Chrome Plating – recommendations ??

Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Chrome Plating – recommendations ??

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 14 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Posts
  • October 25, 2015 at 7:57 pm #2850
    johnny-infl
    Participant

      Anyone have some sources for chrome plating of small parts ?
      The problem I am running into is the minimums which put the
      value of the emblems more than the project itself.

      October 25, 2015 at 10:25 pm #26056
      chris-p
      Participant

        I have a small shop near me that does all my work, such as the chrome for the Javelins. Not cheap though by any means, but they do nice work. Maybe if the shop near you has a min, get a few guys together that all need work done? If you find a shop where you have to ship it out, the cost of shipping might outweigh the benefit>?

        October 26, 2015 at 10:54 am #26083
        wbeaton
        Participant

          Canada Member

          I’ve had good success with the Caswell electroless nickel plating system. I’m sure their chrome system would be good too. Good prep is the key. With a Caswell system you can do small lots anytime you want.

          Wayne
          Upper Canada Chapter

          uccaomci.com

          October 26, 2015 at 1:01 pm #26090
          frankr
          Participant

            US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK

            Prep is everything. The parts have to be polished before plating, and the tiniest defect will show in the finished product. That’s why the cost is so high. Not to mention the mortality rate of guys that do that stuff. Two of the guys that did jobs for me are both dead now.

            October 26, 2015 at 1:34 pm #26095
            johnny-infl
            Participant

              Thanks guys – I have some old name plates that are badly pitted and need to be
              chemically stripped first, then new copper, nickle, chrome, buffing, etc.
              20 years ago, I was restoring a 1930 Buick and thought that would be a good time
              to do the "home plating" thing. I bought the Caswell kit which is several two gallon buckets
              filled with all sorts of acids and chemicals, heaters, and a big 12v truck battery.
              I burned up more stuff than I saved !!! Home Plating definitely has a learning curve to it.
              When it comes to pot metal parts, you take the risk of a serious financial hit when the results
              come back that the pot metal is shot and it took more time than was estimated for the
              additional craftsmanship and buffing to get it to look right. The home type system is not recommended for the novice.




              These are the emblems in question – there are two of each. Pretty bad shape.

              October 26, 2015 at 2:05 pm #26096
              Tubs
              Participant

                A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

                • This reply was modified 6 years, 5 months ago by Tubs.
                • This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by Tubs.
                October 26, 2015 at 2:17 pm #26098
                wbeaton
                Participant

                  Canada Member

                  I haven’t had any issues plating at home. Maybe the product is different now. Since the parts are so rough why not have them cast? I’ve had parts cast and the price isn’t too bad at all. You could have the new part cast in better material like bronze or aluminium and then plated or polished. It would be MUCH cheaper than having them rebuilt and chromed at a shop.

                  Wayne
                  Upper Canada Chapter

                  uccaomci.com

                  October 26, 2015 at 2:29 pm #26100
                  johnny-infl
                  Participant

                    That is one of the issues I am running into . . . my first choice is to have the emblems
                    stripped and returned to me and I will do the fine tuning, make a rubber mold and cast them
                    out of aluminum, which will hold a nice polish or, they can be chromed. I have contacted
                    about 4 plating companies with the same replies – – – very expensive with a $500 minimum.
                    and they don’t quote a firm price without actually seeing the items in their hands.
                    Then, since this is a problem with other Borum boat owners, I could provide reproductions
                    at a fraction of the cost of rechroming.
                    Many reproductions can be made with the simple silicone mold or plaster of paris IF you have a good
                    item to work with that is flawless.
                    Thanks for the input – my quest continues

                    October 26, 2015 at 2:49 pm #26104
                    Tubs
                    Participant

                      A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

                      • This reply was modified 6 years, 5 months ago by Tubs.
                      • This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by Tubs.
                      October 26, 2015 at 2:54 pm #26105
                      wbeaton
                      Participant

                        Canada Member

                        I think you could do all the prep yourself. Sand to remove all the bumps and flakey plating and then fill all the pits and voids with body filler or JB Weld. Then sand everything smooth. It will take a serious investment in time, but it won’t cost much in actual dollars. If you make your own molds then you could cast them yourself for very little money. Small home casting is a project thats been on my to do list for a few years now.

                        Wayne
                        Upper Canada Chapter

                        uccaomci.com

                      • Author
                        Posts
                      Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 14 total)
                      1 2
                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.