My 1973 dash cluster front has a chrome trim strip and a black strip that is nearly gone from wear. Know anyone who refurbishes these plastic parts?
This is the plastic panel that rests in front of the speedometer. The back part that holds the speedometer and fuel gauges is nearly perfect.
Kim Henry
henrius@mindspring.com
There was a place called Mr G's in Texas that did plastic rechroming. This was years ago though. Not sure if they are still around or not.
The clusters are originally completely plated and then painted. If you rub hard enough on the black of the cluster the paint will rub off. Not sure what kind of paint was used though.
Mr. G's
http://mrgusa.com/
I have heard real good things about them.
Thanks for that lead Scott, that's awesome, and the are "close by".
Chris
Quote from: TIGGER on May 06, 2014, 07:35:39 PM
There was a place called Mr G's in Texas that did plastic rechroming. This was years ago though. Not sure if they are still around or not.
Just checked their website and they do not list the Pinto as a car they rechrome parts for Pintos.
Quote from: Henrius on May 29, 2014, 11:14:26 AM
Just checked their website and they do not list the Pinto as a car they rechrome parts for Pintos.
You might still ask them if they can do it. I think they will do most anything, automotive or not.
They clearly state the parts are 'leftover not sold yet' and they have no 3rd party to do the vacuum chroming any longer.
While I've never used this facility, I do know someone that had motorcycle rims re-chromed by them. They claim to chrome hard plastics. Might be worth a call.
http://www.paulschrome.com/index.php/what-we-do/we-chrome-plastic
I used them once on plastic and they did a great job, haven't used them in a while so I don't know about the quality today though..
For the DIY path, these threads may be of interest.
http://www.fordpinto.com/pinto-faq/referb-the-chrome-trim-on-the-interior-bezel's/msg55500/#msg55500
http://www.fordpinto.com/pinto-faq/silver-paint-for-dash-trim-and-tail-lights/msg129874/#msg129874
Mr. G's has a whole website dedicate to exposing their crumby, substandard work.
A firm called Instrument Specialties in Rhode Island agreed to do the restoration for me, as well as attempt some custom work. They are the guys to go to for vaccuum chrome application.
Looks like they do nice stuff..
http://www.instrument-specialties.com/services/ (http://www.instrument-specialties.com/services/)
Just got my instrument cluster back from Instrument Specialities in Rhode Island Man, looks BETTER than when it was new. Chrome plated edge and repainted black. Also doing my turn signal lever, which is plastic on the end with a metal body. Needed two types of chrome plating.
They don't work cheap, though! Took over 3 months.