Plastic Re-chroming

Stockdale

Club Member
Having the light surrounds refreshed is really worthwhile. I bought a set of re-chromed surrounds from the USA a while ago and have been delighted with the very high quality result. The finish is mirror-like and probably even better than the original component. I didn't notice any difference in their weight when fitting but am unsure of the particular process used.

The cost of the imports was though very high (even worse when import tariff is applied). If members can collectively get a batch done here in the UK at a more realistic rate then I am sure that they will be delighted with the visual lift they give to a car. Hopefully the dropbox images below will open! Not too good at this sort of thing.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v97b58d13yccdq3/DSCN9408.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5cli0jlrz2sv7a0/DSCN9410.JPG?dl=0
 

JK240

Club Member
Update

The nice people at QPP have now got back to me with an idea of costs for stripping and re-plating the rear 260Z light surrounds.

They can do this in batches of 28 parts (or 14 pairs) and to strip and plate each part would cost, if we have 14 pairs, £11.00 inc VAT.

At the moment we have 5 interested parties:

JK240 (myself) 2 Pairs
Candy Red 2 Pairs
Status 1 Pair
Jonbills 1 Pair
JonnyMD 1 Pair

So that's a total currently of just 7 pairs/14 parts making the cost £44.00 a pair inc VAT. Still pretty good value if you ask me. So I just need some commitment now please.

The only potential fly in the ointment is whether or not they have a jig that will hold the part, so I am posting one of my surrounds down next week to make sure they do.

I've PM'd everyone above who initially expressed an interest and once we've got a final number I'll work out the exact final costs and logistics and be back in touch.

Cheers,

Jonathan.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

johnymd

Club Member
My rear surrounds are damaged but I would still like the chrome bit redone. I'm guessing it can be separated.
 

JK240

Club Member
My rear surrounds are damaged but I would still like the chrome bit redone. I'm guessing it can be separated.

Hi John,

Yeah, they do separate, it is the part in the image attached we are talking about. Let me know if you are still interested.

Cheers,

JK
 

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Stockdale

Club Member
My rear surrounds are damaged but I would still like the chrome bit redone. I'm guessing it can be separated.

The chrome bit is easily separated. Just a few tiny screws (although the might need a little corrosion related 'teasing'. The potential cost is an absolute steal and if the quality is really there (see images in my earlier posting)which cost a small fortune) then they are surely a must for a 260z owner.
 

JK240

Club Member
Hi
Any chance the same firm could replate the original UK indicators that were fitted to the front bumper?
Paul
Hi Paul,

They probably would but, if you read my opening post, its the set up cost that makes it prohibitive. So unless, like we are doing here, you can get a batch of people wanting the same items done it works out expensive.

Cheers,

JK
 

JK240

Club Member
Update

So looks like we now have:

JK240 (myself) 2 Pairs
Candy Red 2 Pairs
Status 1 Pair
Jonbills 1 Pair
JonnyMD 1 Pair
Andrew Muir 1 Pair
Dale 1/2 Pairs
Cosworth415 2 Pairs

Total so far 11 pairs (possibly 12 if Dale has 2 sets).

I sent one of mine down earlier this week to make sure they have a jig suitable and am just waiting to hear back from them, once I have I will be back with more info on final costings etc, cheers. The only thing I didn't account for earlier was postage costs for sending the items down and returning to original owner but with the numbers we have interested now its looking like a very affordable re-chrome :thumbs:
Cheers,

JK
 

pmac

Well-Known Forum User
I have a pair and would like to join in...
Can you confirm 1. That they will be dechroming first to remove any pitted damaged chrome as opposed to just plating over the existing surface?
2. Is there some identification process to ensure each participant gets back the units he sent in or is it "pot luck" what you get back??
 

Stockdale

Club Member
I am aware that preparation is critical in achieving a high quality finish. I was told before I purchased a set that the time taken in preparation can be significant (and time generally equates to cost). I was also told that the 'donor' set need to be in good structural condition ie no cracks or bits missing as these sort of issues can't normally be corrected and if they can will attract a premium.

Probably best to be clear on the preparation requirement with the supplier before committing.
 

johnymd

Club Member
Looks like I may have 2 sets to do. Just to be clear, its just the chrome sections that we send?
 

Ian

Club Member
I may send in a set if they can confirm they will actually properly strip and prepare the surface prior to re-chroming, otherwise I'd be paying money to get back exactly what I already have.
 

JK240

Club Member
I have a pair and would like to join in...
Can you confirm 1. That they will be dechroming first to remove any pitted damaged chrome as opposed to just plating over the existing surface?
2. Is there some identification process to ensure each participant gets back the units he sent in or is it "pot luck" what you get back??

Pete, I have asked the question with regards to identifying the returned parts and will let you know as soon as I hear back from them.

In one of their earlier messages to me they did ask if we needed the parts to be stripped prior to re-plating and have quoted the price to include this.

Looks like I may have 2 sets to do. Just to be clear, its just the chrome sections that we send?

Yes John it's just the chrome parts we are discussing.

I may send in a set if they can confirm they will actually properly strip and prepare the surface prior to re-chroming, otherwise I'd be paying money to get back exactly what I already have.

Ian, here is the latest numbers:

JK240 (myself) 2 Pairs
Candy Red 2 Pairs
Status 1 Pair
Jonbills 1 Pair
JonnyMD 2 Pairs
Andrew Muir 1 Pair
Dale 2 Pairs
Cosworth415 2 Pairs
pmac 1 pair

So that makes a total of 14 pairs or 28 parts which is the batch number they gave me the price for, and another batch would double the price for everyone. So I will have to take the requests in order and put you in currently as a reserve should anyone back out, sorry.

Once I've heard any more from the platers I'll be back in touch with everyone interested.

Cheers,

JK
 
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