Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

I have a couple of doorposts that are cut-off for use on my '57 race car and I am getting ready to send them for chrome plating. Someone said that the pits have to be drilled out and filled and that is costly. I would suppose so.

So my question is why can't I fill the pits with something like Metal Set that is aluminum-based? If they can chrome-plate plastic, then why any need to go the route like you're filling cavities in teeth??

Also, who is a good chrome plater and reasonably priced?

Thanks,

Bob

[Gary C.]

Re: Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

Bob,

There is no "Good" chrome plating shop that does the correct work and repairs that are reasonably priced. You pay for what you get.

Paul's chrome shop does great work on '57 door posts, windshields, grill ovals and tailights.

http://www.paulschrome.com/

JMTCW,

Gary
....

[Bob B.]

Re: Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

Gary,

Thanks, I will check them out! Can't believe that I have an NOS set of door posts and a perfect rechromed set, but I have to rechrome a cut-off set!

All,

Anyone who knows why I can't fill the pits with Metal Set or something myself and they plate that just like they can plate plastic, please let me know.

Thanks,

Bob

[Richard M.]

Re: Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

I was told by a plater that if you fill with aluminum, the pot metal is a different structure and the plating will not adhere properly. It can cause the pits to crack.

The platers process for pits is involved. All must get cleaned out, then the copper fills them as more layers are added.

The drawback is the ends of door posts and window posts are now too thick for the SS trims to fit. If you have them do this, make sure they mask those trim ends.

[John D.]

Re: Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

Having '57 tail lights rechromed is a trip. Unless someone is experienced and has the proper anodes for those taillight housing they can NOT get the job done satisfactory. Expect to pay major bucks also.

[Terry M.]

Re: Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

Hi all,

I have a couple of doorposts that are cut-off for use on my '57 race car and I am getting ready to send them for chrome plating. Someone said that the pits have to be drilled out and filled and that is costly. I would suppose so.

So my question is why can't I fill the pits with something like Metal Set that is aluminum-based? If they can chrome-plate plastic, then why any need to go the route like you're filling cavities in teeth??

Also, who is a good chrome plater and reasonably priced?

Thanks,

Bob

Bob
"They" do not chrome plate plastic. What is a bright shiny finish on plastic is vapor deposited aluminum. The plastic pieces are placed in a vacuum chamber and aluminum is vaporized to deposit it on the plastic. That process could not be more unlike chrome plating metal.
I suppose metal could be finished in the same way, but I am not sure how durable that finish would be.

[Donald H.]

Re: Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

Bob,

When I did my 60 restoration I had pot metal pieces chromed by three different chromers.

Windshield and door posts - Paul's. The best in my opinion but the most expensive.
The tail light housing - Dan's Polishing and Plating. Good and most reasonably priced.
The grill surround - Speed and Sport chrome (Houston). Very Good but also expensive.

Another one you should check is Space Coast Plating (Florida). I've had bumpers done there and they do good work and are more reasonably priced. I believe they do pot metal pieces.

Don

[Richard M.]

Re: Chrome Plating Pitted Items Question

Bob,

When I did my 60 restoration I had pot metal pieces chromed by three different chromers.

Windshield and door posts - Paul's. The best in my opinion but the most expensive.
The tail light housing - Dan's Polishing and Plating. Good and most reasonably priced.
The grill surround - Speed and Sport chrome (Houston). Very Good but also expensive.

Another one you should check is Space Coast Plating (Florida). I've had bumpers done there and they do good work and are more reasonably priced. I believe they do pot metal pieces.

Don

Don,

For reference, SCP in Florida was my chrome plating vendor of choice for quite some time. NO LONGER....If you would like details, send me a email via the TDB and I can enlighten you as to why.For Pot Metal, I have had many pieces, and referred many others with excellent results, to Custom Cast and Chrome. Ray Pinto, the owner, also a car enthusiast and great person to work with, has done fine work for me. He did ALL chrome for a '59 and 'a 67 for me and the work was outstanding. He specializes in pot metal work. I've referred many friends there. One had his '66 vent window frames done. Excellent. Another, his entire '63 pot metal chrome tasks, excellent. Everyone is so happy I found them. They are a small shop, and busy schedule, so keep that in mind.

One other thing, here's a testament to them, just the opposite from my past SCP issues. On that '67 with all new chrome from CC&C, last January we had the car judged in the hanger at Lakeland. Somehow the left front bumper got several scratches on the left upper surface. Easily seen, and may have been caused by a piece of dirt on a rag while detailing the car for judging. After the car returned I had to fix it.

I called Ray and asked if he could take a look. He said it may just buff clean. I brought it up and he had his guy try to buff it. Nope, still there. Ray said leave it with him and he'll fix it and said it may be just the chrome and the nickel and copper may be fine. A short time later he called me and told me it's all set and now fine and just had to strip the chrome and re-chrome it again after re-buffing the nickel. Nice!

So I didn't even ask how much, after all, it wasn't his error, it was ours. I arrive and Ray brings it out and it's PERFECT! I thanked him and was so happy. I took out my checkbook ready to cut one for his fix. I figured about $100.....easy.

Ray said......"Rich, don't worry about it. We're good. Plus you have told so many of your friends about us and sending us more business all the time. Thank You."

I thanked Ray and always go there when I need work done.

Rich