone have any success stories or horror tales to share? How do I ensure I get what I'm paying for?

 

[SpinachGuy922]

A devil tail sissy bar! That sounds so cool! But to answer your question, I think just bring clear sketches or reference photos, they help lock in the design and finish. Ask to see past builds or reviews if possible, and make sure they're familiar with bike-safe chrome work. Haven't done it myself but I've seen it on a friend's. Good luck!

 

[03lectricMotel]

A devil tail sissy bar! That sounds so cool! But to answer your question, I think just bring clear sketches or reference photos, they help lock in the design and finish. Ask to see past builds or reviews if possible, and make sure they're familiar with bike-safe chrome work. Haven't done it myself but I've seen it on a friend's. Good luck!

I've got a few reference shots lined up and I'm sketching out the curve I want near the top. Did your friend go with a local shop or order online? I'm leaning toward a fabricator nearby but I'm not sure how long the turnaround usually is for something like this. 2-3 weeks maybe?

 

[Rebel Wilson]

@03lectricMotel Me and my bro used a local guy and it took just under a month, but the welds and chrome came out clean. But for the turnaround, I'm not really sure what to say. I think it really depends on their backlog, so definitely ask upfront.

 

[03lectricMotel]

@03lectricMotel Me and my bro used a local guy and it took just under a month, but the welds and chrome came out clean. But for the turnaround, I'm not really sure what to say. I think it really depends on their backlog, so definitely ask upfront.

A month's turnaround for clean work is a good benchmark to have, thank you! I'm currently getting quotes from local shops and wanted to ask if your fabricator handled the chrome plating themselves or if they outsourced it to a specialist?

 

[therebel3xhaustking]

Same here. A lot of fabricators usually send chrome plating out to specialized shops because it needs certain equipment. Did your local fabricator do it themselves or send it off somewhere?

 

[03lectricMotel]

Just wanted to give an update here, since someone else asked about chrome plating. I checked with both local fabricators I'm getting quotes from and they both send their finished parts to a separate plating shop for the chrome work. Matches what was said about most fabricators outsourcing this step. Now that I know how it works, I'm just waiting for the final numbers before making a decision next week.