Hi I've got a 67 Riviera and need help .How do I restore the plastic chrome strips on the door cards. They are pealing of fake chrome and in need of attention. Any ideas ? Some one had told me to use chrome pin striping tape .What do you think?
A mate of mine, and this is 20 years ago, did his by using the “chrome” Mylar?? insert that was used as a locking strip on cars that had the old fashioned rubber windscreen surrounds. <o></o> Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any US made cars that used it, but a quick google of “BuickOpel” images will show what I mean. <o></o> It’s the thin chrome strip on the windscreen rubbers. <o></o> He used short staples to secure it, from the back, through the door panels
Send them off to have them re-chromed. There is a place in Wisconsin that does a good job. I cannot remember the name but someone will. A paint pen looks like paint except on very thin areas.
Send this ebay seller a message he states he can chrome (not silver paint) any pieces http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-71-72-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f23c980a0&vxp=mtr
Matt I'm pretty sure the guy from Ebay did my radio bezel. Real good guy. Did a great job and it is show quality. He had his own shop for many years. He's even starting to chrome 3D plastic parts. Good Luck Leo
That might be a problem I'm in New Zealand postage could be a bit steep.:dollar: Kind of need a do it your self best fix option. Still want to do a good job though.
What about some chrome tape? http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...vpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_7lraggftne_e
Can you be more specific on exactly what part you are referring to? Eveything I can think of was pot metal or stainless on the 67 doors/door panels. Maybe I'm missing something
The guy from Ebay (Narrowminded) rechromed my 68 Long door arm rest backer plates and radio bezel. Nice job !!
The process used is called "vacuum-metalizing". Manufacturers of other plastic items like toys and beer signs commonly do it in their factories. Perhaps try to link up with such a manufacturer and slip them a few buck to do your pieces next time they do a run of beer signs or whatever they make. You just have to tape off the areas that aren't supposed to be chrome, because a part going through the process will get it all over.
That process is also used on optical components to make mirrors and reflectors.... Parts are put in a vacuum chamber (to get rid of contaminants in the air), Aluminum is heated until it vaporizes, and the vapor deposits on the parts producing a mirror finish. A protective overcoat of SiO2 (quartz) is applied the same way. Perhaps there is a company in your area that will replate telescope lenses? The chrome tape may be a good alternative for you. Try hobby shops.
Thanks for all your suggestions . I have taken some photos of the door card .Something interesting though is the door arm rest looks a different colour like gold is this what it's supposed to be ? I even took of the pad to see what the colour was underneath thinking that the sun might have gone something to it but it was gold. Was gold arm rests an option in the day?
For some reason I was only thinking of the deluxe door panels which do not have plastic and forgot about the standard panels. Only chrome trim. No gold was offered. Guessing the underside didn't go through the complete plating process and/or the goldish color is due to degradation of the original finish. Replating the arm rest and other parts will restore to original but if you don't have the budget for that considering shipping to and from a competant plater, risk of lost package, etc, This is what I would use in the chrome color. http://www.krylon.com/products/premium_metallic/ With proper prep and application I think this would simulate the original finish pretty well and would at a minimum look a whole lot better. The chrome tape might work better on the narrow trim strips.
There is someone in NZ that does plastic chrome dipping but I don't know if he can do the stripes on the door card because it is not removable from the vinyl panel but should do the arm rest.
