I want to paint my 'chrome' armrest plates, does anyone have a good lead on a plastic 'chrome' color? I could buy new ones but 100 bucks a pair is a bit steep if I can just sand/prime and paint my old ones. Any info would rock, thank you.
Take your pick of off-the-shelf spray cans.... >The "Chrome" spray paint cans---Duplicolor, Plasticote, etc. They don't look exactly like chrome but they have a bit more shine than the Aluminum spray paints. The paint lays out pretty smooth but it isn't the most durable stuff in terms of scratch resistance. If you clear coat it I think it tends to make it less bright so a clearcoat may be defeating the purpose of using the "chrome" paint. NOTE: The chrome paints look nothing like the caps on the cans...the caps have been "chromed" using the vacuum metallizing process like we have on our guage bezels. Too bad as the caps on the cans are pretty nice! >Dull Aluminum or any sort of alum paint--This will be more durable than the "chrome" spray paints. Some others may mention these newer, multi-step chrome paints that have been on TV, etc....by the time you spend all the money (and time) messing with those you will be better off buying the new repro parts IMO. These multi-step paints probably look somewhat better than the "chrome" spray cans but they typically cost quite a bit more also.
I have used the Plasticote (spelling?) with respectable results. But as stated above it DOES NOT look like the cap and the clear does knock it down a little. I helped a friend do this awhile back and it does look way better then what we started with. And for the money, we couldnt go wrong. Next time I plan to sand and polish the clearcoat(s) to see what I get. I imagine it would help the finish shine some. Post your results when you give it a run.:TU:
Since you have the short plates, 12", they are not $100/pr....don't know where you got that info. www.opgi.com carries new ones for $46/pr part # C 220088 Don't waste your time or money trying to spray them...waste!
True, I miss read which ones I had. That's doable. However I will use the info on the sprays for the inside of my taillights!! Thanks all! :beers2:
Get new ones the chrome paint looks nothing like chrome. Check Ames Pontiac which sometimes has better prices on those.
Are the long backing plates correct for other models too? Like Chevy etc.? Do other A-Bodies use the same baseplate with the exact same cutouts?
You can have the long bases rechromed....Mr G's did mine and they look like new...they are $35-40 per side.
Mr G's did my instrument bezel and it looked great. I'm sending them my 21" arm base plates to re-chrome. They have a .pdf price list. http://www.mrgusa.com/
I might suggest Chrome Tech, up in your neck of the woods. Nice work and you get YOUR parts back. I'm local to G's but ship mine out.. DL
