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Rechrome Advice

PeterB

Senior Member
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Hi All -

Looking to have my windshield assembly and vent window assemblies rechromed over the winter on my BJ7 and I didn't know if anyone had any advice or recommendations on who to have it done by. The parts aren't in too bad shape, no real pitting. Only one small crack on one of the vent window assemblies. I want to get it done before I put a new top on. I realize I will probably have to ship it somewhere. In Western Maine access to services like this are EXTREMELY limited.

Thanks
 
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Might be a little far for you but I had my BJ8 WS frame rechromed a couple of years ago by Dans Chrome in Savannah, TN. Along with several other pieces. Very happy with work. Don't have the number handly but I'm sure you could goggle him.
Marv
 

Bob Claffie

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A few years ago I had some chrome work done by a smallish shop in Holyoke Ma. On the next table to my parts was a complete set of chrome parts for a MB300SL (quite a recommendation). I can't find their business card but the contact was an Irishman named Mickey. Bob C
 

Jack T

Jedi Trainee
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Hi All -

Looking to have my windshield assembly and vent window assemblies rechromed over the winter on my BJ7 and I didn't know if anyone had any advice or recommendations on who to have it done by. The parts aren't in too bad shape, no real pitting. Only one small crack on one of the vent window assemblies. I want to get it done before I put a new top on. I realize I will probably have to ship it somewhere. In Western Maine access to services like this are EXTREMELY limited.

Thanks

Find out where the local Harley guys take their parts for chrome plating. They do like the bling!
 
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Wherever you go, take pictures of your "group" of parts before you send it out! Make an 8x10 print and include it sealed in a page-protector along with your shipment. Put your name, phone number (at a minimum) printed IN the image; email and return ship to address won't hurt either. Simple part description also a benefit.

If you've ever been in a plating plant__literally H-E-L-L on earth__it is a miracle (and a compliment to all the good shops) that ANY part EVER gets returned to its owner; there are just so many stations that a part can be mislaid, let alone fall off a rack and settle into the abyss at the bottom of the tanks (several, when you include cleaning/acid or caustic, copper, nickel, chrome and rinses). Equally amazing that anybody walks out alive; I rank plating shops as one of the most dangerous places I've ever worked! But for all our's sake, I hope they're not banned any time soon...

Disclaimer, I've never fought in any of our country's battles, so plating shops stop short of being shot at, as far as occupational hazards go.

I had mine (100/6) done by Al's Polishing Shop in Toledo, Ohio, when I lived there. When I took the parts in, I was warned that the process may not "throw" enough material under the drip-lip at the leading edge of the top header, but it was certainly done well enough for me (and I'm hard to please).

ws_001a.jpg


(address & cell # blanked out for www posting only)

IMG_7327aa-me.jpg


IMG_7333aa-me.jpg


These three (3) images represent ALL the post-manufacture chrome plating work that I have ever had done, and in my case, everything turned out great; no parts were lost or damaged, and all plated to a high__in my opinion__level of quality and originality. Additionally, the chrome plating has held up fantastically (>14 yrs later) and still looks as good as when I first got them back.

I hope that you have at least as good of luck!

One (1) last note, and that would be to thoroughly research the method to replace the rivets that secure your vent window hinges; I'd read up on that task years ago, making me thankful to have sidescreens instead. :cheers:
 

pdplot

Yoda
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I used a shop in Fall River, MA to rechrome my bumpers. Instead, he sold me for $750 someone else's set, already plated, keeping mine. Unfortunately, I believe he was later arrested for keeping both parts and money. Had one awful time getting those bumpers to fit and finally had to take the car into a shop where it took 2 strong men to line up the bolts. I got his name from Hemmings - you might look there.
 

RestoreThemAll

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Resurrection of old thread.
Randy, or other chrome experts. I'm sending my chrome out to be redone. Spokewith the owner of a place in Syracuse that's been around since 1960s.

Questions. 1) Chrome plating on steel is done with nickel then chrome? 2) No copper layer is needed? 3) What is meant by three layers?Are three layers needed?
Dale
 
Last edited:

Keoke

Great Pumpkin
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Yes Three layers are used by the best shops here on the west coast-
1 Copper
2 Nickel
3 Chrome
 

Healey Nut

Luke Skywalker
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If they dont do the three layers it will peel off . Three layers or your wasting your money .
 

Healey Nut

Luke Skywalker
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Hmmmm. You need to fill and polish...so how does two work?

Good chrome shops have guys who can work the piece and get dents and dings almost perfect then they do the final “filling” with copper plate to get it really perfect then they do nickel and the final chrome .
The copper is the filler , if they dont do copper first go somewhere else .
 

RestoreThemAll

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I haven't named the company so I feel like I can say this. They claim that copper is a cheaper filler than nickel. Copper is just a money saver for the chrome shop. They only use copper on parts like pot metal or brass. For steel they use nickel only. Can two coats of nickel fill imperfections? They've been in the business a long time, and I have little knowledge.
 

Healey Nut

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Its all about how the metals bond to each other .
Nickel doesnt bond well to steel but does bond well to copper , also chrome bonds well to nickel but not to copper ,
yes copper is expensive but the old saying still goes “pay me now or pay me later “
do it right the first time and it will last .
 

blue62

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I haven't named the company so I feel like I can say this. They claim that copper is a cheaper filler than nickel. Copper is just a money saver for the chrome shop. They only use copper on parts like pot metal or brass. For steel they use nickel only. Can two coats of nickel fill imperfections? They've been in the business a long time, and I have little knowledge.
I worked in a platting shop some 45 years ago so take this info as you will.
Yes copper is cheaper then nickel by about half. But depending on your imperfections and what kind of (perfect) finish you want it could take more then two layers. So that additional cost of Nickel VS Copper is passed onto the customer. If Copper is properly platted to steel there is very little chance of rusting under the platting or pealing. There is a greater chance of that happening when Copper is not used. If I remember correctly Chrome will not stick to copper, but Nickel will, and the Chrome will stick to the Nickel. So that is why Copper first Nickel second then Chrome. If it was me I would call a high end shop or two that deal in automotive chrome restoration and ask about there process. "Queen city plating in Mukilteo Wa". is one . There is another one in Van Nuyes Calif.. no affiliation with either one. Do a google search for Queen city platting and Van Nuys plating checkout their websites phone #'s are there. That will give you feed back from two different high end shops from different parts of the West Coast.
 

Grantura_MKI

Darth Vader
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You are correct, blue62.
I once built a rear bumper for a coach built Bentley....that bumper lived in a copper tank until it was perfect. My plater sent it to another one because there tank was larger and could be coated several times and faster than he could do it.
 

RAC68

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Hi Peter,

As many have mentioned, chrome plating is a multi-metal process that will build surface dememtions and releave screw thread depths. As an example, a friend had his windshield rechromed and all parts were returned with the windshield unassembled as requested. As a result of the excess metal, he had an unexpected **** of a time reassembling the unit and had to relieve metal from intersecting components, screws, and brackets.

Keep in mind that the parts you want to rechrome are not 1-piece simplistic as are handles, nobs, bumpers, etc. The windshield is composed of a number of inner and outer components. As a result of water penetrations, it is not uncommon to find the internal components and screwed brackets to be quite deteriorated and very difficult to disassemble. Since many platers will charge quite high rates for disassembly and will often not take responsibility for glass or reassembly, you will be required to supply all to be chromed as a pile of parts. As a result, Randy's suggestions on providing a thorough inventory, with pictures, is an imperative action. However, although documentation is important, loss is not uncommon and the more parts supplied, the high the probability of loss.

Unless you have excess wealth, I suggest you consider dismantle your windshield and wrap and store your windshield glass in a long-term safe place. If your internal brackets are in reasonable condition, clean and coat with preservative at home. Should these brackets be beyond recovery, look to purchase replacements but keep the original as many original brackets have been reshaped over their life and you will want them as guides in adjusting their replacements. Purchase new internal screws and secure taps to assure proper bracket and outer frame reception. Should you want the outer screws chromed with the windshield components, also acquire the proper die to assure you can proper clean the thread of these rechromed screws.

There is always a risk of lost parts or assembly issues any time your send something out or replace an original part. However, that should not deter you from executing your restoration. Have multiple conversations with your vendor and this communication will impose a greater personal relationship to their service and a clear understanding as to what should be expected and delivered.

Enjoy your Healey,
Ray(64BJ8P1)
 

RestoreThemAll

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Great advice. I disassembled and cleaned everything. I'm visiting the chrome shop tomorrow. Getting quotes and talking about the process.
Thank you everyone.
Dale
 
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