fabricating engine parts

[tiger_speed]

i have replaced the factory air box in my car and replaced it with a cone filter w/ adapter. to dress up my engine a little i now want to fabricate my own air intake tubing. Alluminum would work best i believe but is it easy to work with and what gauge should i use. also you can powder coat aluminum, but is the cost worth it or are there any good engine paints you would recomend, such colors as "chrome"

[CBFryman]

you cant paint chrome."chrome" paint is just silver metalic paint.
if you are going to use aluminum id just clear coat it or get it brushed/polished. chromine aluminum...talk about flipping next to impossible (copper doesnt really like sticking to aluminum like it likes steel)

[RSLaser]

i agree with CB, just clearcoat it.

[williamskinner16]

Aluminum is referred to in a different sense than gauge(decimals of metric size and alloy properties) but given a gauge to a supplier and he should be able to find a close equivalent. What size are you intending to go with? If its something common like 4" diameter I wonder if some chrome tubing and fittings could be purchased , even if it was a part intended for some other use. Ive heard of people using Aluminum dryer exhaust tubing to Fab up something similar, although it might not be pretty. Stainless steel would be attractive, and last forever but it is difficult to work. Jet coat offers service to plate metal with colored material and offer the do it yourself kit, but you might need an old cooking oven. (I wouldent want to cook dinner in it after I started using it for this application.) This might be pricey. I wonder if there are any places that could legitimatly Chrome it for you, but even if there is they would probably be expensive as well. I remember a supplier who gave me a chart of anodized aluminum sheet, offering colored irridesent aluminum, when I had my shop.