sidepipe covers
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
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sidepipe covers
I just got a set of original 1969 GM sidepipe covers re-chromed. They look beautiful, the only problem is that I have no idea how to get the flat black paint (or whatever it is) to stick in the grooves on the covers. The original covers were flat black in the grooves and chrome on the "peaks", but now everything is chrome. Anybody ever have any experience with this and/or know how to get the original look back?
Thanx,
-BC
Thanx,
-BC
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,338
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From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by tzeller
Cruz, I need to do the same thing to mine. I have been looking for someone in my area that can do that type of re-chroming. Mine are pitted and the chrome plating is peeling off.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
Me too. I have a set that could use replating. I noticed that Cruz said he paid $1200. That's a lot of money, but I think the covers are cast aluminum and they have been chrome plated, so replating aluminum can be expensive. Is this correct? Can it be verified that the covers are cast aluminum? And also, who replated the covers?? Would like to know. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 91
From: Skiatook. Oklahoma.
This is what I did after I had my covers rechromed.
I cleaned the chrome with some surface cleaner to make sure there the surface was oil free.
Then I sprayed on two coats of Klean Strip " BULLDOG" adhesion promoter. It acts as a glue for surfaces that can't be sanded properly.It drys clear and can be bought in spray cans. Wal-Mart does sell it.
After the promoter is set,I sprayed on thin coats of Dupli Color "Cast Gray" over the complete finned area till covered.
Get a firm rubber or a foam sanding block and wrap a paper towel around it.Saturate the towel with lacquer thinner,then lightly run it over the tops of the fins to remove the paint. Don't soak the towel, it may drip into the valleys and distort the fresh paint. Just take your time, and change the towels after they load up with paint.
After the covers are dry ,clean them up with chrome polish and reinstall.
The paint in mine have never peeled or flaked off and I did mine years ago.
I cleaned the chrome with some surface cleaner to make sure there the surface was oil free.
Then I sprayed on two coats of Klean Strip " BULLDOG" adhesion promoter. It acts as a glue for surfaces that can't be sanded properly.It drys clear and can be bought in spray cans. Wal-Mart does sell it.
After the promoter is set,I sprayed on thin coats of Dupli Color "Cast Gray" over the complete finned area till covered.
Get a firm rubber or a foam sanding block and wrap a paper towel around it.Saturate the towel with lacquer thinner,then lightly run it over the tops of the fins to remove the paint. Don't soak the towel, it may drip into the valleys and distort the fresh paint. Just take your time, and change the towels after they load up with paint.
After the covers are dry ,clean them up with chrome polish and reinstall.
The paint in mine have never peeled or flaked off and I did mine years ago.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
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I believe they are cast aluminum and it was an expensive proposition. I had it done by an outfit in Fall River Mass named Nu-Chrome Corp. They do alot of antique and classic restoration and fabrication. They have a website, but the phone number is (508) 324-0002. Ask for Jack.
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Thanks for the tip. I have another idea from another guy to use some pinstriping tape. I'm thinking I'll try that first and see how it looks and if it doesn't work out, I'll give the BULLDOG a shot.
Thanks much.
Thanks much.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 967
Likes: 109
From: Europe, Germany
Iknow its an old Fred, but how was your result with the Tape ? My Covers are at rechromating and I will have the same problem in the near future.
Thanks
Frank
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I believe the color in the grooves was a very dark gray with some texture and sparkle to it, not black. The gray phosphate spray can that Eastwood sells is very close. The visible part of the insulators was semi-flat black.
Regards,
Alan
I believe the color in the grooves was a very dark gray with some texture and sparkle to it, not black. The gray phosphate spray can that Eastwood sells is very close. The visible part of the insulators was semi-flat black.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
YES !!! you are correct !!. The color is a ruff textured med GREY not BLACK . I have seen ones redun incorrectly in black stripes with rattle cans and it looks CHEESY& HORRIBLE and stands out like a sore thumb....
After spending all the effort to get them replated , don't do it half way, at least put the correct color finish back on.
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; May 26, 2011 at 11:13 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: SoCal California
My 1969 Corvette L71 is a factory side pipe car that at some point in its life was converted to a traditional rear exit exhaust setup (a previous owner probably wanted the car to be more quiet). I want to put the car back to the original side pipe configuration and I'm wondering what to do about the exhaust cut-out holes in the rear valance.
Could one of you post a photo (or PM me a photo) of what the rear valance looks like on an original side pipe car?
Could one of you post a photo (or PM me a photo) of what the rear valance looks like on an original side pipe car?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,077
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From: westmoreland N.H.
I believe they are cast aluminum and it was an expensive proposition. I had it done by an outfit in Fall River Mass named Nu-Chrome Corp. They do alot of antique and classic restoration and fabrication. They have a website, but the phone number is (508) 324-0002. Ask for Jack.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,249
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Frank,
Yes, I made a 'form' out cardboard and waxed paper. I layed up layers of mat and resin until I had the thickness of the quarter panel. It has a 1" wide lip that matches the 'lip' on the rear valance. There are 2 bolts on each side that hold the lips together and are also used to hold the quarter and valance in alighnment.
If you don't have a 69 valance let me know, and I'll send you a picture of the lip.
Regards,
Alan
Yes, I made a 'form' out cardboard and waxed paper. I layed up layers of mat and resin until I had the thickness of the quarter panel. It has a 1" wide lip that matches the 'lip' on the rear valance. There are 2 bolts on each side that hold the lips together and are also used to hold the quarter and valance in alighnment.
If you don't have a 69 valance let me know, and I'll send you a picture of the lip.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
There is a big difference in expansion rates of aluminum and chrome (and copper that is probably under the chrome). I'm wondering how well that chrome is going to hold up with all the heat/temp cycles those covers see. I hope they last and don't crack on you.