Driveshaft tubes from Sheridan

[fleetingcontact]

in another recent post, Oyster99 pointed out Sheridan sell these things and at first glance all seems tempting. But a carefull scan of the blurb reveals that what is being offered are 'plastic coated' items. Doesn't say what colour... What they are is old tubes which have been powder-coated and offered at a very cheeky £50+.

A while back I went to a local powder-coating setup and had one done in 'chrome effect' finish which is more convincing than you might think. Also. it didn't cost anything like fifty jibs. You can of course have any colour you like.

The only issue is that the powder coat is thicker than actual chrome. This means that to get the tube to go into its socket nicely, it is neccersary (never could spell that one) to force the 'jaws' of the water pump housing apart as far as you dare, using perhaps some kind of drift or chisel, so that the coating isn't ripped off in the process.

So much, much, cheaper than re-chroming, and seems like it will last quite well. But it ain't chrome...

[Hugz]

When we have a drive shaft replated we let the plater know that the bottom bit needs to be the same diameter. Usually we have the opposite problem to powder coating where the diameter is too small and the box drops off. For that matter l hope the powder coating doesn't compromise the grip.

Generally we remove the pinch bolt and screw in from the opposite side where the thread is and place a coin or similar in the gap and then by turning against the coin the clamp will open.

[Oyster 49]

I've just reread the Sheridan website. Yes, powder coated. Yuk. the later seagulls had powder coated bits, and especially in salt water the corrosion gets behind the coating and spreads.

Interesting though to see what is listed, crankcases, pistons, blocks and even crankshafts.