many questions about chrome
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Bethlehem PA
many questions about chrome
The bumpers and wheel rings have these scratches as if someone took a razor or steel wool to clean parts. The scatches are not deep, can they be buffed out?
Re-chrome or buy new? Is recoating better then the chrome on replacement parts?
What makes a good chrome job? Is there a such thing as going too far in the look (or type) of re-chroming that could make a negitive in restorations?
Re-chrome or buy new? Is recoating better then the chrome on replacement parts?
What makes a good chrome job? Is there a such thing as going too far in the look (or type) of re-chroming that could make a negitive in restorations?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,661
Likes: 3,118
From: Shamong, NJ
Bumpers are steel which are chrome plated, wheel trim rings are stainless steel with a polished surface. Scratches in chrome can't usually be polished out, they must be stripped and rechromed. Stainless parts can have minor scratches polished out, but the heavy scratches found in trim rings from hitting curbs, require more work than just polishing.
A good rechroming job, from a shop that does collector car work, will usually be better than chrome on repro or original parts. The difference is chrome on new parts is production chrome, where as rechroming is more of a custom finish. The cost to rechrome bumpers is about the same as buying the new, US made bumpers. If your bumpers fit the body well, your probably better off rechroming them. Things like emblems and air cleaner lids are cheaper to buy new and the quality of these is good.
Stainless is usually cheap and easy to polish. The exception is trim rings. Because these are made of two pieces, with a backing, they are very hard to repair correctly. OEM GM trim rings now list for over $300.00 ea (!!!!) and the repros aren't exactly correct, making it a tough choice as to whether to replace or repair them.
A good chrome job can be done by any reputable chromer. Do some homework and talk to others who've used a particular shop about their experience, before picking one. About the only way a part can be over done is if detail or a parts shape is lost or changed in the prep, chroming or final polishing process.
A good rechroming job, from a shop that does collector car work, will usually be better than chrome on repro or original parts. The difference is chrome on new parts is production chrome, where as rechroming is more of a custom finish. The cost to rechrome bumpers is about the same as buying the new, US made bumpers. If your bumpers fit the body well, your probably better off rechroming them. Things like emblems and air cleaner lids are cheaper to buy new and the quality of these is good.
Stainless is usually cheap and easy to polish. The exception is trim rings. Because these are made of two pieces, with a backing, they are very hard to repair correctly. OEM GM trim rings now list for over $300.00 ea (!!!!) and the repros aren't exactly correct, making it a tough choice as to whether to replace or repair them.
A good chrome job can be done by any reputable chromer. Do some homework and talk to others who've used a particular shop about their experience, before picking one. About the only way a part can be over done is if detail or a parts shape is lost or changed in the prep, chroming or final polishing process.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Bethlehem PA
Thanks guys, valuble information gained here
I did see a show on the Speed Channel this summer on fixing stainless trim. I don't know how (or what tool to use) when buffing out the inside of a wheel ring.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,218
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From: Nashville TN
[QUOTE=Alan 71;1571103110]Hi DRBV,
You're pretty close to a very good chrome plater near Harrisburg.
Librandi Plating in Middletown, Pa.
VERY good work at reasonable prices.
Regards,
Alan
QUOTE]
I used these guys for my 69. nice work- i'd call them.
You're pretty close to a very good chrome plater near Harrisburg.
Librandi Plating in Middletown, Pa.
VERY good work at reasonable prices.
Regards,
Alan
QUOTE]
I used these guys for my 69. nice work- i'd call them.
