Chroming over Metalwork??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Frizzle Fry · 04-09-2007, 12:56 PM

I've been wondering about this for a while and figure someone on here should be able to shed some light...

I've made some modifications to a bumper and I want to re-chome it. The question is:

Obviously you can't chrome over plastc body filler so; Is my only option to make the metalwork perfect, or can I use lead-filler/body-solder and chrome over that?

...any other options?

**Palf70Step** · 04-09-2007, 01:21 PM

It has been a while, but yes you should use a metal based filler, weld if you can is the best. You don't chrome directly to the steel. The process adds 1 or 2 other metals coatings (thats the part I forget, how many and what exactly they are), then the chrome platting adheres to them. Chromes does not actually adhere to steel.

SCOTI · 04-09-2007, 02:28 PM

They usually fill in imperfections w/weld or lead (solder), then copper, & then block-sand the finish just like you would bodywork. The process sometimes takes several applications to get the surface perfect.

piecesparts · 04-09-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

They usually fill in imperfections w/weld or lead (solder), then copper, & then block-sand the finish just like you would bodywork. The process sometimes takes several applications to get the surface perfect.

I agree with what Scoti says.....It takes a lot of time, but I have seen some bumpers modified to fit trucks that came from other vehicles and once completed, you would not know that they had been spliced.

**N2TRUX** · 04-09-2007, 02:36 PM

Your best bet is to talk to the plater that you plan to use. While the plating process is somewhat standard, all platers have a tendency to create their own plating formula. Sometimes this requires using different materials at different times in the process.

Frizzle Fry · 04-09-2007, 02:57 PM

Guess that means I'll have to pick out a plating shop before I finish the bumper

I'm thinking about using the new "lead-free" body solder from Eastwood. I suppose the plater will be able to tell me if it's compatible. Thanks for all the responses guys

cdowns · 04-09-2007, 03:42 PM

before starting i'd suggest going to the plater tell him what you intend to do then follow his instructions// you might also ask for a ballpark price of how many hundreds of dollars it will cost(probally closer to a thousand than a hundred

)

Frizzle Fry · 04-09-2007, 04:08 PM

A thousand to get a bumper chromed?

piecesparts · 04-09-2007, 04:46 PM

Price of metals have gone up, Chrome is a metal.

cdowns · 04-09-2007, 04:53 PM

chrome aint cheap!! a perfect bumper that just needs to be stripped dipped and polished will start at $500-$600 and additional filling finishing or prep work will make the meter spin// you probally cant get a door handle chromed for a hundred bucks

Frizzle Fry · 04-09-2007, 05:23 PM

So how do the new chrome ones sell for $150?

cdowns · 04-09-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

So how do the new chrome ones sell for $150?

chinamen work cheap

Frizzle Fry · 04-09-2007, 05:37 PM

thanks

PanelDeland · 04-09-2007, 06:19 PM

The other factor in cost is the EPA.Here in the U.S. we have big brother watching out for the enviroment.In China they just dump the waste in the lake.Some of the chemicals used in plating are deadly.Arsnic is one of them.I work in a commercial laundry and we have to monitor our wastewater to be sure we don't contaminate the enviroment.One of the things we monitor is arsnic because of the plating companies we supply uniforms to.There are actually some pollutants that are required to be the responsibility of the initial producer.They are responsible for these things"Cradle to grave"

ratrod67 · 04-09-2007, 06:49 PM

The chrome guy I use wont touch something that's modified unless he is the one who did it. Make sure yours will. He can't guarantee the work under the chrome and he dosen't want shoddy work with his name on it.

04-09-2007, 12:56 PM	#1
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Chroming over Metalwork??? I've been wondering about this for a while and figure someone on here should be able to shed some light... I've made some modifications to a bumper and I want to re-chome it. The question is: Obviously you can't chrome over plastc body filler so; Is my only option to make the metalwork perfect, or can I use lead-filler/body-solder and chrome over that? ...any other options?

04-09-2007, 01:21 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,324	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? It has been a while, but yes you should use a metal based filler, weld if you can is the best. You don't chrome directly to the steel. The process adds 1 or 2 other metals coatings (thats the part I forget, how many and what exactly they are), then the chrome platting adheres to them. Chromes does not actually adhere to steel. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

04-09-2007, 02:28 PM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,094	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? They usually fill in imperfections w/weld or lead (solder), then copper, & then block-sand the finish just like you would bodywork. The process sometimes takes several applications to get the surface perfect. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

04-09-2007, 02:36 PM	#5
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? Your best bet is to talk to the plater that you plan to use. While the plating process is somewhat standard, all platers have a tendency to create their own plating formula. Sometimes this requires using different materials at different times in the process. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

04-09-2007, 02:57 PM	#6
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? Guess that means I'll have to pick out a plating shop before I finish the bumper I'm thinking about using the new "lead-free" body solder from Eastwood. I suppose the plater will be able to tell me if it's compatible. Thanks for all the responses guys

04-09-2007, 03:42 PM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? before starting i'd suggest going to the plater tell him what you intend to do then follow his instructions// you might also ask for a ballpark price of how many hundreds of dollars it will cost(probally closer to a thousand than a hundred ) __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-09-2007, 04:08 PM	#8
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? A thousand to get a bumper chromed?

04-09-2007, 04:46 PM	#9
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? Price of metals have gone up, Chrome is a metal.

04-09-2007, 04:53 PM	#10
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? chrome aint cheap!! a perfect bumper that just needs to be stripped dipped and polished will start at $500-$600 and additional filling finishing or prep work will make the meter spin// you probally cant get a door handle chromed for a hundred bucks __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-09-2007, 05:23 PM	#11
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? So how do the new chrome ones sell for $150?

04-09-2007, 05:37 PM	#13
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? thanks

04-09-2007, 06:19 PM	#14
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? The other factor in cost is the EPA.Here in the U.S. we have big brother watching out for the enviroment.In China they just dump the waste in the lake.Some of the chemicals used in plating are deadly.Arsnic is one of them.I work in a commercial laundry and we have to monitor our wastewater to be sure we don't contaminate the enviroment.One of the things we monitor is arsnic because of the plating companies we supply uniforms to.There are actually some pollutants that are required to be the responsibility of the initial producer.They are responsible for these things"Cradle to grave" __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-09-2007, 06:49 PM	#15
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,269	Re: Chroming over Metalwork??? The chrome guy I use wont touch something that's modified unless he is the one who did it. Make sure yours will. He can't guarantee the work under the chrome and he dosen't want shoddy work with his name on it.



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