how to de-chrome --- chromed parts?

[Jake M.]

Over the years various parts on my '56 has been triple-plated. What's the best way to remove the chrome layer, nickel, and copper?

Parts such as generator case, hood latches, master cylinder, sway bar...

[Joe L.]

Re: how to de-chrome --- chromed parts?

Over the years various parts on my '56 has been triple-plated. What's the best way to remove the chrome layer, nickel, and copper?

Parts such as generator case, hood latches, master cylinder, sway bar...

Jake------


The only way I know of is acid dipping and that's best left to professionals.

[Richard M.]

Re: how to de-chrome --- chromed parts?

Jake------


The only way I know of is acid dipping and that's best left to professionals.

Yes Joe, I learned that about 10 years ago when I needed a original GM 1961 FI fuel filter can "dechromed". A prior owner chromed it and IIRC it came from a Carlisle find many years ago. I brought it to my local chrome shop and the explanation was that it had to be dipped in their solution and required reverse polarity. I said ok, call me when it's done and I'll pick it up.

However...... If you ever request the chrome removal, be very specific that you want all plating layers removed so that the part is returned to bare metal, so you will not experience what happened in my case.

I got the call next day to pick it up and went there. He handed me the part. It was NOT bare metal, it had nickel plating still on it. I asked why he didn't get it to bare metal? He said that I told him to remove the chrome, so that's what he did.

I certainly felt a little awkward, and non-smart. I apologized to him and asked if he could also remove the nickel, and copper, so that I was left with bare metal. The following day I got the call and picked up my bare metal FI filter. Lesson learned.

Before, as I received it, chrome plated from years ago. I suppose it's possible that you could buy these from the aftermarket this way. I really don't know, just a guess.
PC140052.jpg

After chrome removal to bare steel, then cad plated, along with many other FI parts. I had the cad plating done HERE, in Orlando. They also do zinc. All hand carried. The tour I had was impressive. They do a lot of work for the aerospace industry. There is where I also learned about nitrogen embrittlement.
P1270006.jpg P1270001.jpg

My good friend Chuck McSheehy(fellow NCRS member who passed away in 2015), was my mentor, teacher, and helper on this new project I undertook. I worked with John D a lot on this as it was my very first fuelie restoration. I got my rebuild kit and other parts from him.

It was so nice working with John. He was so helpful, and when I called with a question he never rushed the call and explained so much I had to take notes. I learned so much from him. He sent me Rochester documents in the mail, never asked for postage or anything.

John's the one that told me that Rochester used Cad on all of their steel parts for the units, not zinc. I used zinc on other non-FI parts in the restoration of the car. Things like electrical cases, hood latches, brackets, etc. Penninsula did those for me too.
P1270014.jpg

P1270015.jpg

P1010120.jpg

Photo_055.jpg

====