License Plate Frame Restoration (chrome)

[sithot]

Due to the efforts of a very fine individual here I have now acquired the original selling dealer license plate frame for "Shorty". The dealer is long gone but the records (owners manual and paperwork) prove it's the place.

It's in good shape over-all and could probably (should?) go on the car as is BUT I'd like to know if anyone has had any luck with flash chroming something like this.
If it is triple chrome plated (copper/nickel/chrome) all the detail will be lost. The VW and Porsche logos are well done.

Thanks!

Tom

[super9064]

It really does not look that bad Tom, why not try some chrome polish and touch up the paint.

[sithot]

Thanks Rob. I've done about all the re-finishing it's going to take for now.

In all honesty the "patina" is ok for its age. In some respects it would almost be a shame to make it perfect again but...

We'll see.

[LongRanger]

Hey, Tom . . .

Good timing

There's this potential restorer I'm gonna try to meet with, later this week. I have some frames that are in pretty SAD shape --- bent/broken . . . so, I'll ask about what's involved w/ stripping + re-chroming, try to see some samples of their work

I've never seen a restored frame that didn't look funky. Most of the re-done ones that I've seen have much of their details --- cross-hatching, texturing, etc . . . either softened 'till they're hard to distinguish . . . or obliterated altogether --- nicely chromed, but . . . ruined, IMO. I'll post some examples, next week . . . on that P-Dealer thread

And I'll keep you posted on how this 'audition' turns out

Fingers crossed

[sithot]

A buddy of mine had a chrome plater ruin an original Triumph emblem for his T120C. Too heavy on the plating and all details were lost. Flash chroming is done for things "on the cheap" and it holds up well for what it is. If this plate were triple plated it would be a "hot mess".

Keep us informed.

Best,

Tom

[LongRanger]

Hey, Tom . . .

Swung by that outfit, that I was recommended to, last Friday . . .

Charles Sihilling Metal Polishing
1018 East Chestnut Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.543.7051

Not much to see, really . . . small shop, few hundred square feet. I still need to see some samples of their work . . . but I've been told by several Framers that this is The Place

Some price-range figures . . .

Straight frame
--- strip, re-plate + -paint = ~$95

Not-so Straight frame --- w/ up to 3 breaks
--- strip, weld repair, straighten, re-plate + -paint = ~$145

Turn-time is 4-to-6 weeks

Don't count this a recommendation, or anything --- I still need to see some samples, but . . . I expect to put one of my frames in there, next week

(to be continued . . .)

[hesaputz]

I had mine redone by Whitworth in Arkansas - and it came out very nicely. It was just a bit too far gone for my nicely preserved SWT, and I was a bit nervous about it - but very little detail was lost, and it looks great. i'll put up a pic when I have time

[LongRanger]

. . . had mine redone by Whitworth in Arkansas - and it came out very nicely . . .

Hey, h . . .

Can you post some contact info + pricing, too, please? This is good stuff

TiA

[gsjohnson]

I've done this before several times...I then hand paint the background and letters myself with Testers and then clear it. They have always come out great for me.

[Bob Harriman]

Saw a video on here I think and it was Jay Leno using a sprayed on chrome for restoring hood ornaments. If it didn't need straightening that process would work and then you could paint yourself. Just a thought. I guess $125.00 really isn't that much.