Has anyone tried to vacuum metalize or plastic electroplate their fascia or buttons? This is a process that was used quite abit in muscle cars of the 60/70's. See http://www.mrgusa.com/

Why do I ask? Because my RioCar is going into a classic Mustang and I'm trying to figure out how to blend it with the interior. (2 cool toys rolled into one )

Gracias.

You mean like this? See attached.

Yah, something like that. I didn't think anyone was making them yet? Please share the pertinent details if you know different.

I wish I could, I got that from another post, it was a prototype "beaker" came up with too bad he wasnt able to make any it looked great.

Greetings!

You could always try the solution that Neo_to_Rio did a while back for his Boxster S. Use chrome or brushed aluminum instead of the flat black.

Yeah, if those where to become available, I guess DarkStorm would experience a considerable demand for matching lenses (especially those neon lenses) shortly after that. I only wish it would happen.

cu,
sven

Having recently installed my own Empeg in my '67 Mustang, I do have one other possibility for you. Just rip off the knobs, faceplate, and lens. Then permanently mount it and use the remote for everything. Add a pony for your static image and you're all set. I put mine behind some tinted plexiglass using the original chrome bezel and it hides it pretty well. Of course I've got to use a laptop to upload anything now, but I think it blends a little better than just sticking it in with the original faceplate.

Really bad initial pictures are on my machine here:
http://24.160.147.109/car/67/

-Dave

You could always take off the faceplate and use chrome spray paint...cheezy but I've seen some chrome things sprayed which looked pretty good.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'm going to play with some more ideas akin to Neo_to_Rio and Magnus' setup.

Let the mod'ing begin.

Thanks.

i found a product that will basically chrome anything. only problem is that its expensive.

inqiure at http://www.caswellplating.com/ about it. i was really close to buying it for something else but then i bought a riocar.

I tried the electroless plating kit from caswell... but you basically had to have a coating of metal on the part before it would work.... so my solution was to use metal powders on the custom cast fascia's I'd molded.... to make a long story short... worked great on the handle... but the plastic fascia expanded during the plating process (it's almost boiling water)... so I'm still trying to find a way to cast the fascia with a material that wont expand or contract during the heat of the plating process... also... a better way to get a metal coating on the outside to plate... the powder works... but poorly

10 months later, the chrome fascia is a done deal (with the assistance of 303's polished aluminum fascia). Many thanks to 303 and also Mr. Lord for the excellent dock. (That's faux leather laminate on the dock.)



The chrome handle is on loan to Casting_fool but should look very good with the fascia.

Two words. Suh wheet.

Second that.. the black dock makes the chrome just stand out.. Good work.

Me.

el magnifico!

Beautiful! That would look good in just about ANY car.

I really need to get one of those new fascias!

I think that is the first "empeg in action" pic I have seen playing a song that I actually have in my collection.
Very cool looking face.

So that is actual chromium plating over polished aluminum?

Stu

I believe it is actually 3 coatings. One after another, copper, nickel and then chromium.

Thank to everyone for the comments. I only hope it looks as good in the car.

Where did you have it done?

I had an aluminum fuel door plated and was not impressed. They gave it to me covered in buffing compound and general filth. I brought it home and washed it off and discovered that not only was the finish somewhat textured like orange peel on poor paint finishes, but the chrome had been buffed through to the nickel plating underneath in many places.

Stu

A place in Jeanette, PA but I've had parts chromed in Houston previously and never had a problem like you are describing. That's who chromed my Empeg handle plus parts for the fold down seat in my Mustang.

Not sure what the shop you encountered did but they're supposed to layer on the copper to fill pits and also use a copper paste for fill if the pitting is too bad. Then they lay down nickel (for hardness I believe) and then thin layers of chromium. It sounds like your was quickly dipped in all three. The heads on the screws of the fascia were lightly chromed. It took all of 15 minutes to dip from copper/rinse/nickel/rinse/chrome/rinse but they look great.

Call a cycle shop or stop by one and look at the custom bikes. These guys chrome everything. The owners should be able to help you find a reputable shop.

Where are you at in LA? I used to live in N.O. and can ask some friends for a recommendation for a chrome shop.

Thanks. I'm in the New Orleans area, well actually Mandeville, but close enough. The place I went to was in Folsom and charged $35. I thought that was a little low, and now I think it was. I don't even know if another shop can strip that job off now that's on there.

Stu

This is what I got back

Epco has the best reputation, and the highest prices.

If you want Pot metal chromed, (die cast), I believe the only place that does it (locally) is Gretna Plating, and you may wait a year and give your first born, or pay a pittance and have them next week. He works alone, and does a lot of Motorcycle work. I would send it out or buy new next time.

Plating Steel, brass, or copper, I recommend Zitos near Jesuit High School in Mid-City.

Thanks! So do you think any of those will do aluminium?

Stu

They should be able to but give them a shout and describe the problem. No one I've dealt with flinched at the aluminum but removing the bungled job may be an issue.