So I am interested in how hard, or expensive it is to get small items re chromed, and what the process is like? As an example, I have a number of power window switches that are pretty crusty, but they work really well. What kind of metal is underneath these guys? and what kind of preparation is necessary to get them ready to re chrome? Does the old chrome have to come off in some kind of a chemical bath before re chroming them? or do you get out your trusty Dremel and buff them smooth so the new coating will stick to it? I can see a chrome shop wanting to do a bumper etc, but what about small stuff? Is it prohibitive? CamShaft
How to get small items rechromed?
- Thread starter Camshaft
- Start date
volksworld
Well-Known Member
I've had small stuff done like an antenna bezel ($50) and Sport Fury seat medallions ($30 each)...chrome shop did all prep work ...pits generally get ground out and filled with layers of copper before final buffing and plating so anything you do yourself might work against you...I would assume a power window switch would have to be disassembled and its various parts plated individually
Call around and find a shop that likes doing smalll parts.
Power window switches (any switches on the car) get ahold of @Devinism.
He takes them apart. You take the brite parts to get rechromed. He rebuilds them. Done.
Chrome shops don't want you to remove the chrome, especially when you don't know how to do it. You,can destroy the parts.
So take them in first and let chrome shops look at them and they can access what the metal is and the condition, then a price. But they will want them taken apart before they start.
Power window switches (any switches on the car) get ahold of @Devinism.
He takes them apart. You take the brite parts to get rechromed. He rebuilds them. Done.
Chrome shops don't want you to remove the chrome, especially when you don't know how to do it. You,can destroy the parts.
So take them in first and let chrome shops look at them and they can access what the metal is and the condition, then a price. But they will want them taken apart before they start.
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And you really don't want them to.
You didn't say what year car you are dealing with. Some of the window switches are reproduced or are available used that don't need plating.
You might investigate to be sure the "metal" the chrome is on is really metal! IF it is plastic instead, that's a whole different situation.
The other thing with the chrome shops is that they usually charge "by the load/basket" rather than by the item. Takes the same amount of liquids and such to do one item as it does "a basket" full of smaller items, as to materials used. Labor in polishing the smaller items can figure into the mix, too.
There is also "show chrome" and "OEM" chrome. Chose the less expensive "OEM Chrome".
AGREE on the @Devinism recommendation.
CBODY67
The other thing with the chrome shops is that they usually charge "by the load/basket" rather than by the item. Takes the same amount of liquids and such to do one item as it does "a basket" full of smaller items, as to materials used. Labor in polishing the smaller items can figure into the mix, too.
There is also "show chrome" and "OEM" chrome. Chose the less expensive "OEM Chrome".
AGREE on the @Devinism recommendation.
CBODY67
Thanks Gentlemen: I have had Devin rebuild the ones that are in my car right now, (67 300 drop top) and he does outstanding work. I have quite a few more switches that I have acquired over the years, and I am wondering if it worthwhile to get them re chromed, sent out to Devin to rebuild and then they are saleable? Just don't know if I will be spending more than they end up being worth. I will see if I can get a chrome company here in Vancouver to give me some ideas.
3175375
Senior Member
Try here or keep them as spares.
Thanks for your replies, not trying to make money here, I just know from experience how hard it is becoming to find these switches in nice condition. The originals were ok in my 300 but when ever I found one that was better for a reasonable price, I replaced my worst one with that one. Pretty happy with the set I have in the car now, but sitting with a whole bunch of spares in variable condition. Same with PW motors, although I can resurrect them with my average talents in that regard thanks to many threads on this site. Appreciate the responses, wishing everyone a great Christmas and Holiday season! CamShaft
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