Front turn signal buckets, How was the finish applied to the interior? Options

[Pat Garvey]

i Recently acquired a pair of factory-new front turn signal buckets from Camp914. No doubt about it, they are sweet, but I expected something more brilliat than my 38 year old originals - no fault to Camp914. Just didn't realize that my originals were that preserved!

Regardless, my question is this - how was the "chrome" finish applied to the inside? It's obvious to me that it was some sort of spray compound (see the pic with the pronounced overspray).

In 1978, I removed my original buckets for an impending respray of the body. At that time, as and old fart recalls, the exterior finish of the buckets looked like it needed refurbishing, so I sprayed them with light gray & clearcoated them (that also shows in the pics).

I swear - it looks like the "chrome" finish was a spray-on. What did they use? Where can I get some?

Look at the pics. The grubby exterior is original. The painted finish is my effort.

Pat

[70_914]

Plated just like plastic car model pieces.

Taken from the Mueller Corporation web site:


"Many People think it is impossible to chrome plastic, it is not. While it is possible to electroplate/chrome plate on plastic it is a difficult and expensive process. Vacuum metalizing is the most common process used for a chrome look on plastic. Vacuum metallizing is process used to make, toys, flash light reflectors and automotive trim, shine like chrome.


Vacuum metalizing DOES NOT have the same durability or corrosive resistance that chrome plating does.


Before parts are metalized they are washed and basecoated to ensure a smooth finish to coat over.


During the vacuum metallizing process aluminum is evaporated in a vacuum chamber, which than condenses back on and bonds to the parts to form a uniform layer, which shines like chrome.


After the metalizing takes place there is a protective topcoat applied similar to the ones used in the automotive industry. You can also add dyes to the topcoat to achieve bright chrome colors gold’s, bronze’s, copper’s, and gunmetal’s.


Chrome vacuum metalizing should not be cleaned with abrasive materials; you should only clean it with a damp soft rag. The chemicals in household cleaners can affect the clear coat causing it to become hazy or milky.


Vacuum metallizing conforms to the base material that is being coated. If there is texture, scratches, blister, etc it will show through the coating.


It is much more environmentally friendly and cost effective than chrome plating or chrome painting.


You can vacuum metalize many materials including plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass, and more. There are many different applications for Vacuum metallizing including; automotive and motor sport accessories, automotive interior trim, sporting goods, toys, models, novelty items, display items, decorative fixtures, cosmetic closures, etc.


If you want the look of custom chrome on anything plastic, glass, metal, etc. Mueller Corporation can do the job. Please Read Terms for Custom Jobs."

And a list of plastic platers:

http://www.thomasnet.com/products/plating-...61682001-1.html

Gotta love Google!