Chrome Plastic Parts

[81LT4]

Can any one tell me of a place ( If there is any) that may chrome plastic. Before this get out of hand, I would like to say I know this is not like a real chroming, like metal. If I'm correct it's a plastic
that looks like chrome. (grill, trim,molding) I think you understand what I am trying to say. thanks everyone.

[81LT4]

Man, your a life saver. thanks

[Jack]

Originally posted by 81LT4
Can any one tell me of a place ( If there is any) that may chrome plastic. Before this get out of hand, I would like to say I know this is not like a real chroming, like metal. If I'm correct it's a plastic that looks like chrome. (grill, trim,molding) I think you understand what I am trying to say. thanks everyone.

Contrary to what some restorers' site/info may indicate ... some chromed plastic auto parts are electroplated ... in much the same way as was a steel front bumper from a 69 stingray.

I recently spent a few months with a client ... manufacturer is one of the largest automotive OEM suppliers of chromed plastic parts. During the course of our project, literally millions of plastic parts were manufactured & shipped. The vast majority were electroplated parts and a somewhat lesser amount wrere vacuum metalized parts. I can say with certainty; I learned a great deal about plastic finishes that I hadn't known before and it was a wonderful experience.

I'm not at liberty to share process details ... but I'll offer this: (1) I was intimately involved with & responsible for documenting client's manufacturing processes for electroplated, vacuum metalized and painted plastic parts. (2) Customers' (i.e. GM, Ford, DC, Toyota etc) engineering drawings for electroplated parts will typically have a material callout that specifies "plateable grade ABS". (3) This client also produces "gold plated" plastic parts; those parts are electroplated with real gold metal. (4) Many if not most plastic parts that have a "brushed/satin chrome" finish are also electroplated. (5) This client-manufacturer does not engage in restoration/replating ... only new parts.

FYI ... most chevy "bowties" found on current pickup grilles are made of translucent acrylic (not ABS) and the shiney (gold or otherwise) background is vacuum metalized. The chrome "5.7 Liter HEMI Magnum" badge found on current Dodge trucks is electroplated ABS. In addition, many similar plastic parts are supplied with a painted finish ... sometimes creating a faux metal effect
JACK

[Jack]

D:
Doubt if I raised the bar at all ... just a bit of insight.

I dunno how the end-user/restorer determines if an on-hand part is made from plateable grade ABS. But ... I will ask someone with client-OE manyfacturer if they know of a visual or other simple test. BTW, one of several manufacturers/suppliers of plateable grade ABS resins is GE (General Electric).

Simply based upon what I've seen, electroplated should be more resistant to environment/scratch/wear than vacuum metalize. The electroplated finish does not rely upon a clear coat ... electroplate stands alone.

I haven't a clue as to who replates electroplated plastic parts for the end-user/restorer ... seems there'd be at least a few outfits who do ... but dunno who.
JACK