To chrome or not to chrome

[Kiah]

All my window push operators are corroded, I think chrome plating would be too costly does anyone know of a product that will make them shine?

[elolson]

Have you gotten some quotes? I was under the impression that it is not that much to have things chromed, people do car parts all the time.

I think it would look great.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Kiah

All my window push operators are corroded, I think chrome plating would be too costly does anyone know of a product that will make them shine?

Kiah,

Chroming is pretty expensive on a 'retail' level. I had some motorcycle parts done a few years ago, and they ran $35-50 each for small parts.

Lots of prep work is involved, grinding, sanding ,emery, Scotchbrite, final polish......then triple plating: copper first, then nickel and finally chrome.

You might be better off if you can find a good powder coating shop. They ban probabl do it for much less, and powder coat comes in a big assortment of colors......even shiney aluminum

[Kiah]

Thanks Lew, what exactly is a powder coating shop? I don't think they are called that here, never heard of it, would a auto body shop do ?

[lewster]

Check in your phone book under 'metal refinishing'. You could also see if ther are any custom metal fabrication places and call them to see if they do powder coating, or can refer you to someone who does.

Basically, powder coating is a process that sprays an electrically charged powder onto your metal piece, sticking to it. The piece is then placed in an oven and baked on, forming a very hard surfece and durable bond between the coating and the metal.

[klattu]

How about anoidizing?
I had a few boat parts done, and was available in colors too.
'Brite' finish kinda looks like the chrome paint.
Regular satin looks good lasts forever.

These are aluminum right?

[Lumatic]

I haven't tried it but- Thomas's Liquid Stainless Steel www.liquidsteel.com (800) 650 5699

But for me hardware store spray chrome metal paint is gud nuf.

[1953 Flying]

Hi Kiah,

When I refurbished my AS, we had about 25 or more small pieces re-chromed. I do beleave it only cost $200. It looks so much better than trying to polish. Good luck

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Kiah

All my window push operators are corroded, I think chrome plating would be too costly does anyone know of a product that will make them shine?

The easiest and cheap way to fix them is to clean them up, prime them and then paint them a bright silver, and the clear coat them.

You cannot anodize them since they are not aluminum.

New replacements are a battleship gray plastic knob, available from dealers.

You can paint them as well.

Airstream quit the metal version a couple of years ago.

Andy

[guy99]

These guys have some interesting products: Alsa Corp | Killer Cans

I haven't used any but have seen some pretty impressive photos.