Can plastic be plated?

[Jeeepers]

I was told that plastic components can be chrome plated.. Yes or no? If yes is it real chrome plate? Or dodgy lookalike? Would it be durable etc..?

[GALAXY]

From my knowledge they can be chrome plated ( real) but it is not durable. I have chrome plating on plastic knobs on my BBQ and it has come off with a high pressure hose.

[chief]

Yes and no. The inside chrome door handles on an AU for example are plastic chrome. Depends where you get it chromed for the quality.

[Jeeepers]

Cool thanks guys... I was thinking of the intake tube between the turbo and the crossover on the T. Might be too hot though...Probably peel.

[BPXR6T]

Yes you can chrome plate plastic. I used to do that at Metalising Australia over in Dandenong. We plated downlights, coffin handles, head light reflectors, curtin rings, all kinds of crap. It was durable stuff, the downlights had to endure extreme high heat and flaking coffin handles isn't a good look.

[LUXO_8]

yup....i believe its copper plated first, then, as the copper is conductive it can then be electroplated like normal....
correct me if im wrong

[Jeeepers]

All good, next question is fairly obvious. Recommended platers in the West of Melbourne?

[Envy-T]

Theres a place in Johnston street collingwood if my memory serves me correct.

[Jeeepers]

Maybe a little more west... I'm in Melton, so it'd be Geelong/Werribee/Footscrayish. I know there's a phone book, but I was hoping for a recommendation.

[FTGAutosalvage]

when i was looking at getting some plastic parts chrome plated i was told it had to be a certian type of plastic . and it had to be new plastic as it needed to be perfectly clean

[Jeeepers]

Originally Posted by FTGAutosalvage

when i was looking at getting some plastic parts chrome plated i was told it had to be a certian type of plastic . and it had to be new plastic as it needed to be perfectly clean

Interesting point, might need to get a new mould. Would be better anyway, so I don't go without my drive fix while the plating is done.

[LUXO_8]

sounds like they didnt want to take on the job???
i know we had old headlight reflectors done through our head office................ they took care of cleaning them, plating etc

ive tried to find out who it was unsuccessfully(ie, they wont tell me)

[bob 351]

there was a chrome plating factory in whiteman st southmelb back in the seventies i used to work for called edson plating when the casino went up i think they moved to benbigo and back then we did a lot of plastic plating so do a google search they might still be around

[phoon]

To plate plastic and have longevity, the part needs to have been injection moulded using a plating grade polymer, otherwise flaking will occur in a short period of time in most cases.

[Jeeepers]

Originally Posted by phoon

To plate plastic and have longevity, the part needs to have been injection moulded using a plating grade polymer, otherwise flaking will occur in a short period of time in most cases.

Thanks Jeff, other ideas forming....:

[phoon]

No probs mate, other ideas forming hey, I can hear your mind ticking over from all the way up here. I also answered your question about the silicone hose on your polished plenum thread.

Cheers

Jeff

[Jeeepers]

Originally Posted by phoon

No probs mate, other ideas forming hey, I can hear your mind ticking over from all the way up here. I also answered your question about the silicone hose on your polished plenum thread.

Cheers

Jeff

Yeah got that reply too. And all my family are up that way. Only me and my son left down here now. I lived in Noosa for 3 years '98-'01, came down here for work. I'll get back up to live when the time is right.

[The G6ET Spot]

Give GTFord Performance a call (03) 9351 0351 they should be able to point you in the right direction for the electroplaters.They get the dash fascia for XW-XY's rechromed when doing restorations.There is a couple of places in Melbourne not too sure of their addresses though.

[Jeeepers]

Originally Posted by RAPID XR8

Give GTFord Performance a call (03) 9351 0351 they should be able to point you in the right direction for the electroplaters.They get the dash fascia for XW-XY's rechromed when doing restorations.There is a couple of places in Melbourne not too sure of their addresses though.

Thanks mate. Have a few avenues now.