healey badge re-chrome question

[nevets]

My original Healey badge (Healey wings) for my big healey has pitted chrome, but the inlayed red (ceramic or plastic I assume)"Austin Healey" script is in very good condition. Does anyone know whether it is possible to re-chrome the badge without damaging or removing the red script?
Thanks

 

[John Loftus]

It appears you are talking about what is commonly called cloisonne type badge (or more accurately, enameled badge) which is a colored glass material (the later BJ8 badges just used red paint). The chroming is the last step of the process because the chrome could not survive the temperatures that are required to melt the glass. But, even though your cloisonne looks good, it is old and might not be able to withstand the chroming process without cracking more or falling out. Here is a link to more information about the process:

https://www.emblemagic.com/Enamel_faq.htm#Q. What are cloisonné emblems?

Cheers,
John

 

[nevets]

thanks John
that is useful information...good link too.
I think I may try getting the badge re-chromed...it just may work out. the repro badge quality is just not very good.

 

[Keoke]

Hi Nevets, there has been no problem replating the the Healey badges if a highly qualified shop is contracted with.However, in some cases the badges which to the eye look good have hair line cracks that allow the plating chemicals to seep underneath the glass and either spot or over time discolor it.FWIW---Keoke P.S> if the platers buffer is not good the lettering will get widened by excessive buffing.

 

[ThomP]

I had mine replated several years ago. The palter warned me that there might be problems. Once he explained the issues, I said go ahead. It came out looking new and 2 years later still does. (Your mileage may vary)..

 

[nevets]

Sounds promising...are there any quality platers you would recommend?

Thanks

 

[ThomP]

They are a family owned and run business.

S.A.L. Custom Plating
4100 N. Powerline Road
Pompano Beach, Fl 33073
(954) 971-2074

I don't expect perfection from old things. He has always been good about pointing out the problems with the items I have brought in and what the consequences of the problem areas are. I have never been dissappointed with the results. He is very reluctant to plate pot metal. Fortunately most Big Healey pieces are steel or brass and plate nicely.

 

[tahoe healey]

Just today, on Ebay, there is a new Mark III emblem for $65.00 sold by a seller named bighealey (nine days to go). I bought one from him one year ago and it was VERY nice. Only problem was a very slight mis-alignment of the screw posts in the back.(about 1mm high on one side) No one eould notice it but me and I could have altered the hole on the car if I was motivated.

 

[mvanderploeg]

I recently had the mounting brackets for my sidecurtains replated by EFS Company in Port Orchard, WA. Excellent work and quick turnaround. They were recommended to me by someone on the Healey email list. The owner's name is Perry Allen, and he can be reached at 360-674-3234.