'66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

[Mike B.]

I recently purchased an original '66 427 air cleaner lid that needs to be re-chromed. However, the underside is pristine and I've never seen a better AC instruction silk screen than this one has. I'd love to keep it intact.

I'm wondering if anyone out there knows how to re-chrome the top side only on these lids? I spoke to a leading plater in PA and they said it's not possible? Your suggestions would be much appreciated. Mike

[Michael M.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

I have run into this in the past top needing chrome and the silk screen in perfect condition. Chrome shops have not developed a technique on how to chrome one side. The best thing to do is to find someone that has the silk screen perfected and re-chrome the whole lid.

[Harry S.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

I recently purchased an original '66 427 air cleaner lid that needs to be re-chromed. However, the underside is pristine and I've never seen a better AC instruction silk screen than this one has. I'd love to keep it intact.

I'm wondering if anyone out there knows how to re-chrome the top side only on these lids? I spoke to a leading plater in PA and they said it's not possible? Your suggestions would be much appreciated. Mike

How bad is the top? Post a picture. The air cleaner is worth 20 points, say 10 for the top and 10 for the bottom. You could loose 20% on originality as over restored or 20% on condition (depending on how bad). It may not be worth the $300.00 to restore it if you will loose 2 points somewhere.

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Michael,

I figured this was the case when I spoke to a couple of reputable platers that I've used in the past. It's gonna be a shame to destroy such a beautiful silk screen if I have this lid re-chromed.

Harry,

I've been contemplating buffing out the lid's top and using it in it's aged condition. We'll see how it turns out and I'll post some pics.

Thanks for the responses guys. Mike

[Gary B.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Mike,

You might give Richard Fortier a call. He can redo both the silk screen and the flash chrome plating. Richard advertises in the Driveline.

Gary

[Dan B.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

It is definitely possible to just chrome the top side, I had one done like that years ago. Sent it to Dick Barron at VA Vettes back then and it came back perfect. I can't tell you how his chrome guy actually did it, but they did a beautiful job on just the top side.

[Jack M.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Has anyone tried the newest advances with 'Spray-On' chrome technology?
(quite impressive... not the old style spray cans... do a Google search)

[Robert P.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

I am in the same position with my 66 lid , i have very light pitting but that is it . I checked with Richard F and received an education on how the lids where plated back in the day . I believe he is your best bet to get one that is the closest to the original chrome finish
hope this helps
Bob Peckham

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Gary and Robert,

I'll contact Richard Fortier to discuss options pertaining to air cleaner lid re-chroming. Thanks for the suggestion. Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Dan,

Thanks so much for this lead! Just found Dick Barron's website in Williamsburg, VA. I'll definitely give him a call today. Thought I was losing more marbles. I knew I'd heard somewhere that someone was re-chroming the top side of these lids. Hoping that this pans out. Thanks again, Mike

[Harry S.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Mike, you have email.

[Wayne H.]

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Will Do!

Miami Mike 🌴🌴

[Mike B.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

Hello Everyone,

I just got off of the phone with Dick Barron at VA Vettes. Good conversation with a good guy. Dick told me that it's NOT possible to re-chrome only the top side of these lids.

So what's been told to me by other reputable plating companies has been that same response. Looks like my only options are to polish this lid in it's current condition or to have it re-chromed by a good plater then have the silk screen re-done.

I've recently purchased a restored '66 427 base and another unrestored one that's polishing up quite nicely. Hoping my lid will also clean up as well to make a good partner to the unrestored base. Here's some pics of my lid's current condition. Mike

Mike's '66 427 Lid (1a) (30).jpgMike's '66 427 Lid (3a) (30).jpgMike's '66 427 Lid (7a) (30).jpgMike's '66 427 Lid (10a) (30).jpg

[Tim G.]

Re: '66 Air Cleaner Lid Re-Chroming

The bottom of the air cleaner cleaned up well with a rag and good automotive wax. Sometimes I use some lacquer thinner and that works if it original stenciling. Replaced stenciling may come off with lacquer thinner.