Skip to main content

Reply to "Wheel offset check please."

MusbJim posted:

@David Stroud IM Roadster D

David, I just saw this thread and want to share my experience with powder coating a chrome piece (I guess it may be a little late).

I have a Reuter luggage rack that I originally had on my '57 1600S Coupe. I have since put that rack on my previous silver VS (keeping it chrome with all its patina).

Click on pics to enlarge...

IMG_0586IMG_0584

Eventually I then wanted to powder-coat it to color match my current black VS. The shop tried using several types of media-blast to remove the chrome, with marginal results. They powder-coated the rack (black), but the results were terrible. The finished product looked like a terrible paint job with major orange-peel effect. The black color highlighted the dimpling from the media blast.

Long story short, they removed the powder-coat and sent the rack to a shop that did chrome plating. They essentially put the rack through a reverse chemical process of chrome-plating. Instead of dipping in chemical #1 then chemical # 2 then final chemical #3 resulting in chrome, they put the rack in chemical #3 (to de-chrome), then chemical #2 (to remove brass/copper coating) , then chemical #1). The rack was completely stripped of all chrome plating.

The rack was then powder-coated and the result was a beautiful rich & deep look in powder coat black.

IMG_0728

This info may be late for your use, maybe it will give some insight to others looking to powder-coat a piece that is chrome. 

Thanks, Jim. That would be the correct process but many calls to the local wheel experts provided nothing. You sure did a nice job on your rack and it looks great. What has my attention now is that nice 100,000 km badge on your rear grill. Not many of us on the list could sport one of those with a straight face but I may start looking for one. Any leads appreciated. I hope your badge is a replica though...I just saw the price of a real one.....OUCH !!

×
×
×
×
×