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Over the past 45 years or so, I've replaced the rear license bezel 3 times. It seems the chrome just doesn't hold up on the pot metal, even with constant waxing. After a few years the pitting starts and it's shot. I'm going to replace it, again, and was wondering if a few coats of a quality clear coat on both the back and the front might help it last a little longer? Wax doesn't seem to prolong the chrome's life so I thought a different approach might work. Any other ideas or suggestions?
Duane
The problem is getting the clear to stick on a smooth surface. I recently bought a 75 convertible that sat in a garage for 35 years. I noticed the car had SS license plate frames. I later learned these were original to the car,the bad news is an NOS set on eBay go for $500 a set,the good news is Paragon sells a reproduction set. What makes these unique is that they are held on with clips,no screw holes. I'd get you a picture but mine are at the metal polisher at the moment.
Jeff, I was actually talking about the large bezel that mounts (screws) to the body before you put on the license plate and then maybe a trim frame. It's a cast piece that is chromed over pot metal and sells for anywhere from $80- $110. I'd like to clear coat it in hopes of prolonging its life. Doesn't really have to be too long, as I'm 70, myself. LOL
Duane
Hey Duane,
I am not aware of anything, like clear coat, that prevents small bubbles from forming under the chrome license plate bezel. I took the re-chrome plating bezel option and that seems to be working for me. No bubbles and it's been 6-years+. I'm hoping mine lasts longer than I do and maybe the kids can worry about those bubbles years from now if they come back.
After every few years of replacing the rear bezel, when I got the car painted I had it rechromed along with the bumpers and other trim pieces. So far, this has been the best solution and still looks shiny new after 3 years.
I don't know how original you want to be, but I'm thinking about having the chrome stripped off mine and having it painted or powder coated to match the body color of the car.
Ceramic coating looks pretty close to chrome plating as well.
I ceramic coated the full front suspension on a ‘33 I built because chrome was too much bling, powder coated black was not enough and the ceramic coating looked like it was all polished Stainless Steel.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Dec 9, 2021 at 09:59 AM.
I was always always told years ago that the original GM one's fit a lot better than the cheap copies. Lou.
I agree 100%, Lou. In addition to better fit, the quality of OEM parts is just plain superior to reproduction parts in general. Not only is the quality of repro parts not as good as OEM but in my opinion the quality of repro parts has gotten worse over the past 10-years and continues to go down. There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general. E.g. This is just one reason that folks here on CF, recommend that people re-chrome original GM parts or NOS parts like bumpers, exhaust bezels, and license plate bezels rather than replace with new repro parts.....not only do we sometimes have problems with fit but the quality is poor and the new repro parts just do not stand the test of time.
72 license bezel question
