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MG MG Y Type - Alternative to chrome?

The recent post about bonnet latches reminded me that I have several parts, mainly exterior and originally chrome finished, which are structurally sound but lacking the chrome finish. These are not cheap items to replace with new (even if I wanted to) -
Examples:
Bonnet handles/latches
Door handles
Striker - boot catch
Boot hinges
Headlamp brackets
Radiator side brackets
Door striker
Door locating pins
Guide plate for above.

In most cases, these parts can be carefully linished back to a clean base surface of cheap mazac, pot-metal or whatever you call it. They can be etch primed with an epoxy primer, spot-filled and then given a surface treatment with one of the so-called "chrome finish" sprays. But all that I have tried so far merely look like semi-gloss wheel silver - ANYTHING BUT chrome finish. The best option I've found so far is actually a "Stainless Steel" spray finish by Dupli Color - again only a semigloss finish, but doesn't look like silver wheel paint.
My question: am I missing something? - is there a product out there that will adequately replace the tired chrome finish on door handles, hinges etc. with a durable enough finish,to enable those of us on a budget to avoid throwing away perfectly sound parts?
Or - is there a viable home chroming process which (provided it's reasonably legal) I should have a go at?
All advice gratefully received, as ever. Yours, John.

J P Hall

Basically none that I have come across!

Paul
Paul Barrow

This is just a sample of the Duplicolor "Stainless Steel" finish, which might be useful in out-of-the-way locations.

J P Hall


John

Check out Caswell Australia for home plating kits.

I have not tried them myself, so don't know if they are any good.

I think there e-mail address is www.caswellplating.com.au.

Cheers.

Ralph.

R E J Stewart

Not really helpful, but on the gear lever I had brilliant results just by removing the chrome with sanding paper. After that I just used progressively fine wet and dry paper and polish to achieve a perfect gloss.

After two years the gloss is still there and only needs a spot of metal polish to maintain.

Willem van der Veer

Hi John, That's about the best finish you are going to get on Mazak items. Repairs to Mazak prior to plating can be very expensive.

Some Y-Type parts are remanufactured in Stainless steel, but they are expensive and will outlast humanity !.

Make the best of what you have, then keep an eye out for better items at swaps or garage cleanouts. There is a garage cleanout going on at an old Kiama Garage now. Lots of bits from the late 40's - worth sending them a photo of what you want, as the garage owner has passed away.

Cheers

Tony
A L SLATTERY

This thread was discussed between 30/06/2018 and 02/07/2018

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