Topic: Chrome Plating?
in Forum: General Non-Vette Discussion
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Former Member
Send PM
Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Say, I'd like to hear from the peanut gallery.
I've recently inquired into chrome plating and the costs are SKY HIGH!!
Made me think that I might get into the home plating business on my own. Caswell offers a ton of plating kits and I'd like to give it a shot.
Made me think that I might get into the home plating business on my own. Caswell offers a ton of plating kits and I'd like to give it a shot. I'd start with smaller stuff, and work up to larger stuff (short of bumpers, of course). I have a luggage rack that really needs it. It's already dissassembled and waiting. If I took on other orders at REASONABLE prices, it might help pay for the original set-up or even expand it.
Any ideas out there? Experience with Caswell or home kits? Anyone interested in getting parts plated if the price was right?
sundevil
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Off-hand, I'd say you must be a glutton for punishment! 
Chroming stuff is pretty labor intensive...the smaller stuff especially. But...it might be something you enjoy.
Chroming stuff is pretty labor intensive...the smaller stuff especially. But...it might be something you enjoy.Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
Send PM
Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Joel -- A glutton for punishment you say?! I own a C3 don't I? 'Nuff said. 
I own a C3 don't I? 'Nuff said.
Your nuts 
. That is not the kinda thing you want to do at home. One of the reasons there are so few platers left is because of the EPA. The chemicals used are nasty and most guys got out of it because it cost too much to keep up with EPA crap. If you do any stuff that will be out doors I don't think it will stand up any where like a commercial plater's stuff would. There are better (and safer) things to do with your time.
. That is not the kinda thing you want to do at home. One of the reasons there are so few platers left is because of the EPA. The chemicals used are nasty and most guys got out of it because it cost too much to keep up with EPA crap. If you do any stuff that will be out doors I don't think it will stand up any where like a commercial plater's stuff would. There are better (and safer) things to do with your time.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
Lifetime MemberPhoenix, AZ - USA
Joined: 3/13/2004
Posts: 537
Vette(s): 1975 Stingray Nomad Wagon, with Daytona front, custom hood scoop, dual side vents; 420HP 350; Doug Nash 5 speed; 1980 rear end W/4:11 gears; Cherry Red metallic paint.
I have to agree with DaveM. I used to haul the chemicals that they use in plating. Nasty is a very minor word to use for it. Horrid, health hazard, cancer causing, skin eating are the better words for it (at least at the pro shops, i don't know for the home kits) Seriously: We charged them (4 years ago) LITERALLY $1,200 to haul a 55 gallon drum of their waste away, for the worse of it.
The mildest chemical they used was basically industrial strength Liquid Plummer, liquid caustic soda. It was used to nuterlize the Sulfuric Acid (battery acid). Now, figure that liquid plummer is about 12% and what they use is 50%, and the acid in your batteries is 25% and the acid they use is 67%. Then there is the copper sulfate, i keep expecting skin cancer on my hands from that. And i have yet to get into the things that you would most likely not understand. Do your family a favor. DON'T DO IT.
Itsdave92570 2007-03-05 16:05:43
The mildest chemical they used was basically industrial strength Liquid Plummer, liquid caustic soda. It was used to nuterlize the Sulfuric Acid (battery acid). Now, figure that liquid plummer is about 12% and what they use is 50%, and the acid in your batteries is 25% and the acid they use is 67%. Then there is the copper sulfate, i keep expecting skin cancer on my hands from that. And i have yet to get into the things that you would most likely not understand. Do your family a favor. DON'T DO IT.
Lifetime Member #36 
click on any image for a larger view
Former Member
Send PM
Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Ouch! 
Don't go in the water, it's full of "sharks." Actually, it's probably good advice. I'll just pay my money like the next guy. You done scared the chemical waste outta me!
Don't go in the water, it's full of "sharks." Actually, it's probably good advice. I'll just pay my money like the next guy. You done scared the chemical waste outta me!
in Forum: General Non-Vette Discussion
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)