Hi Mark, looking good. My parts for 5528 are in being rechromed as well.
Regarding Steve S' comment on copper base, I thing the main parts which were polished were coppered. I had my fenders (guards) panel beaten and where the file finishing was done, there was defn a copper base. Id say the same for the starter motor, clutch and points covers too. Id imagine anything which was 'show chrome' according to Honda would have been coppered.
I dont believe the Nuts n Bolts which have chrome finish to have been coppered. I know the chrome brake line bolts are unpolished, but have a nickel/chrome plate in lieu of the later zinc finish. Essentially just a brighter finish and harder surface, to the existing rough natural steel.
The rear axle and swingarm bolt are probably just flash chromed also, with a light polish to the show surfaces. No copper base. Brackets etc Id say the same.
Some of these parts you can still buy used in nice shape now, 40+ years on. If I come across them, Ill reuse them for the reason that I dont like overpolished bolts etc. Also I had wheel bolts/axles done on my K0 when I restored it, and if they use a copper base etc. they end up too thick for use.
The bare steel surface is a dull grey colour after electrolysis. The polished copper, prior to nickel, is also not as I expected - it is a burnished/rainbow effect copper layer, rather than a consistent shiny green colour.
It is impressive to watch the electrolysis take chrome off - literally a matter of minutes to do it. My plater told me its 30-40amps passing through the part to the solution, so I dont think it would take long to erode the part if not carefully watched
It would be great to be able to polish/buff the small stuff ourselves to get the desired results, but most places would look at you like you had two heads for asking.... My plater scratches his head enough when you ask him to leave casting marks and polish lines through the parts, ruining his opinion of his job being well done.
Just out of curiousity Mark, how did your diecast parts go (i.e. Indicator Bases and Fuel Cap)? There is good information out there about rechroming diecast parts, and why they are hard to chrome in the first place (if they already have pits). Some places will use the same process used for non-metallic parts (i.e. using a conductive resin/paint coating) on die cast parts. just wondering if they did it with your parts?
Looks like the cost to rechrome is the same in the USA as it is here in Oz. The main cost is labour - especially if they are using copper base to fill pitting...