Plastic Chrome repairs made easy

Like many of us theres spots on our cars that show wear and not a really good option for fixing it. ON the Riv it was the area on the inst cluster where the chrome like finish was worn to white plastic around any knob or switch where the shiney stuff had worn off from use. I was watching a vid on youtube about making parts of plastic models have a chrome finish for a more realistic look and it gave me the idea So for under 10.00 I bought the stuff and it worked very well. Easy to work with and simple.

[video=youtube_share;MAunw7ZVG1k]http://youtu.be/MAunw7ZVG1k[/video]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/231455061058?lpid=82&chn=ps

 

Many, many moons ago Steve, (... insert late '50s) 3M made a very thin, 1/4" wide, shiny chrome metallic foil tape for wrapping Xmas presents.
It came on a metal dispenser with about 3 yards of the shiny foil tape. It worked wonders for vacuum plated plastic dash bezels and was much more durable than the 'Bare Metal Foil' for models, but it yielded the same results. Unfortunately 3M quit making that particular product long ago, and I have yet to find any foil, or vinyl materials that could even come close to matching the quality of that 3M shiny metal foil tape.
Back then, all my I/25 scale car model kits had real chrome trim thanks to that 3M foil tape ! :TU:

 

Yea man, been using BMF for years customizing slot cars. HO scale so very small work but very good results.

Great idea to use on interior trim parts.

 

Hmm, my youngest brother uses that on his models; I never thought of it for a real car. I'll have to check out my car and see what may need it. Too bad 3M quit making the other product. They are (I think) the best at whatever product they make.

 

Very cool

 

I am using baremetalfoil on my model cars as well. You can clear coat it to make it more durable.
Never the less this foil is only made to be looked at not touched.

 

X2 been using it models for many years - its very fragile and the bond is not that strong - clear coat would help, on models I wax over it and that makes a better shine great for small details - would ok for areas not touched often , but for switches etc dont bother.

 

X2 The stuff is so thin, it doesn't last long on anything that gets handled. For thin chrome beading, you could try aluminium tape.
I used kitchen aluminium foil and PVA glue for some sections of my dash restoration.

I'd be happy to post pics if needed. On holiday ATM, so limited internet access.

 

If it's a small area, why not use something like a chrome pen like those sold at craft stores like Michaels? I've read thread posted here that they work great for detailed areas.

 

I tried that first. did not lay on smooth and had a very different look from what was around it.