Hi Forum,

I'd like to ask a couple of questions about re-chroming. What is meant by linishing? If not operated carefully can these machines cause accidental damage to the base metal in the prep work before chroming? Are rusty areas ground away using linishing machines? The edges of my rear bumpers have been damaged in the re-chroming process and I'd like to know what happened to them.

Regards,

Barry.

 

Hi Barry,
Linishing is a process used to give a part a flat surface.
Depending on the condition of the part…. (is it rippled?), and the shape of the part, I'd think this is often done in preparing a part for plating.
Whether that process was required on your parts depended on their condition.
Did you speak personally to the shop about your parts after they'd examined them and they determined just what they'd be doing to them as part of re-plating them?
Regards,
Alan

 

Chrome plating is only as good as the part before it is plated so the preparation includes polishing to a smooth surface first, any scratches or pitting must be dealt with before the plating can start as any imperfections will show after the plating is applied, after initial polishing the base layer of copper is applied, this can then be polished and re applied until the surface is perfect before the nickel layer is applied and finally the chrome, hence the term triple plating.
Regards
Graham

 

Thanks Alan and Graham for your replies about chroming. I took the rear bumpers to a re-chroming outfit but they have carelessly ground down the edges in the preparation process. I phoned a specialist in England called Derby Plating who say that the linishing belt machines if not handled properly are easily capable of causing irreparable damage to the parts. Have a look at the edge shown here.

Regards,

Barry.



Damaged edge





Damaged corner

 

Poorly done preparation of the base metal.

 

Hi Barry,
I certainly see that 'ground' edge and can understand why your disappointed.
I must add that the flat surface of the bumper doesn't seem to have been well prepared either.
What was the actual condition of the bumpers to begin with? When you talked to the platers about doing the work did they express any concern to you about what the finished product would be?
Have you approached the people that did the work to let them know how displeased you are?
Regards,
Alan

I would have though that edge would have been relatively easy to improve.
Added:, It also concerns me that it doesn't appear that any nickel or chrome were plated on top of the copper layor on the bracket that's visible.

 

That's shocking work and to cap it all the finish on the bumper is poor as Alan noticed as well, I've used Doug Taylor and Marque Restore in the past without any complaints, those damaged edges can be repaired by welding and then proper prep and re chrome, Doug did a bumper for my TR6 which was drilled for spotlights, holes were filled then the bumper chromed and you wouldn't know the holes were there.
I suppose disappointed doesn't even come close

Graham

 

Hi Barry,
Did you have any luck with your plater? that kind of damage is not acceptable at all, the amount of work needed to put them right will probably be uneconomical unless you know a good welder who'll do you a favour, I'd guess cheapest option would be another set of bumpers and have them re chromed by a recommended plater, there are several long established firms who advertise in the classic car press.

Good Luck
Graham

 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks with all your comments regarding the re-chroming. When I took the bumpers back in January the owner of the company at first offered to repair the damage by smoothing down or cutting away the rough edges but not to re-plate them. I said I didn't like the options as it could leave an unsightly gap between the body and bumper, or it might leave a bevelled edge. His reply was that I was 'just splitting hairs'. I've ended up going to the Small Claims Court twice about it and I have the main hearing on Dec 15th. This court handles claims of up to about $5,000.

When I attended the court for the preliminary hearing I couldn't believe it when the owner announced to the court that the damage was done before they got them, and that they didn't have equipment capable of causing such damage! What a really foolish thing to do, because to come to the Sheriff Court with a pack of lies is a very dangerous thing, as it would be quite easy to expose the lies, and to lie under oath carries very serious penalties. We'll see what happens at the full hearing, but I'm asking for about $1,500 as I had to buy a new pair from the States as I had been told that the edges could not be built up with copper. I'll let you know how I get on, but thanks for your advice so far.

Regards,

Barry.

 

Hi Barry,
Thanks for the update.
I'm sorry this has become such a problem for you and hope this ends up with you getting the money you deserve for new bumpers.
Regards,
Alan

 

Always brings a bad taste in your mouth when it ends up fighting it out in court, I'm very surprised that a business like this would want to take it to court as it's not going to look good for them, especially when they loose and it ends up all over faceache!
Best of luck, don't be fobbed off with any silly offers, we'll all be rooting for you on the 15th!!
In light of this before I send any more plating off I'll be sure to take photos before just in case.


Regards
Graham

 

Hi Guys,

I thought you'd like to know that the director of the chroming company has paid the amount in full into my bank account. I think he must have come to his senses and realised that he could go to jail for lying under oath. It's a big relief for me not to have to go to court right before Christmas. It's quite a stressful experience, even a small matter like this. Also, I'm leaving Scotland and moving to York so the court case was really getting in the way. It's great to get the money back, but it was a huge effort, and I only got back what I already spent. Thanks to all of you for your support!

Regards,

Barry.

 

I'm so glad to hear you won your case! So often crooked businesses get away with it.

 

Hi Barry,
WELL! That's great news!
I don't know how you'll proceed but I'd think a caring plater who was capable and conscientious in his preparation might still be able to save these bumpers.
Hopefully this will all end very well!
Regards,
Alan

 

That was utterly, shockingly poor work. Glad things worked out in your favor. Good reason to photo items before sending them off for work.

 

Awesome Barry that's a brilliant result, of course you would have preferred to have had a proper job done of your plating but good to know they didn't get away with it and hopefully their quality control will have had an overhaul to prevent it happening again.


Best Regards
Graham