Chrome plating is a fantastic way to revitalize and enhance the appearance of your car parts. It not only adds a brilliant shine but also provides a layer of protection against corrosion. At carparteu.com, we specialize in bringing that classic chrome finish back to your beloved vehicle components. Understanding the process and what it entails is crucial for a smooth and satisfactory experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Chrome Plating Car Parts with us.
Understanding the Chrome Plating Process and Payment
Before we begin any chrome plating work, it’s important to understand our payment policy. Payment is required prior to any work being performed. We offer several convenient payment options to get started. You can pay by personal check, company check, PayPal, or money order. To expedite the process, you can send your payment along with the car parts you want to be chrome plated, accompanied by our Customer Instruction Sheet. This helps us streamline the intake and processing of your order.
If you’re unsure about the specific services your car parts require, don’t worry. Once we receive your wheels or parts, our expert technicians will assess them thoroughly. We will then provide you with a detailed estimate outlining the necessary work and associated costs. This ensures transparency and allows you to make informed decisions before we proceed with the chrome plating.
Customer Responsibility: Disassembly and Re-assembly
To ensure the best possible results and prevent any damage during the chrome plating process, disassembly and re-assembly of car parts are the responsibility of the customer. This is a critical step as many car parts consist of multiple components that need to be separated for optimal plating and to protect delicate areas. Please ensure that you disassemble the parts you wish to have chrome plated before sending them to us. This includes removing any attached hardware, trim, or non-metal components that should not be subjected to the plating process.
Special Considerations for Previously Chrome Plated Parts (Rechroming)
If you are looking to rechrome car parts that have been previously plated, there’s an additional step involved. Previously chrome plated wheels and parts require us to remove the original chrome layer before re-chroming. This is known as chrome stripping and is essential to ensure proper adhesion and a high-quality finish for the new chrome plating.
Note: The chrome stripping process adds to the overall processing time. Chrome strip processing typically takes approximately 3 to 10 business days depending on the complexity and condition of the existing chrome. It’s important to factor this timeframe into your project schedule.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand that rechroming a wheel or part does not guarantee a perfect, flawless result. While we strive for the highest standards of quality, imperfections such as pitting, scratches, or underlying metal flaws that were present before the original plating may still be visible or reappear after rechroming. We encourage you to review the rechrome section of our website for more detailed information and to manage your expectations accordingly.
Chrome Stripping: Charges and Important Precautions
The charge for chrome stripping varies for each wheel and part depending on its size, complexity, and the condition of the existing chrome. We provide pricing on an individual basis after assessing the specific items you send us.
One significant concern when chrome stripping previously chromed motorcycle wheels or similar parts is the presence of bearing holes, metal races, or any steel components attached to the wheel. Our chrome stripping process involves immersing the parts in Nitric acid. It’s important to know that different metals react to acid at different rates. To prevent damage and ensure the best possible outcome, it is imperative that you remove all seals, bearings, races, tires, valve stems, bolts, and any steel parts or components from the wheels and parts before shipping them to us.
While we take precautions during the stripping process, such as offering to plug bearing holes with rubber plugs to prevent acid from entering, it’s important to note that there is no guarantee that these plugs will not leak. As an alternative, we can remove the plugs during the copper plating stage to allow material to enter the bearing holes, which can sometimes help to tighten them up.
Addressing Bearing Hole Issues
Dealing with bearing holes in wheels undergoing chrome plating requires careful attention. If the bearing holes are already tight, you may find it helpful to freeze the bearings to contract them and warm the wheel to expand it slightly. This differential temperature technique can aid in easier bearing installation after the chrome plating process is complete.
Conversely, if the bearing holes are loose, there are solutions to address this issue as well. You may need to employ techniques such as peening, staking, or knurling the bearing holes to tighten them. Alternatively, or in conjunction with these methods, you can use a specialized product like 3M bearing and sleeve adhesive (or equivalent) to ensure a secure and proper fit for the bearings.
By understanding these crucial aspects of chrome plating car parts, from payment and preparation to the intricacies of rechroming and bearing hole management, you can ensure a smoother and more successful experience with carparteu.com. We are committed to providing high-quality chrome plating services and helping you achieve the brilliant, durable finish you desire for your car parts. Contact us today to get started and bring the shine back to your ride!
