Thread: Chrome Protection

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My 41's chrome all needs to be redone. So I'm planning on taking a quick road trip up to Canda to do it. I've heard they are cheaper than the US (EPA), but still make it look good. The problem is how do I protect them until then. Should I sand down the rust that is on there right now, then put a layer or 2 of primer on it to keep the rust from going deeper?

Originally posted by JhnBrackett
My 41's chrome all needs to be redone. So I'm planning on taking a quick road trip up to Canda to do it. I've heard they are cheaper than the US (EPA), but still make it look good. The problem is how do I protect them until then. Should I sand down the rust that is on there right now, then put a layer or 2 of primer on it to keep the rust from going deeper?

I would just leave um' the way they are. Keep em' inside out of the weather, dry. They will prep them @ the chrome shop anyway.

I doubt very much that chroming is cheaper here in Canada.....
The dollar isn't worth as much, but the cost of everthing more than makes up for that.

It'd be nice if inside was an option. Unfort. it's not even close to one. Best I can do is try and cover it up outside. It's supposedly cheaper because there are less regs up there. I've talked to quite a few people from when i was restoring my Chrysler and they all saved around 50% traveling northwards. Though even more in Mexico.

I assume they are gonna chemically dip and strip them before chroming, so a sanding, and rustoleum and perhaps alum or chrome paint in teh meantime. I'd avoid POR15!

chris

John,
I wouldn't paint them. It will be more work for the plater and would probably cost more for stripping. Spray some oil on them or wrap them in oil soaked rags. Put them on a pallet or something to keep them off the ground. Put them in garbage bags and cover with a good tarp.

Originally posted by screamer63_1979
I assume they are gonna chemically dip and strip them before chroming, so a sanding, and rustoleum and perhaps alum or chrome paint in teh meantime. I'd avoid POR15!

chris

I would say this is the best answer so far, i would remove what rust is on there and paint it or do something to seal it so it doesnt get any worse... You dont need to try to improve the bumpers in any way, just make it so it wont rust more...

Although, I would get some solid prices before you head up to Canada, also make sure you find a good place to have it done. All chrome isnt the same, where it is done makes a huge difference. A bad chrome job wont last, it could come out wavy, there are a million things.

If I can help u with any of this let me know, we do synthetic chrome at my shop, but I can definately help you out with finding the right people to talk to.

-Chrome Dynamics

I have no idea how much chroming costs, nor how good of condition the parts need to be in. The front grill is slightly bent on all fins, and all the trim has some pitting. What do they do to get rid of all the bumps? I'm trying to find a local shop that does chroming, but can't find them in the phone book, and everyone around keeps telling me there is one in town, they just don't know where it is.

I don't know as much about chrome plating as Chrome Dynamics but I do know restoration techniques. Paint and sandpaper is NOT the best answer.
I know that paint doesn't stop rust and you shouldnt use sandpaper on chrome. Buffing out your scratches will annoy most platers and add to the expense. If you want to remove the rust before you store the chrome use naval jelly. Oil will seal it better than paint. It costs less and is quicker.

I know this might be oen of those dumb questions. But how can I tell if my 41 has chromed or painted grills? I'm assuming it's chrome, but it's def. peeling off like paint. Should I do any prepping for the stainless steel trim that is rust covered or the outer trim? or should I leave that all to the chromers. I'd like to keep expenses down, but this might not be one of those areas I can do that with.

Stainless steel doesn't get chrome plated. It's polished with a buffing wheel and various grits of buffing compound. You can save money by doing your own buffing. Eastwood Tool Co. sells all you need.
Not all 41 Chevy truck grills were chrome plated. If you can't find any chrome on it then you have a painted one. If it's damaged you might be better off buying a repro grille. I did a quick web search for "1941 Chevy truck parts grille" and found one for $395. It's ready to paint or chrome. If you look a little longer you might find one already plated.

Thanks for the link. I'll be sure to contact him. Here's a link to my page, http://www.eccentrix.com/members/jhnbrackett/Bub.html
From what I've read the hood trim pieces and interior trim pieces are SS. For about $15 I can get 2 compounds (1 rougher upper and 1 polisher) and 2 polishing wheels from Home Depot, I think i'm gonna go that way. The interior trim is all brown, but doesn't seem to have any rust on it. The exterior looks just dandy. I think the grill is chromed just based on all the shiny crap peeling off.

clean em up with some metal polish and apply some 20/50 oil with a brush....if they are stayin outside til y'all can take em up there, the oil will 'skin' with dirt nstuff but it keep the water offa them... i used to brush oil on my chromework in the winter when i lived in an area with a shitty climate... it always worked sweet...and when ya need to clean it off,use some solvent or gas and itll come clean off