Did anyone chrome alu bumper strips on FL cars?
 

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.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1334181097

how did you remove the strips?

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.

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.

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

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."

I decided to experiment with powder paint as this is the most reliable finish. Not as shiny as chrome, but I'm painting them sparkling silver color, exactly the one that alloys repair companies use to powder paint wheels. The color is duller than chrome and/or annodising, but it is forever.

I'm not sure about the result yet as I havent received the trims back yet.

I'm considering buying a set of A8 Parts, as I don't really fancy driving the S8 with the strips removed. I could drive the Beemer, but not comparable to the S8, bar the excellent diesel economy.

I would love mine black.. really dechrome the whole car. Powder coating would be great but i guess the big problem is getting everything off the car and back on without them looking lile trash:)

No Oem black ones ever made i guess?

I would guess that you should be able to order replacements in black from Audi?