Did anyone chrome alu bumper strips on FL cars?

notorious · #1 11th April 2012, 09:52 PM

Hello everyone,

I've just removed chrome trim from my front and rear bumper thinking to send them to someone who do 'chroming' jobs professionally.

Has anyone accomplished this restoration and can provide some feedback/experience/advise please? I'm particularly interested in reliability aspect of the finish.

I asked for a quote from these guys http://www.ashfordchroming.com and from these guys: http://www.chromeeffects.co.uk

Many thanks.

Audisport · #2 23rd April 2012, 12:45 AM

how did you remove the strips?

notorious · #3 23rd April 2012, 11:12 AM

You need to remove bumper to remove them. No need to remove bumper fully though. Only move it about 15cm, like table drawer, leaving bumper on sliding rails.

Nollywood · #4 23rd April 2012, 11:41 AM

They can be chromed, that's for sure. Does the chrome-plating process involve high temperatures though?

I would like a brushed aluminium-look, or failing that, black plastidip.

notorious · #5 23rd April 2012, 12:39 PM

Companies who have classic chrome process refuse to chrome those strips because aluminum cannot be chromed.

Goran · #6 23rd April 2012, 03:01 PM

Its a great idea, i want to do this too, mine are getting a bit cloudy.

I am no expert but it seems aluminium can be chromed, just needs a zinc coating first.

http://www.finishing.com/0400-0599/575.shtml

we just need to find someone who knows how.

Would be fun to chrome the windscreen strip too, may be a bit over the top though

How about these guys:
http://www.reevemetalfinishing.co.uk...and-chrome.htm
"We have recently added a new process for plating Nickel & Chrome on Aluminium."