Re-chrome

[Tidbart]

Just had some parts re-chromed. They were looking pretty sad after 17 years and I have been meaning to do this for a long time.

I had the hinges, rear lift ring and deco ring, hatch latch, and the gas cap done. 8 pieces cost $120. They came out well.

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The other issue that I had was with the chrome steering wheel bezel. Being pot metal, it would have been exorbitantly expensive to have it re-chromed and done correctly. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $200+ for the 2 pieces.

So, I went a different route. I had the chrome stripped and the pieces polished to a high gloss. I then coated them with Diamond Finish Clear from KBS Coatings. It is a clear the will stick to most anything. I chose to brush it on instead of spraying as the spraying would have given me a better finish but the constant cleanup was too much work. Here are the 2 pieces. I still have to give them a final wet sand and polish, but they came out alright.

Bob

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[gcarter]

Shiny!
Looks great Bob!

[smokediver]

Looks great bob !! I need to find a lift ring myself.

[Jraysray]

Anyone ever do this on a boat?

[Tidbart]

Anyone ever do this on a boat?

I would think it would be rather difficult considering the process. The parts had to stripped, polished, then dipped in three tanks of chemicals. Do know of something different?

Bob

[gcarter]

The last time I had some Donzi parts chromed, the technician explained to me they start w/a thick layer of copper, which is where repairs are made to cover pitting etc., followed by nickel, and then followed by chrome.
If your into classic cars, early examples had nickel plated accessories but it has a look (finish) all its own and is not very shiny. It's easy to understand why chrome repaced nickel.
Personally, I like a satin nickel finish.

[BUIZILLA]

GC, Josh has the lifting rings

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Personally, I like a satin nickel finish.

George, that is my favorite look, too. Just last week I saw a relatively new Ford truck that had a satin nickel finish looking grill that really got my attention.

[MDonziM]

That's good to know, the bezels look nice. I've had brass stuff re-chromed but the pot metal will never hold the chrome especially in salt.

[Jraysray]

I really like nickel. Needs to be properly placed with the right paint. Really cool. Classic wood boats might hold it well.