Rechroming

I've got a backlog of projects that need to have the chrome repaired. Mostly fenders but some smaller parts as well. Some of these are pitted and one or two need to have some stress cracks welded up first. I looked into having an exhaust system rechromed a couple of years ago and learned that carbon and rechroming don't mix. Basically if there's exhaust carbon in the pipe it'll ruin the electrolite for any projects that follow your's. One question is, is it better to do the prepatory work yourself or just hand it over and expect a finished project in the end.

How about those home chrome kits. Are they worth it for small parts?

How about it any experience out there?
TIA
KZCSI

Bill.......no one want's to touch an exhaust for the reason you just mentioned. As far as prep........I have always brought clean dirt/grease free parts to them. They appreciate your prep in this maner and makes plating easier. Let them fix welds and dents......they know what to do and don't have to undo anything. It's worth the extra you might pay.

Greg,
I figured that they were worlds ahead of me as far as metal polishing goes. I guess it's probably best left to the pros.

How about other coatings before the chrome goes on. Are they important?

KZCSI

Post edited by: kzcsi, at: 2005/10/12 23:15

the part that makes plating so expensive is the prep,you need to have a plating shop strip the old chrome off,but if you can do most of the repairs and polishing yourself before the plating youd be suprised how cheap it is to get plating done.start with small parts nuts,bolts little parts you can practice on.the plating guys will let you know how good you do.when you take parts to a plating shop they dont just dump them in a tank and plate them,they get inspected and cleaned several times before they ever go in the tank.look in a streetrod magazine,they have a lot of listings for the suplies you need.good luck