Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
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Chrome Dipping, bike parts, bumpers rollbars etc
Q. Where can I require about prices on equipment, and how to get started.
Anneline [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]investments - Phalaborwa, South Africa
2006
"The Canning Handbook of Surface Finishing Technology"
on
AbeBooks
or
eBay
or
Amazon
(affil links)
A. Hi Anneline. You may wish to start with our brief "Chrome Plating Tutorial" to understand what chrome plating is and the steps involved. But chrome plating is not done with what you'd call a machine, but with what we would call a plant or shop. The systems are not catalog items, but are an assemblage of tanks, pumps, filters, heaters, material handling systems, anode arrangements, power supplies, etc. So you must specify exactly what you want, which can be difficult if you don't yet know much about the subject.
It is possible to get and read a few books from our "must-have book list" (I'd especially recommend the Canning Handbook of Surface Finishing Technology) or to take a plating course, and join an electroplaters' society -- but it can take months or years to learn enough to start a plant design. Consequently, the usual approach is to retain a plating consultant who can look at your needs and scope out a plan with you. Best of luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Chrome repair of roll bar for Shelby cobra kit car
Q. I am trying to go into the kit car building business. On my first car and need some help concerning chrome repair. Someone accidentally dropped my $400.00 chrome roll bar and left a scratch all the way thru to metal only 2 inches by 1 inch. Is there a way or place to repair? Thanks for your help!
Kim V [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]hobbyist - Dacula, Georgia
2004
Q. Hi,
I looking at starting a kit car business also and an add on side business doing some plating/repair. Look for small repair kits ... you'll probably have to nickel plate then re-chrome it. If you can, please let me know how you're starting your kit car business. I need any help I can get.
- Macon, Georgia
2004
A. To my knowledge there is no brush plating process for chrome. But the nickel can be repaired, and I think the brush plating suppliers have processes available that mimic a chrome topcoat pretty well.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. From the buyer's perspective I would be very upset if I bought the car and found the chrome had been repaired. I think you have no choice but to replate it if you are concerned about a quality product. I have owned several companies in my life and sometimes you just have to eat the mistakes.
Steve Hodges- Cherry Log, Georgia
September 15, 2009
RFQ: I have a triple chrome show bar on my pickup that is starting to rust. I would to find out about the possibility of having it "rechromed". Would also be interested in having my brush guard and push bar redone if possible/practical.
Norman S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- High Springs, Florida
2002
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
RFQ: I have a Jeep Wrangler I wanted to have my roll bars dipped in chrome because I am re-doing everything on my Jeep from a paint job to an engine overhaul. I need to know if their is a company that does this in or around Indiana Pennsylvania as long as its within 200 miles I will bring the material and pick it up when it is finished. I need to the cost of dipping the material the material will be finished all old paint will be removed and it will be down to the bare metal to speed up the process and make the job easier on the company. I really need this done a.s.a.p. I am in the middle of my project and need to finish it before winter.
Thank you for your replies.
- Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA
2004
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
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Ed. note: Current RFQs for plating services are listed on our "Looking for a Finishing Service" page.
Better to re-chrome my rollbar or replace it?
Q. I have a roll bar on my bike (Honda vtx 1800) that has rust spots and peeling chrome; it's only $200 to replace it. Is that cheaper than getting it chromed again?
Frank Sams- Mt. Holly New Jersey USA
March 15, 2014
A. Hi Frank. Labor is very costly and your roll bar would have to be handled on its own rather than as part of a mass-produced lot. So, repair vs. replace will probably be pretty close in this case. But I suspect the repair will be higher quality than the original if the original has rust and peeling chrome. Chrome plating can be done very well or very poorly. Most OEM items are very high quality, but a lot of aftermarket items aren't. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 2014
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