Hard Chrome vs Chrome

[jiall2]

Called about getting parts chromed today and was told a place that does it but it was hard chrome. Any help out there? Thanks

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

What are you chroming? Very few outboard parts were actually "chromed".

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[jiall2]

so called chrome off of a 57 Javelin

[fisherman6]

Hard chrome is not the same as show quality decorative chrome. Hard chrome is very durable and fairly corrosion resistant but it doesn’t shine like decorative chrome. If done well it may polish pretty well however. Lots of hand tools use hard chrome. Hard chrome is a common industrial finish and is used on most end wrenches for example. You may not be happy with it on your Javelin. Can they provide you with a sample to look at first?
-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube

[outbdnut2]

If, by chance, you are re-chroming plastic parts, not every place does that – special processes. Ask before you send the parts. Also – if metal parts you need re-chromed are pitted or corroded, the cost will likely go up because they have to remove all the corrosion and repair pitted and/or rough surfaces first. I’d post a wanted ad here for good original parts before spending the $$ for new chrome.
Dave

[chris-p]

I have had the chrome for a ’57 Javelin done a few times. Not cheap! I personally don’t think you will be happy with hard chrome, but never seen it done on parts like this.

[collectorinspector]

quote Fisherman6:

Hard chrome is not the same as show quality decorative chrome. Hard chrome is very durable and fairly corrosion resistant but it doesn’t shine like decorative chrome. If done well it may polish pretty well however. Lots of hand tools use hard chrome. Hard chrome is a common industrial finish and is used on most end wrenches for example. You may not be happy with it on your Javelin. Can they provide you with a sample to look at first?
-Ben

What he said

BnC

[frankr]

I had some motorcycle parts re-chromed and was able to hang around and watch the process. First the old plating is removed, and the part is polished. The polishing is the hard part because every little speck of a defect will show in the finished job. Then the part is copper plated, then nickle plated. If any defects show up (and they will), it is back to the polishing bench. When the nickle plating looks good, it goes into the chrome plating tank–only for a surprisingly short time. I conclude the chrome must be extremely thin.

The guy that did the job died of cancer, caused by his hazardous occupation. So did the other guy that previously did plating for me. If you wonder why it is hard to find chrome platers, there ya go…

[outbdnut2]

quote FrankR:

When the nickle plating looks good, it goes into the chrome plating tank–only for a surprisingly short time. I conclude the chrome must be extremely thin.

.

Chrome is actually a super-tough clear coat plated over the nickel. The silver color comes from the nickel.

Before replating any chrome, I recommend trying to clean the old plating up with SOS pads followed by automotive wax. Sometimes the results are amazing!
Dave

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