Chroming outer door handles
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Welllll, Hmmm
Tech or no tech, what the heck. Wonder what chrome would look like with silver paint job? Not a fan of the shiny stuff but would like to see what it does. Maybe chroming the window trim as well. It could be a pretty smooth look. The first Fords only came in black. Somebody had to be the first one to try a brown one.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
It's tech because it's a query on how to do something (e.g., a tech topic). If you exclude everything except engines from the tech forum, it would be a mistake.
There are many topics more appropriate for tech than general discussion -- especially those where opinions aren't required, but "know-how" is. My take is that's why tech topics is included in the list you provided. Any r/r procedure seems more appropriate here for example.
I think you're just trying to make waves....
There are many topics more appropriate for tech than general discussion -- especially those where opinions aren't required, but "know-how" is. My take is that's why tech topics is included in the list you provided. Any r/r procedure seems more appropriate here for example.
I think you're just trying to make waves....
Internal Engine | External Engine | Tech Topics Only | Performance Results
Show me where is says how to make a Hoopty in those guidelines?
Mike
Last edited by aboatguy; Mar 15, 2006 at 12:09 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
we were just jokin around man, i think its cool that youre tryin it, it could actually come out pretty cool, but ive never seen it on a C4. my black handles are chipped and look like crap, they need to be repainted or powdercoated, i dont see why chrome would be so far a stretch.
CJ
CJ
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I've chromed mine...
Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Please tell me more about the handle construction. Are the handles primarily "pot metal" with a thin, black plastic/polymer coating of some sort? How difficult would it be to remove this layer to prep the handles for chroming? Would there be issues with the lock itself and can it be separated from the mechanism?
They're made of some alloy that require you to put a layer of cupper on them before chroming them. Othervise they will melt.
I had no problem taking the handle-mechanism apart my self. The company putting chrome on them removed the black "plastic" layer and did all other prep work.
A little expensive but I'm very happy with the result. Good luck with yours!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by aboatguy
How is your thread tech or performance.
My comments originally stem from unsolicited NEGATIVE comments -- which had no point and weren't necessary. This should also be obvious. Regardless of the forum, negative comments are against the rules. Challenging why I posted here (vs. supporting the more obvious breaches of the rules) seems counter-productive. Even if members followed basic rules and courtesy more closely, I still would consider this a technical topic more than chit-chat (e.g., the general discussion forum). That's because the average person does not know what is plateable and what is not. Ideally, I want someone who is technically familiar with this subject to answer my question.
I don't wish to debate your issue further. It's certainly not the point of this thread. Since you're familiar with where to post things, you'd probably know there's a different forum for questioning policy. Please let this thread continue investigating the necessary steps required to plate door handles.
Thank you.
gp
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by Corvette91
Yes it can be done. I've done it on my 91.
They're made of some alloy that require you to put a layer of cupper on them before chroming them. Othervise they will melt.
I had no problem taking the handle-mechanism apart my self. The company putting chrome on them removed the black "plastic" layer and did all other prep work.
A little expensive but I'm very happy with the result. Good luck with yours!
They're made of some alloy that require you to put a layer of cupper on them before chroming them. Othervise they will melt.
I had no problem taking the handle-mechanism apart my self. The company putting chrome on them removed the black "plastic" layer and did all other prep work.
A little expensive but I'm very happy with the result. Good luck with yours!
May I ask what you think I should expect to pay?
gp
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by jordis
any pics?
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Cruising
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Thanks! This info is helpful. Because of the copper layer, I might conclude that the handles are made of alum? OTOH, alum wheels require copper and nickel layers before applying chrome. (You did not mention triple plating).
May I ask what you think I should expect to pay?
May I ask what you think I should expect to pay?
Mine are triple plating. I payed about $250 but these things are expensive in Scandinavia where I live. A little expensive but really nice chrome surface.
I'm sorry I took no pictures when I did this work. I remember that the most difficult part was removing/installing the handles on the door. Taking them apart was much easier.
