Chrome Plating Plastic

[Mrwurm]

Many of you have seen my post about my New Truck , I am looking for a way to accomplish a little change I would like to make. I am not happy happy with the front end appearance of the truck and I would like to chrome plate the cowl around the grille. See the attached 'before' picture.

 

[Mrwurm]

The next picture illustrates the look I am interested in. I bought some adhesive chrome tape and did a mock-up of what I'd like it to look like.

 

[Mrwurm]

The cowl pieces are made of plastic and are painted the same color as the body (black). I would like to remove these parts and take them to a shop to be chromed. Does anyone know if this is feasable. How much would it cost? Am I crazy? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif (the wife thinks so)

 

[chim]

There was a segment on plating on one of the "TNN Channel" shows. I think it was either the Sam and Dave show or "My Classic Car". The show highlighted an outfit that does restoration work. I don't recalll hearing prices, but would bet it's pretty expensive. You could do searches on those two or an e-mail to them. Before going any further, I think it would look nice.

From my touchy feely side (show to Wifey):

We all have different tastes and priorities. If chrome on the grille will make your flivver quiver, go for it. Mebbe it's important to you.

From my practical side (erase before showing to Wifey):

If the truck is paid off, and have only mortgage debt, find a plating outfit. If you have several years of truck payments ahead, don't trick yourself into believing you have disposable income for crap like that. You already spent money you didn't have................chim

 

[lamarbur]

Call eastwood in Pennsylvania and get their free catolog. In there, they have several "home" do it yourself chroming kits. I don't have it in front of me, I know they have an 800 number you can use

 

[RobertN]

Look at the aftermarket places. I bet they have a chrome kit out for your truck by now... Get a pickup magazine, and they'll have add's for places like that.

 

[Inspector507]

Jerry,
Check here....... Stylin' Concepts

 

[RET]

Jerry,
my first thought when I read your post was one of those custom grills, like those on the website Insptector507 recommended. Might be cheaper. And, you might even find something you like better...and no worry about risking doing something that may/may not last longterm.
I have been considering a custom grill for my new truck (but so far have been successful at talking myself out of it).
roger

 

[Junkman]

Being that I am involved with the old car hobby, I am familiar with what you are referring to. The process of chrome plating plastic is done by putting a thin layer of aluminum onto the plastic and then covering that layer with a lacquer finish. It isn't very durable to say the least. It is done on many cars and trucks, and if you look at a '97 Ford Explorer, you will note that where the hood opening is over the grille, that the grille is tarnished. This is a result of the acid rain dripping down over the "chrome" and washing away the protective coatings. The same will happen to your truck. The process is very expensive to have done on a per piece job and I wouldn't recommend that you pursue this any further. If you want to go further, look in Hemming for a company called Mr Mustang Plastics (or it might be Mr. G a sign of my old age), or something like that. They do this type of restoration service. Very expensive, but they are the only ones that I know of. A piece about a hard ball size is about $45 for an example. That is a air conditioning duct ball end for a 1967 GM car. That figure is for plating only!!!!!

 

[Mrwurm]

The site that the inspector suggested has complete grille that looks pretty good but it runs about $550.

Good comments, Junkman. Maybe, I'll just paint it silver?

 

[Mrwurm]

I've known about the Rustoleum brand of chrome paint but knew it was out of the question because it is clearly labled 'not for outdoor use.' But, I found this brand and it IS intended for outdoor use. The label says that you may need to recoat on occasion depending on application. For $5 I'm gonnna give it a try.

 

[Tractors4u]

The chrome paints I have seen such as the Rustoleum end up looking like regular silver spray paint. Go to a local hobby shop that specializes in Radio Control cars. Those cars use a lexan plastic body and there is a paint made for those that simulate chrome. It is called ALCLAD II Lacquers. Disclaimer: I have never used it, but from the photos I have seen and the articles I have read the stuff looks good. It will probably be twice as expensive as Rustoleum but will look 5 times better. The only thing is I don't know if they have it in a spray can, most RCers use an airbrush to paint there car bodies. In my magazine there is a number to call to order it. GHI/Ultimate 714-921-0322 or call ALCLAD at 813-643-1232.