I'm working on a '56 Chevy and was wondering about re-chroming the taillights. I don't mind spending the time detailing them, but what is the process I use to re-paint them after the plating is done? Do I need to etch the chrome in order for the paint to stick? Am I better off buying high quality reproductions? My taillights are pitted, but otherwise complete. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

Usually chrome plating doesn't have a clear coat. Chrome is a material that can stand up to nearly anything and polish back up nicely. If you insist on clearing over them you can either get a clear powdercoating put on or use a polyurethane coating. If you choose the poly coating or any urethane you can use a product from POR-15 called metal ready that will etch the surface for a coating of clear. They also sell a superb polurethane clear for polished surfaces called Glisten PC.

HK

Thanks for the input, but the paint I was asking about is the black 'stripes' that are alternated with the chrome on the taillights. How do I paint on a freshly chromed surface?

Thanks,

Steve

Alright, I appologize. You can still use powdercoating as an option. You can also use POR-15's metal ready on a Q-tip and either airbrush or hand brush the stripes on.

HK

Thanks HK. Nice to have an expert around!

Steve

sglig do you have this site?

http://www.chevytalk.com/


Todd

AWHILE AGO I LOOKED AROUND FOR REPLACEMENT 56 TAILLIGHTS FOR MY 56. BEST PRICE I HEARD WAS $325 FOR RECHROMED, $60 FOR CORE. THIS WAS FROM: DANASPARTS@COX.NET GOOD LUCK

Why are you yelling?
Slider in Wa.

Thanks for the input. Yes, I do 'chevytalk', but don't spend too much time on-line. I'm fairly new to rebuilding/restoring, but have been the backyard mechaninc for longer than I would like to mention. There is a plating shop in town, but was wondering what technique to use to finish them off. I don't mind spending the time masking, etching, and painting. I thought the Gene Smith taillights looked pretty good, but hate to spend that much ($425) unless I have to. The frugal mechanic gets to buy all of his parts sooner!

I'm a long way from needing the chrome pieces, but I can work on those parts at home when my wife gets tired of me working at the shop!

I have several pair of taillights and thought of re-chroming them all if the first pair turn out okay. It's easier to sell them at swap meets if they look their best!

Thanks again for your help,

Steve

how much does it cost to rechrome like taillights? bumpers? i heard its very expensive. i have to rechrome all trim inmy '57 wagon

Check out <a href="http://www.bumperboyz.com" target="_blank">www.bumperboyz.com</a> Their prices aren't too bad and their workmanship is excellent. They travel to shows all over the country and bring a pretty extensive inventory. I haven't gone to my local plater yet, but will let you know as soon as I get some prices.