Stripping Chrome

[Wollfen]

I want to strip off all the chrome on some cast parts from my car and am wondering if Chrysler used a plating process using copper or something similar as a base first on the alloy piece? I need to know this before working out what acid to use. I don't want to end up with a lump of sludge.

 

[vdk2010]

One of the MTSC videos was about chryslers chrome plating technology. I can't find itright now but maybe you have better luck finding it!

https://www.youtube.com/user/mymopartv/search?query=mtsc

P.s. why do you want to strip the chrome?

 

[Wollfen]

One of the MTSC videos was about chryslers chrome plating technology. I can't find itright now but maybe you have better luck finding it!

https://www.youtube.com/user/mymopartv/search?query=mtsc

P.s. why do you want to strip the chrome?

The chrome is needing to be redone and I wish it strip it and fix the minor pitting before i send it to a chromeworks to be rechromed, as they are 5 hours drive away, it would save a lot of time and money for me to strip it , do the repairs and such before they get it.

 

[vdk2010]

When I searched for rechroming online a while ago, I've read a lot about that they prefer to get the bumpers with the old chrome on them because it's part of the rechroming process to "use" the old chrome in some way?! I would ask the plating company how they prefer to get them before you go throught all this work.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

I think the part is charged like it is being chromed, it may go back in the chrome tank.


Alan

 

[commando1]

Reverse osmosis...

 

[twostick]

I want to strip off all the chrome on some cast parts from my car and am wondering if Chrysler used a plating process using copper or something similar as a base first on the alloy piece? I need to know this before working out what acid to use. I don't want to end up with a lump of sludge.

I wouldn't fool with it. If it has pits (of course it does), the acid that you carefully chose to remove JUST the chrome and not the copper underneath will go thru the pits into the zinc the piece is made from and voila, sludge.

You could use reverse electrolysis but that adds the risk of chromium laced fumes in the air. Not good either.

Are you a good body man? Repairing pot metal so it looks perfect after chroming makes painting a car black look like childs play.

If NOS or "nice" used trim is not an option I think you should just send it to the chrome shop and have them work their magic.

I'm assuming you've seen examples of their work and it passed inspection?

Kevin

 

[Wollfen]

Yah, if it was the bumpers they are large steel items, I would just send them away. But it's the cast pieces or "pot metal" items I am focusing on. And yes, my main concern was not having the zinc alloy attacked by the acid bath. I really don't want to be sending the pieces off to have them sent back to me so I can repair them. Then have to send them back again. The place in question does do high quality work but I know my own work when it comes to cast repairs and really wanted to do it myself.
As stated electrolysis is the best way to go in this instance but because of the fumes issue I was looking for a different method. Then again I live on two acres, maybe electrolysis is the way to go.

 

[Big_John]

The best way is to sandblast the chrome off. Stripping it chemically may damage the part and then you have the waste chemical to deal with... and that's not cheap to dispose of correctly.

Yes, there will be a layer of copper plate under the chrome and nickel. The pitting on your die cast "pot metal" parts has gone through all the layers.

FWIW, that is what we in our shop that makes emblems for Chrysler (no diecast) and others. If we need to strip and redo the chrome, it goes into the sandblast booth and then back through the process. Of course, usually it's just cheaper to start from scratch, but that's another story. I have had diecast redone by a couple different shops (like I said, we don't do diecast) and they have always sandblasted to strip the old chrome.

 

[Wollfen]

The best way is to sandblast the chrome off. Stripping it chemically may damage the part and then you have the waste chemical to deal with... and that's not cheap to dispose of correctly.

Yes, there will be a layer of copper plate under the chrome and nickel. The pitting on your die cast "pot metal" parts has gone through all the layers.

FWIW, that is what we in our shop that makes emblems for Chrysler (no diecast) and others. If we need to strip and redo the chrome, it goes into the sandblast booth and then back through the process. Of course, usually it's just cheaper to start from scratch, but that's another story. I have had diecast redone by a couple different shops (like I said, we don't do diecast) and they have always sandblasted to strip the old chrome.

That's interesting John, I have got a grit blasting booth here, what grade of grit is used to blast?

 

[1978 NYB]

The best way is to sandblast the chrome off. Stripping it chemically may damage the part and then you have the waste chemical to deal with... and that's not cheap to dispose of correctly.

Yes, there will be a layer of copper plate under the chrome and nickel. The pitting on your die cast "pot metal" parts has gone through all the layers.

FWIW, that is what we in our shop that makes emblems for Chrysler (no diecast) and others. If we need to strip and redo the chrome, it goes into the sandblast booth and then back through the process. Of course, usually it's just cheaper to start from scratch, but that's another story. I have had diecast redone by a couple different shops (like I said, we don't do diecast) and they have always sandblasted to strip the old chrome.

Any pictures of your shop and processes? Thanks!

 

[Big_John]

Any pictures of your shop and processes? Thanks!

http://www.cnyhomepage.com/story/d/...-into-the-future/40542/SLjujEjKpUeNIbdvoem2Vw

 

[Big_John]

That's interesting John, I have got a grit blasting booth here, what grade of grit is used to blast?

Geez... That's a good question! I never paid a lot of attention to what they dump in the blast booth.

I think you want to try 150-180 grit aluminum oxide. If you go coarser, it may cut faster, but the finish will be rougher (obviously) and you may want to blast again with a finer grit.

 

[1978 NYB]

http://www.cnyhomepage.com/story/d/...-into-the-future/40542/SLjujEjKpUeNIbdvoem2Vw

Big shop........60 people! Very Nice!!!!

 

[Moparmat2000]

Www.muggyweld.com

 

[bluefury361]

I want to strip off all the chrome on some cast parts QUOTE]

Don't bother Gary. A reputable chrome shop Will process the part to their standards before chrome plating. Your just wasting time, won't save anything and may damage the part.