plastic part re-chrome?

[Scorchio]

I know you can get this done for real car parts, but does anybody know if you can get plastic model parts re-chromed anywhere?

[Revvvs]

I normally use a product called 'Bare Metal Foil' - it's like very thin sticky backed tin foil (!)....

[Scorchio]

quote:Originally posted by Revvvs

I normally use a product called 'Bare Metal Foil' - it's like very thin sticky backed tin foil (!)....

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Is it readily available anywhere? sounds good.

[Revvvs]

I think it's made in the US (by the bare metal foil company???!). I've had a few sheets for a couple of years (I've mainly been using it on slot cars so only a little at a time!). I seem to remember I got mine from Hannants shop here in the UK so you can probably get it online from them....

[Scorchio]

Thanks! I'm in U.K. too so I'm off shoping.

[Martin71RS(2)]

www.bare-metal.com

great stuff....

Martin

[ShenUK]

Thanks for the link i just need some good Decal Scans and i can finish my cars off[]

[Scorchio]

cool link Martin! This place is a gold mine.[^]

[jerzirccar]

HI!

Go and see my cool bigwig[].

Jerry

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=2638&id=313

[mr_lister999.]

wow, that is nice. I love chromed cars but alot of people hate them. It would look bad if you chromed used parts but new parts do look the business.

[Twmaster]

Nobody has yet answered the original question. Can you get used parts rechromed? If so where or how to do it one's self?

Cheers,

[JesterRace]

There was a company I once knew of that you could send plastic model parts (or R/C) and they would chrome plate the stuff. Doing it yourself would probably be too big of a task for any one person to tackle. Sorry I can't remember the site, but I think it would just be best to buy some Alcad paint and spray the parts. At least then if you scratch them you just re-spray.

[Twmaster]

Ok, I have spent several hours this afternoon looking for ways to rechrome plastic. I found that there are two ways the parts are chromed. First is electro-plating. Just like on metal parts. Second is a sprayed on process like here:

http://www.alsacorp.com/

Neither is cheap to do as a home project. The company that I posted the link to will do small bits for consumers and have a quote submission form. I have sent a request for a set of wheels. I'll report back their reply.

The electro-plating process is similar to the annodizing process without the acids in the mix. A mess and too bothersome to try at home. (unless I am missing something and somebody has a pointer to a small home type plating system)

Anyway, I await the reply from Alsacorp.

Cheers,

[Bill Wessels(2)]

There's a fellow, named Bob, in the USA, DBA "Chrome-Tech USA" that re-chromes plastic model car parts. If you dare spend postage both ways, [?] you'll be quite happy with Bob's work ! [][][] (You can find his eMAIL info thru many of the net's search engines.) Bare metal foil is great for detail on plastic hard body trim like window frames and emblems, IMHO. [8D][8D][8D]

[Scorchio]

Thanx for your time on this one! did a search myself and it would seem theres a bit of a black art in this. Link looks cool though Cheers[]

quote:Originally posted by Twmaster

Ok, I have spent several hours this afternoon looking for ways to rechrome plastic. I found that there are two ways the parts are chromed. First is electro-plating. Just like on metal parts. Second is a sprayed on process like here:

http://www.alsacorp.com/

Neither is cheap to do as a home project. The company that I posted the link to will do small bits for consumers and have a quote submission form. I have sent a request for a set of wheels. I'll report back their reply.

The electro-plating process is similar to the annodizing process without the acids in the mix. A mess and too bothersome to try at home. (unless I am missing something and somebody has a pointer to a small home type plating system)

Anyway, I await the reply from Alsacorp.

Cheers,

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[Scorchio]

Thanks Bill! this is exactly what I was after[^][^][^] now I've got to be really good and not send him my whole car, dont want to end up with a scorcher that looks like a trophy.

quote:Originally posted by Bill Wessels

There's a fellow, named Bob, in the USA, DBA "Chrome-Tech USA" that re-chromes plastic model car parts. If you dare spend postage both ways, [?] you'll be quite happy with Bob's work ! [][][] (You can find his eMAIL info thru many of the net's search engines.) Bare metal foil is great for detail on plastic hard body trim like window frames and emblems, IMHO. [8D][8D][8D]

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id="quote">id="quote">

[Twmaster]

quote:Originally posted by Twmaster

http://www.alsacorp.com/

Neither is cheap to do as a home project. The company that I posted the link to will do small bits for consumers and have a quote submission form. I have sent a request for a set of wheels. I'll report back their reply.

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id="quote">id="quote">

Well I got that quote back from Alsacorp. They want $35.00 PER WHEELid="red"> to chrome them. I think I will pass.

[Scorchio]

Currently cobbling bits together to get a quote from chrome tech. My nib chrome Parmas came out cheaper than alsacorp on ebay! I was thinking of getting one bulk job together for tamiya club members to see if it would be cheaper on mass, but getting the right door handles back to the right members could present a logistical nightmare.

[Martin71RS(2)]

When you are from the Netherlands...:

http://www.chromeplastics.com/

Martin

[leadfoot]

id="Arial">got to the addy . they chrome plastic parts cheap chrometechusa@charter.net the only bad part is they are in the U.S.A but whats important chrome parts or money.[?]

[Twmaster]

Yea Chrome tech quoted me $4.00 per wheel (KBF wheels) to plate them. However, these are new pristine wheels so I am sure the price is higher for ugly wheels in need of stripping and other prepparations.

Still **** reasonable IMHO. The shipping to the USA is $8.00 so less than $30 for all 4 wheels and postage both ways. Not too bad.

[Bill Wessels(2)]

I've had Bob @ChromeTech re-chrome vintage slot car and model car parts for years. I have him prep the parts and hang 'em on his "trees". All I have to do is indicate what section of part won't be seen so he'll know where to attach part. This method makes any errors in prep or parts hanging his responsibility. Therefore he takes the extra attention necessary to assure a perfect job. []