Chrome plated plastic...

[Renco5012]

Howdy all,

I took my Clod for a quick spin this afternoon during a quiet spell from the torrential rain that we've been having here and the car got a little wet. Of course that's no biggie, but what has happened to the chrome plated bumper, is. I noticed that the chrome has cracked and in some places flaked right off so you can see the black plastic underneath. I know this isn't normal, and unless it was raining turps a few small splashes it shouldn't affect the chrome plated bit 'n' pieces. Has anyone else had this happen? I'm really *******ed off about it as the bodyshell and all it's parts are (well were) brand new[!] Has Tamiya cut corners with their products as far as the manufacturing side is concerned[?] I'm very disappointed...

[Twmaster]

Acid rain??? [?]

I'm sorry, I could not resist that. I would have to agree with you as that sort of thing is not normal. I too would be quite upset to see that happen.

I have not a clue as to why the bumper is flaking. Is there any chance you could post a picture?

[Gates Mini Racing]

I know its no substitute for the real deal, but if necersary, you could paint it with ALCAD chrome paint, or i personally would get in cotact with Tamiya. They may provide you with a replacement.

Cheers

Mike.

[madbad jezza]

hey mike,

i fancy buying some of that alclad paint, can you recommend a decent shop here in the UK, where i can get some? - where do you get yours?.

cheers,

james.

[Renco5012]

quote:Originally posted by Twmaster

Acid rain??? [?]

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Heh heh, yeah I had actually thought it was acid rain but I dunno.

I'll try post up a picture so you can take a look-see.

[Renco5012]

quote:Originally posted by Gates Mini Racing

I know its no substitute for the real deal, but if necersary, you could paint it with ALCAD chrome paint, or i personally would get in cotact with Tamiya. They may provide you with a replacement.

Cheers

Mike.

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You'd really get in contact with Tamiya[?] I wouldn't probably do that, but if you did what would you say?

[wriggleandgiggle]

I'd contact Tamiya if it happened to me, just write them an email telling them what happened, you might get lucky.

If your going to paint the bumper with alclad you need to strip the bumper of all the existing chrome.

To do this take it off the clod and spray with Mr Muscle Oven cleaner, leave for 10 minutes and rinse off the foam/chrome plate mix. You will have a completley black bumper which is ideal for alclad.

I found this the hard way, I just wanted the paint off an old clod body so I sprayed it with Mr Muscle and left it for a while. Upon my return I saw that every single bit of chrome on the clod had gone, but the hideous paint I had wanted to remove stayed well and truly put! Not happy, but at least I know how to remove chrome now....

The reason for black being good for alclad is that If you follow the instructions for painting a lexan body with it, you have to spray the alclad onto the lexan and then back the paint with a dark colour, so your just reversing the painting process.

black first (the bumper) then the alclad and then some clear laquer (Lexan) if you get me.

[BalmyBaldwin]

A pic of this bumper would be good to see, if you want AlcladII in the UK, the only place I have found is: www.modelsportuk.com They do 2 types, the spray can and the Laquers.

[Gates Mini Racing]

Hi Again,

You can buy Alcad chrome paint, and many others (including pealecent flip paint) at http://www.dms-racing.com/ (01923 816636) I have used them before and have found them to be reasonable, reliable and stock almost everything. The paint is rather expensive though (£3.95) but i think that is the standard price.

I would certainly get in touch with Tamiya (prob ably by e-mail) and ask about a replacement. it never hurts, I would probably told them what you told the club, say that you think it must be a unique situation and say you would be greatful of any help they could offer (plus put your address at the top of the e-mail + Dear Sir/Madam) that could work...

Cheers,

Mike