Removing Chrome

[NoMAD]

Guys, something i've never done before (being a youngen that is).

before getting items re-chromed that are in a little bit of a bad shape is there anything you have to do (ie. clean up, remove chrome/pitting/rust etc...) or can you just take it to a chroming shop and they'll do all thats required?

also i havent tried yet but is there a trick/best way to removing the chrome finish off items to paint the same as body colour. i'm thinking about getting a spare set of tail light holders (the finned housing) and painting them up body colour to see which i prefer, also trying to be a little different to the normal

Cheers
NoMAD

[parisian62]

Hey NoMAD,

You don't have to 'clean up, remove chrome/pitting/rust' - thats all done during the plating process. Whenever I've sent stuff off to be re-chromed I remove any nuts/bolts/washers etc from the part as they never come back.

With tail lights I read somewhere that it's a good idea to separate the top blinker half from the botton break light (held together by two pop rivets) Once replated rejoin using two small stainless nut/bolts. I've never done this - has anyone else?

Chrome is removed through an electrolytic process or the reverse process of plating. You could try the process described here on a spare bit of bumper or something you don't need to see what happens. http://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=884

Have a chat to the platers you are going to send your parts to and see what they say.

Regards
Stewart [/url]