Hot Rods Chrome plating for plastic auto parts?

I have some plastic parts I'd like to get chrome plated--Paul's Chrome in PA has done it for me in the past, but no longer plates plastic--nor does Ogden Chrome in UT. Anyone have a vendor they can recommend? Or is there another alternative to chrome plating plastic?

 

Vacuum ornametal in Michigan does it.
They did my (dare I say) mustang dash.
Came out beautiful

John

 

Chrome plating plastic is done using electroforming or vacuum metalizing.
The plastic is treated so that copper or nickel will adhere to it. Then it is chrome plated.
Plastic Chrome Plating - Vacuum Metalizing (vacuum-metalizing.com)

 

One issue with chrome plating plastic is the plastics' rate of expansion under temperature changes is larger than that of the plating. This can cause the plating to 'lift', peel or split over time. When the OEMs first started applying 'chrome' to plastic in the early '60s, they used a vacuum metalizing process using aluminum that was both flexible enough and had a similar rate of expansion. But it wasn't very durable and needed a clear coat for protection. They have improved the process since then with actual chemical plating, but part of the equation is better plastics with lower expansion rates, but it's still not 100% foolproof....

 

There are mirror chrome effect paint finishes available (liquid mirror) and there is also chrome effect wrap depending on the shape of the parts.

 

I once added a bullet to a mercury steering wheel by shaping bondo to the stock horn button and having it chromed, came out beautiful. Don’t remember where I sent it though.

 

I "rechromed" this gauge bezel using vinyl wrap. It came out OK and has held up so far for a couple of years.

 

How big is the part? There is a guy in PA that does model car parts, I believe he is still in business, Little Motor Kar.

 

Thanks SO much for the lead, John! Just looked at their website & their restoration pieces look fantastic. I just sent them an email with photos of the parts I need chromed. BTW, looks like that might be your 'Stang dash in one of their pics!

 

I also just read Gary the tachman restores and plastic chrome plates dashes too.
Just sent him my tach for repair.
Check his web site too
Tachman.com