CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: gro51 on March 16, 2008, 11:24:09 PM

Title: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: gro51 on March 16, 2008, 11:24:09 PM

How good can I expect these to come out?  Can they even be done?  As you can see there is some rust in the corners and there are a few dings.  I've never had anything re-chromed so I don't know much about it.  These are original to the car so I'm really hoping they can be done nicely.

Here's the link to the pic.  I hope I did this right...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j82/gro51/Picture012.jpg

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: firstgenaddict on March 16, 2008, 11:53:13 PM

Some one will have to fix the dent by using a hammer and dolly then filing and sanding...

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: gro51 on March 17, 2008, 10:20:01 PM

Thanks.  Any other opinions?  How much you think it will cost?

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: sd1968z28 on March 20, 2008, 08:47:33 PM

look for a original 1968 painted valve cover and have that chromed.  it cost me about $250 to have covers and oil fill tube chromed to show qaulity.

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: 1968zee28 on March 21, 2008, 04:08:52 AM

  I agree , as I just dropped off a set on 3/19 , of original "O" stamped VC's at a plater in Springfield, MA.
    (Berkshire MFG.)
   
  **They were not plated, but originally painted , so I had to strip the paint and tap out a couple of small dings.

   The cost is based on condition (rust / dents / *removing old plating) , which require reworking with copper plating / acid baths / labor.

    My estimate was $200- 250 for "SHOW" , with approx. 2-3 week turnaround !!
           Dave

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: firstgenaddict on March 21, 2008, 12:35:03 PM

The originals were "flash chromed" which is a very cheap process... I do not believe they use Copper...

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: JohnZ on March 21, 2008, 04:38:20 PM

Quote from: firstgenaddict on March 21, 2008, 12:35:03 PM

The originals were "flash chromed" which is a very cheap process... I do not believe they use Copper...

That's correct - just nickel and chrome.

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: 1968zee28 on March 21, 2008, 08:33:02 PM

   Yes, I believe the originals were done at lower cost , "Flash Chroming"  over a nickle base.

    I was told that the copper process was needed to clean up surface issues, prior to polish,
    due to various surface conditions , caused by rust/dings/chrome removal , on these 40+ year old pieces of
    stamped sheet metal.
   
    **Also, the "Show Chrome" route is probably overkill for these covers , but they could not predict how
        they would look with the lower cost option.
            Dave
   
   

Title: Re: Re-Chroming original valve covers
Post by: firstgenaddict on March 21, 2008, 09:27:38 PM

They would not be "show chrome" however they would be correct.