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Re-Chrome?

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Henri

Henri

Jedi Knight
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In an attempt to upgrade my Healey...I plan on re-chroming a bunch of parts such as bumpers...side window molding...and boot hinges...

I've heard that due to OHSA in California the process does not work very well any longer...meaning that the chroming does not take as well...

Any thoughts out there? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif
 
HI Henri, I think that is a rumor. You can get anything from street level to show level chrome here in the golden state. The price relative to some other states may be somewhat higher but the quality has not gone down. The problem IMOP is to locate the quality platers located in your area. There always has been good uns and the bad.---Fwiw---Keoke.
 
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In an attempt to upgrade my Healey...I plan on re-chroming a bunch of parts such as fenders...

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Chromed fenders? THAT ought to look impressive!

Seriously, I think that the only real change in chroming from "way back when" to the present is the cost. Environmental regulations have made the disposal of the chemicals much more expensive, and like all good businesses, the platers have passed those costs along to the consumer. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]

I've heard that due to OHSA in California the process does not work very well any longer...meaning that the chroming does not take as well...
Any thoughts out there? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Henri,
You may well be correct, from what little I know of your state's regulations.

I think there are two main chroming processes used for decorative/protective chrome. The old standby, hexavalent chrome (chromium 6), has come increasingly under fire because of it's environmental - toxic properties during the process. The processing is heavily monitored & controlled by the authorities. It is very bright & sometimes considered to have a bluish tinge.

Trivalent chrome (chromium 3), is considered to be much less toxic although still a heavily monitored process. It is usually less durable, has less brilliance, & sometimes has a more yellowish tinge.

It may well be that trivalent is the only choice available in your state, or maybe, most states. You will need to check around.

Both processes if done the right way, consist of a heavy copper plate that is buffed to remove surface irregularities, an intermediate coat of nickel that is buffed to give shine, & a very thin protective coat of chrome.
D
 
Hi Henri,

I've had most of my chrome done by Buena Park Chrome and find they do a great job and are reasonable. It's the full triple chrome (copper, nickel and chrome)and they are careful about over buffing and losing detail (many shops are not that conscientious)
The place is a messy hole-in-the-wall but they do know what they are doing.


7425 Orangethorpe #G
Buena Park
714 670-7803
ask for Vic

I have some chrome pictures on page 5 of my restoration site: https://www.loftusdesign.net/restorationweb/index5.html

Cheers,
John
 
Yes I recall you posting those pictures John. I recently had the bumpers and overriders redone on one of my cars and it was SHOW LEVEL Chrome; Copper Nickle and Chrome.The Chrome is not thin and it was much more costly than it was ten years ago. The plater I use does most of the plating for the Peeble beach class of cars and you won't get in there without SHOW LEVEL Chrome.---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
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Buena Park Chrome and find they do a great job and are reasonable

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks...I'll check them out...and thanks for all the other info from everyone else...

John...when is that car of yours getting back on the road? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
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John...when is that car of yours getting back on the road? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

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I've been asking that question too but unfortunately "that car" is taking it's sweet time telling me.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

John
 
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The plater I use does most of the plating for the Peeble beach class of cars and you won't get in there without SHOW LEVEL Chrome.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Keoke,

Does that mean we will see you next year at PB?

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

Cheers,
John
 
Nope John, I can't afford to go now!---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
It was a senior moment...my fenders...are now bumpers... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
henri,we all have them at times,your healeys so nice you dont need the 'chromed'option anyway! anthony7777 1963 bj7 3000 M.II. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
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