Re: [FWDLK] Chrome Repair?

[Ray Jones <hurst300@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

90% of the cost of Chroming is the preparation. And, as Wayne sys, If'n 
you ain't good at this, leave it to the plater.

The Copper gives it it's luster/color hue, the Nickel gives it the 
silvery look, and the actual Chrome is only 1-2 atoms thick, really 
thin.  This gives it the shine/brilliance  that we all love, and any 
blemish in the base metal part will be enhanced by the process, that 
is, made to be very apparent. Grinding marks, dents, scrapes will all 
show, because all you're doing is laying a nearly transparent layer of 
shine over the part. Or so they told me when I worked in a Westinghouse 
plant in the late 50's. Beside the chrome shop they had a giant louver 
press, but that's another story.....

Regards, Ray
Y'all have a great holiday season, and tell all those special people 
that you love them.

On Dec 17, 2004, at 7:36 AM, Wayne Graefen wrote:

> If there is oil or grease or tar or similar on the parts you need 
> rechromed, then there would be some very minor help to getting them 
> clean because that 'stuff' would contaminate the plater's tanks.? 
> First thing they do is reverse the electrolysis that applied the 
> chrome.? In a matter of a minute, it falls off.? Then if there are 
> layers of copper and chrome ("triple plate") they do the same.? Next 
> is a pickling process which is also electrolytic to remove the rust 
> and clean any impurities from the surface of the metal.? If this is a 
> stamped part like a bumper, they now go to a press and straighten.? 
> After that they step up to a grinder and have at it.? At the grinder 
> is one of the differences between a good and bad plater;? a bad guy on 
> the grinder can ruin any part really quickly.?? Pits can be filled now 
> either with brass or with special welding rods depending on the 
> composition of the part.? Some belt sanding is typically done next to 
> smooth the grinding and filling.? Assuming all looks good now, layers 
> of copper to further smooth the surface, nickel and chrome are 
> separately applied and may get some polishing between layers.? The 
> amount of time in the tank determines the thickness of the plating.? 
> Several of the above steps can be shortened in time and some 
> eliminated all together.? And THAT is where the real pricing 
> difference comes in between one plater and the next.? With plating you 
> pretty much get what you pay for.? Its time, materials and labor.
> ?
> You will recognize there are some processes above you could do at home 
> if you first take the parts in for stripping.? Unless you already make 
> jewelry or fine art castings, it will take development of your talent 
> to be good at this.?? Take in a couple of items you really aren't 
> concerned about the outcome first and practice.? Eastwood Co. for 
> example has some of the materials and equipment you will need.
> ?
> If you find a chrome plater who is friendly and helpful enough to 
> offer you a tour of his facility, don't miss the opportunity.? With a 
> friend, I received a walk-through back when I was 19 and it has 
> tremendously helped me understand "chrome" lo all these years since.? 
> If your local club can get a tour through a plater, it would be a 
> great thing.
> ?
> I probably left something out if someone else can fill in, please do 
> so!
> ?
> Wayne
>
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