Plastic rechrome recommendations

**Mr70** · #1 03-03-2005, 09:12 PM

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.

*CV Platers 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.

*American Classic Restoration 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

*Mr.G's I have heard good & Bad about.They seem more interested in doing arm rests,the a 5 foot dashboard.

*Laysons,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

**Bill Pritchard** · #2 03-03-2005, 10:36 PM

I used Mr. G's once - and that was enough

mrrec · #3 03-05-2005, 04:47 AM

Thanks for all the info.

Rick: I've talked to CV and they kind of backed off when I told them I was picky. They said the dash would not be concours quality (???). Mr. G's said they would just plate it and I could detail it, but they wouldn't stand behind it. I understand that. The lukewarm (at best) reviews on this site for Mr. G's is a warning sign.

I'll check out your recommendation.

Incidentally, when I did the dash on my 18k mile LS6, I did all the "chrome" in aluminum leaf. The small areas on the 70 dash respond very well to this and I believe my dash is extremely close to factory stock appearance - nice and bright. It compares very well to my 12k mile 70 SS 396 which is mint-mint. When you're a control freak like me, you have to do it all yourself! Of course the 65 Chevelle dash has much too large an area for the aluminum leaf approach.

Dave

**Mr70** · #4 03-05-2005, 05:15 AM

When leafing the 70 Chevelle dash,did you have any problems with the four Compound corners?
This has always been a deterent to me personally.
I have two 1970 Beautiful Chevelle SS dashes here now on the floor,that I will eventually send out to American.

resto4u · #5 03-06-2005, 03:13 AM

dave, give chrome-tech usa a call: 608-274-9811 webesite: www.chrometechusa.com Roger

mrrec · #6 03-06-2005, 04:39 AM

Rick:
Compound corners were not an issue. Leaf (whether alum, gold or silver) is less than tissue paper thin (and harder to handle than wet tissue paper!). It works onto any surface readily regardless of the profile (convex, concave). Of course, the thin lines of the 70 Chevelle dash make the leaf sheet overlaps invisible to the naked eye. Maybe I'll run up and take a couple pics and post.
Dave

GeorgeLyons · #7 03-06-2005, 05:04 AM

For what it's worth, the Comet dash I had CV do is clearly CONCOURS as is one other one I saw that they restored. I don't know why they told you that unless you scared the hell out of 'em. They are tops in my book.

mrrec · #8 03-07-2005, 06:59 PM

George:
I wasn't that hard on 'em! Personell change? I appreciate your comments.
Dave

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