Chrome plating plastic parts

[D S.]

Who do you recommend to re-chrome plastic chrome parts that have dulled over the years to?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Harry S.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Scott, actually no one. A few years back I started to look into it also. What I found was it was much cheaper to buy a new repro part then to have the plastic re-chromed. The quality of the repro parts has improved to a point that you can not tell the difference.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

I looked into this too, and could not find anyone who does this.

Would just love to have my 67 plastic cigar lighter knob rechromed. All the repros I've seen are cast metal. Usually have a choice of 1 point for originality, or 1 point for condition with the delaminating chrome on the original.

If anyone knows of a rechromer for plastic, I'm in.

[Paul D.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

You might try this site http://www.mrgusa.com/.
Years ago I had some armrest ends for a 61 Impala done by them and they turned out great. Best of luck.

[Mike M.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Hi
The guys have accumulated bags full of plastic parts needing re-chroming and have searched for years, hope someone comes up with a source.
HaND

[Greg L.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Oh come on now Jerry...I'm sure Caswell sells a plastic chrome plating kit that would look great along side your other kits.

[Terry M.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Not to pick at nits, but I think the process is not plating, but rather vacuum metalizing. Since plastic is non-conductive I very much doubt plating is involved. I was once told the process involves melting aluminum in a near vacuum and everything, including the vacuum chamber is coated with the molten aluminum.

[Greg L.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

I've never looked too much into this but from what I seem to remember, the plastic part is painted with a conductive paint of some sort and then it is plated similar to metal parts. I might be wrong though...

[Terry M.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Just take a look:

http://www.muellercorp.com/chromeplatingplastic.htm

Not that it makes a lick of difference to those looking for a source for the service. Years ago I recall a company advertising this service in Hemmings Motor News. IIRC the company was in Michigan, but that was a way long time ago.

[Greg L.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

That's quite interesting Terry. I guess there is more than one way to skin a cat then because this is what I was thinking of. Might be something to consider if a plastic plater can't be found for a reasonable price.

Pick A Kit Home

Plating Chrome Onto Non-Conductors, Including Plastic

Plating onto Non-Conductors is NOT EASY. It requires that the part be made conductive somehow. We recommend our Silvaspray Silver Conductive Paint. After making the part conductive, you should then copper plate the part. We recommend using our Copper Plating System.


Do you require a REAL chrome plate? Select One... Yes No

Caswell Inc.

[Gary B.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Years ago I found a place from asking at a Hobby Shop. They used get small parts done for Model cars.

[Terry M.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

That's quite interesting Terry. I guess there is more than one way to skin a cat then because this is what I was thinking of. Might be something to consider if a plastic plater can't be found for a reasonable price.

Pick A Kit Home

Plating Chrome Onto Non-Conductors, Including Plastic

Plating onto Non-Conductors is NOT EASY. It requires that the part be made conductive somehow. We recommend our Silvaspray Silver Conductive Paint. After making the part conductive, you should then copper plate the part. We recommend using our Copper Plating System.


Do you require a REAL chrome plate? Select One... Yes No

Caswell Inc.

Well we are providing options for those who need this service. Caswell has a good reputation on this forum for their silver/gold cad and gray/black phosphate. Additionally any operation one can keep "in-house" reduces turn-around time and keeps control of your parts in your hands. And if one is already using the caswell system for plating those other materials I presume the powersupply could be used for these operations. Good going.

[John D.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Who do you recommend to re-chrome plastic chrome parts that have dulled over the years to?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

Scott, M&P Refinishing. Jeannette, PA 724-527-6360 M&P = Metals & Plastic refinishing. They replate a ton of plastic parts but not all of them. Also do show chrome and gold plating. Family operation that I have been going to for an eon. A lot of the bigger shops sub out their small stuff to M&P but don't u guys tell anyone as it's supposed to be a secret. They won't admit to it but old JD has proof. ssshhh
M&P is owned by the Kerlin family. Don, Gary, John, etc. Kerlin. I highly recommend them for your show chrome also. They can do the Corvette half bumpers but not the big ones. Great on pot metal-diecast stuff. Rather fast turn around also. On the old FI's I have them do the balance tubes and a lot of the original oil filler tubes. Yes I know I can buy repros but prefer the original stuff. I wouldn't have a plater do a dimpled 63 oil filler cap though. John D.

[Joel F.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

I'd love to see the results of the Caswell kit if anyone has used it.

[John L.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

These folks are plating plastic using a new patented process.

http://www.thunderboltautomotive.com/chroming