I think powder coating, at least in the long run, is probably your best solution. By the time you prep chrome for paint, and then in several years find yourself dealing with it again...well, powder coating is a better option to go with.

 

Best thing to do IMHO is to buy new spokes and have them painted of powdercoated. Paint won't stick to chrome because of the smooth surface. If you're going to use your spokes you have now you'll have to disassemble the wheels and scuff up the surface on the spokes. Sand or bead blast or sandpaper/ scotchbrite will do the trick. The spokes should be painted/powdercoated off the wheels, you'll get a more even coat that way. Powdercoating does give it a stronger finish but the draw back to powdercoating is it is more difficult to touch up is you get damage. Paint is not as hard as powdercoating but it is easier to touch up. I'm more of a fan of paint for that reason, but I've never painted/powder coated spokes. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck with the look.

 

I was thinking of painting some chrome pipes black - my plan was to sandblast with aluminum oxide. I don't know if it would take chrome off, but it would give a rough, even surface.

For pink - powder coat is a good choice - here's some info on DIY powder coating: http://www.powderperfect.com/ppstoreeastwoodDIY.asp

If I didn't want to do powder coating, I'd get some duracoat from Lauer. http://www.lauerweaponry.com/duracoat_faqs.cfm

 

Thanks everyone, great stuff. Lots of leads to go on now.

Over the summer I did pick up a local guy's powerdercoating business card, so I think I will give him a shout and tell him what I'm looking for.

Can't wait for Spring -- new paint, new seats, new pipes... she's gonna be a sweet ride.

 

The Powder Pro is a site sponsor located in Illinois. His name is Joe. He responds to PM's (very responsive), very good reputation. You can mail stuff to him to powdercoat if need be.
You might want to check with him.

 

I'm not a chick and I like pink too!!

 

you rock!

 

check these pink spokes out, maybe the vendor can help you

http://www.bikeman.com/BTI-SF7283.ht...ign=GoogleBase

 

give these folks a try...don't know anything about them, but a conversation might give you some insight. http://ridewrightwheels.com/cms/inde...d=46&Itemid=54

Another thought is to post in the Softail section...there are a few guys out in Calif that have fat spokes on their Deluxes - the look is pretty big out that way. Maybe someone over there can give you some specific advice.

 

Looks like Monstead is on the right track for those colored spoked wheels. Betcha they have'm.