simple instructions on how to tin the fuel pipe for your motorcycle

[Karol Burger]

we have prepared a simple guide for you on how to help yourself with the renovation. This time it's about tinning the fuel line for your motorcycle. The instructions are in Slovak, use google translate.

https://www.arielklub.sk/magazin-ako-na ... rubie.html

[JohnnyBeckett]

it would be OK if i can read it in the UK

[simon.holyfield]

Great idea, thanks Karol.

English version:

https://www-arielklub-sk.translate.goog ... r_pto=wapp

[Roger Gwynn]

What a brilliant idea. The original finish was dull chromium plate (from 1930), not all platers know how to do it and like all plating is rather expensive these days.

[paul.jameson]

Being a tight-fisted (but ingenious) Yorkshireman I have replicated the original finish for many years with a brush from a tin of Smoothrite silver paint. I do think that Karol's system is better, but I suspect it takes longer and costs more!

[Karol Burger]

it's a simple process and it's cheap. It looks amazing. I'm surprised we didn't think of it sooner.

[nevhunter]

Shiny chrome or nickel can also make the pipe brittle. That's why Rudge didn't plate their oil pipes. So the story goes. Nev

[Karol Burger]

it is possible that the pipe hardens during chrome plating but remains soft with this method. I know it because when we work with a copper pipe and it seems hard, it is enough to heat it and cool it. Then it is soft and malleable.

[nevhunter]

You should have NO problems with Hardening when you just TIN it. Stripping or plating involves Hydrogen embrittlement. Copper will sometimes work harden and become brittle. You can anneal it by heating but if too hot may scale it a bit. Nev

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Thanks for the tip Karol !

Indeed.
Copper hardens in use, old /original oil lines and also the brass headlamp shells around the fixing points will eventually break or crack after prolonged exposure to vibration.
Annealing is the answer.
The hydrogen embritllement Nev points at is exactly the reason why you should never put your trust in plated motorcycle frame's.