Will these parts survive re-chroming?

[Keith R.]

I'm about to send off a bunch of parts for re-chroming however a handful of them have integrated parts which may not survive the re-chroming process - the tail light housings; convertible top latches; parking light housings and arm rest chrome ends. (see attached photo). Does anyone have experience re-chroming these items and if so, what do I need to do or what instructions should I give the plating company? Thanks.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

I had my '57 tail lights rechromed by Paul's Chrome Plating and they came out beautiful with no damage or issues.

http://www.paulschrome.com/

[Keith R.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

Thanks Patrick. Did Paul's re-chrome them with the pressed in sockets in place? With regard to the tail lights, I understand that I may have to remove the four right angle supports that the plastic lenses screw to but I am wondering about the bulb socket that seems to be press fitted into the housing. The parking lights seem to be integral units and I don't see any way to remove the socket and wiring on those. The latches have pivots and pivot arms inside which were not plated. The arm rest ends have a flat metal support that holds the nuts in place and these aren't chromed either. They appear to have a rivet holding them in place.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

Keith, sorry I can't remember that one. I just sent the whole mess to them and they took care of it. That was back in '91.

[John D.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

Those 57 taillights are not the easiest to have rechromed. This info from my local chrome shop. I understand the plater needs to build an anode (?) so the plating will go right up to the edge where the lens goes.

Will let you know in a week as I am taking a set of NOS '57 tail lights, etc to M&P Refinishing in Jeannette, PA. They are a subcontractor for many of the bigger shops. Don Kerin, owner, said those parts are not his favorite part to rechrome. John

[Mike M.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

i've been pleased with 56-7 tail lights rechromed by Pauls chrome in evans city pa. some were done in the 1980's and are still top flight. mike

[Edward B.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

If you don't disassemble them prior to re-chroming someone else will have to do the job - are you prepared to pay for that labor?

[Pat H.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

I've done all of these parts over the years. The first one was the front parting lamps, removing the copper socket to ensure the plating would not cover the socket. A good judge will be able to see that. For my tail lamp assemblies, I removed the brackets that hold the lenses in place and re-rivited them once they returned. It's a little time consuming but you will get it right. I've done all the parts in your photo except the deck lid latched, which are still original and in good shape. You just need to find a good chrome shop, which are harder to find because of environmental issues. Check out there work before committing.

[Steven B.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

Over the years Paul's did all of these parts. They take care of everything, just send to them.

[Keith R.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

I've done all of these parts over the years. The first one was the front parting lamps, removing the copper socket to ensure the plating would not cover the socket. A good judge will be able to see that. For my tail lamp assemblies, I removed the brackets that hold the lenses in place and re-rivited them once they returned. It's a little time consuming but you will get it right. I've done all the parts in your photo except the deck lid latched, which are still original and in good shape. You just need to find a good chrome shop, which are harder to find because of environmental issues. Check out there work before committing.

How did you remove the parking light socket Pat and then reattach it or a new harness?

[Pat H.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

Keith,
send me your email and I'll send you the tech article on how I did it in our Spring newsletter.
pat.heimrath@rogers.com

[Keith R.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

Keith,
send me your email and I'll send you the tech article on how I did it in our Spring newsletter.
pat.heimrath@rogers.com

[Joe M.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

The judges could ask you to pull back the sheath, but it is unlikely. A goodC1 judge will figure it out what has taken place without asking you to pull back the sheath.

[Pat H.]

Re: Will these parts survive re-chroming?

When I do exteriors on C-1's I look to see if there is any evidence of copper where the sheath meets the end of the socket. The last set I did I did not remove the sockets and they are nicely chromed now. I just depends on how much time you want to devote to getting it right. I check swap meets for old lamps that are broken or badly pitted for reusable parts such as the springs. As for the spades on the wires, one they are plugged in you can't see them.