Dave
The original factory plastic Dash plating was Aluminizied Vacuum Metal.
Not standard Plastic Chrome Plating as so many like to believe today.
This Process requires a complete stripping of the Plastic part down to natural material & Void of all metal pieces & Paint.It is then placed in a Vacuum Chamber,then Atomizing & Electrically charging the Aluminum particles to attract to the Plastic part.Once done,the exposed plated hilighted areas are covered lightly,then the item has its color paint applied over the entire finish.
The original Aluminum finish was near Satin & only a few Mils thick that could be removed if Masking Tape was applied over it.So extreme care is neccessary when painting occurs.
Most Generic Chrome platers today apply a layer too thick of Plating,giving it a much more reflective appearance then was originally intended.
Aluminum Vacuum Metalizing is a dieing art today,compared to the past and I have only found a few Companies in the USA that Continue to do this properly.
<u>*CV Platers</u> in Vancouver is one of them,& they also have purchased a used Vacuum Chamber from Boeing big enough to take on many larger items noone else would.The 1970 Chevelle dash is one of those items.
<u>*American Classic Restoration</u> in Mass.(Not to be Confused w/American Plastic Chrome in Michigan) is another,& for my money,the the one to go to.I talked to Todd & Ken at American Classic at length about this,& they take this VERY seriously.They say they will stand behind their process,if you're not happy with the final product,send it back on them.Once finished they will reattach the metal skelton & if you like,repaint your dash the desired color,as long as you supply them with the proper paint code.
For the 70 Chevelle Dash,which seems to be the Thorn in the hobby,due to it's impractical length & weakness points,they have custom made a 6 foot Coffin like shipping box,they will send Free,so it will get back safe & sound.If you don't return their box,they charge you $200.00 for it.
Here is their Homepage:
http://www.american-classic.com/begin.html
<u>*Mr.G's</u> I have heard good & Bad about.They seem more interested in doing arm rests,the a 5 foot dashboard.
<u>*Laysons</u>,who does mostly Chrysler products,also does good work I've heard,but I haven't talked to them or others who have had their Chevy parts done by them.
Rick