I had my exhaust on my DS nikel plated. If you nikel plate you have to get the thickest they can do. Its very expensive, but when done right it holds up well. If I were doing my frame, I would get it done, then buff it out, than have it done again. There is also a lot of prep work that has to be done as well.

I had my DS frame powder coated. I would think that chroming or nikel plating would hold up the best.