Re-chrome Engine Shielding
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
Re-chrome Engine Shielding
Has anyone re-chromed their original factory/OEM ignition shielding parts?
I’d like to use as many of the ‘born with’ parts on my restore. While I don’t have an ultimate goal of having my ’70 judged, I’d like to spruce up the engine bay as part of my restore while keeping it as 'born with' as possible. I know the difference between ‘triple chroming’ and ‘flash chroming’, but am wondering which process would be appropriate on ignition / spark plug wire shielding parts. I’d also like to know if having them done is worthwhile for a restoration, or should I just search for NOS replacements?
One last comment … I’m not planning on re-chroming the distributor cover. It still looks almost new and I don’t want to mess with the plastic rivets.
Thanks for your input.
I’d like to use as many of the ‘born with’ parts on my restore. While I don’t have an ultimate goal of having my ’70 judged, I’d like to spruce up the engine bay as part of my restore while keeping it as 'born with' as possible. I know the difference between ‘triple chroming’ and ‘flash chroming’, but am wondering which process would be appropriate on ignition / spark plug wire shielding parts. I’d also like to know if having them done is worthwhile for a restoration, or should I just search for NOS replacements?
One last comment … I’m not planning on re-chroming the distributor cover. It still looks almost new and I don’t want to mess with the plastic rivets.
Thanks for your input.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I believe the ignition shielding pieces were 'flash' chromed.
In addition to the 'type' of plating on these parts, the 'preparation' of the parts before plating was minimal and contributes to the look they have.
This not only includes the amount of polishing they received, but also the forming marks that were left in these parts.
I read recently that even the chrome bumpers weren't originally 'triple' plated; they only received a nickel plate and then the chrome plate.
The rally wheel trim rings also received a 'flash' chrome layer right over the stainless steel rings; as did the stainless steel windshield header and coupe roof bar.
If you're serious about "born with parts" then I'd consider the effort "worthwhile"
Regards,
Alan
I believe the ignition shielding pieces were 'flash' chromed.
In addition to the 'type' of plating on these parts, the 'preparation' of the parts before plating was minimal and contributes to the look they have.
This not only includes the amount of polishing they received, but also the forming marks that were left in these parts.
I read recently that even the chrome bumpers weren't originally 'triple' plated; they only received a nickel plate and then the chrome plate.
The rally wheel trim rings also received a 'flash' chrome layer right over the stainless steel rings; as did the stainless steel windshield header and coupe roof bar.
If you're serious about "born with parts" then I'd consider the effort "worthwhile"
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 25, 2014 at 12:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
Thanks for the feedback ... I'd still like to know if others are re-chroming.
I'll get a price for both the correct flash chroming and maybe triple chroming in addition to new replacements for comparison.
I'll get a price for both the correct flash chroming and maybe triple chroming in addition to new replacements for comparison.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 893
Likes: 243
From: Green Valley Ca
I had all of my shielding rechromed, 1970, minimual polishing was done in order to retain the draw marks. I rechromed the the three piece ignition box, so the plastic rivets were changed out. Richard Fortier, is my go too guy, to restore my original parts. I can send you photos, if you like, PM me your email address.
Bob
Bob
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Joe,
Yes there was.
Buddy M. did a very good job duplicating the appearance of the original rivet in what he was making.
I bought several sets, but have had no luck softening the shaft and 'squashing' it to look like the underside of the originals. I guess it's something to do with the material they're made from.
I've gone back to re-using originals.
Regards,
Alan
Yes there was.
Buddy M. did a very good job duplicating the appearance of the original rivet in what he was making.
I bought several sets, but have had no luck softening the shaft and 'squashing' it to look like the underside of the originals. I guess it's something to do with the material they're made from.
I've gone back to re-using originals.
Regards,
Alan