So the fake "chrome" plastic dash in my Ford looks horrible and replacements, if they can be found, cost about the same as a motor rebuild. So I've read a ton of threads here about Hydrographics as an alternative for wood graining but I've not seen a discussion concerning the possibility of repairing this fake plastic. Can it be done? Do you know if anyone is offering the material online?
Idk about that hydro stuff, but there are plastic rechromers that plate plastic. It's been a long time since I needed that, but it was pretty reasonable.
Guess it's what you feel cheap is .... 65 Falcon dash plastic ...... about $400 - $500 ( 4 pieces and they are NOT very big) ........... jersey Skip
Be glad it's not chrome die-cast... that would be per piece.... And it isn't actual chrome plating on the plastic, it's basically the same process as they use for model car chrome, just a bit thicker layer. And I suspect that price is for fully-detailed pieces, you may save some money doing the 'other' paint detailing yourself as well as the 'pre-plate' prep. To get any sort of durability, you need to clear over the plating.
Yep been checking on the prices of replating the plastic parts, best quote is 600$. Ah no. Ok so some of the hydro-kits run 80 bucks which is more in reason. So has anyone seen a chrome hydro-dip dash restoration? If so where
I used a place in PA called Coat of Chrome to do some interior moldings for a car I'm building. It's paint, but looks almost like chrome. NOT like the Alsa or HOK fake chrome paint, they use a process similar to the one put the rlefection in mirrors. All you have to do it send them the part, repaired, of course (though they do bodywork, and might be able to fix it as well) in an epoxy pirmer, sanded to a 1000 grit finish. Very happy with their work. Reasonable prices. Cheap compared to real chrome.
Our local Hydro-dipping shop claims that his supplier was in the process of testing a new chrome film to be used in the Hydro dipping process. This was a while ago and have not heard any updates on it. Maybe problems with final finish?
Looks like the answer to my own question is no. After speaking with a few film mfg the common response was that they have attempted to create a film, but with poor results. Interestingly one vendor told me they quit there chrome development program as a new process had been developed that was going do a better job cheaper. Hmmmm
There's a thread on here, Guy took metal powder and resin, mixed them and applied it to a bunch of different things like interior window garnish moldings to flower pots. Then he polished it! Maybe that would work for you ? Anyway its worth a read.
The Jalopy Journal
