Hello Everyone:

As part of the restoration of my '84 Toronado, I recently had some steel & die cast pieces stripped and re-plated. This work looks fine.

I was told by several folks that the 'stainless steel' trim (rocker & wheel opening trim, etc.) was really aluminum with a stainless steel plating. Buffing was not advised as 'burn through' could easily occur. The chrome shop advised me to chrome plate this 'stainless steel' trim.

Within a month, these chrome plated 'SS' pieces are starting to peel. These is also some discoloration & clouding in a few places. Of course, I'll be returning to the shop to get these pieces redone. I'd like to understand from a technical perspective what caused this failure. I'm assuming the wrong procedure was used to prep these stainless steel trim pieces.

Your input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

Yeah, take it back. A good plater will put his warranty in writing, included with your receipt. He should re-do it for free.

Do you know if it is really aluminum? That seems awfully soft to clad in stainless. I know they chrome aluminum, but I never heard of stainless going over aluminum.

If you like, I will give you the name of my plater in Detroit. His work is excellent, and the business is family owned, second generation.

simplyconnected,
I am looking for a good chrome replater for many parts on my 38 Dodge. First one to do is my rear bumper this winter. I have talked to several companies but always looking for one who does very good work and comes highly recommmended. What is the Detroit Co. you speak of? I live in So. Indiana and shipping would not be too far.
Thom

Let me say, I've had my parts done there, and that's how I know this plater. He's very famous for doing show parts, and he displays pictures of his work on his web site. Let me also say, I find them to be HONEST (I can't stress that enough). I have seen antique (before-chrome era) parts done for other customers, and they are stunning. Just tell Jim Bartolotta (owner) exactly what you want, and he will plate to your satisfaction. If something isn't do-able, he will say that up front. If anything turns out to your dis-satisfaction, they will make it right for FREE. That is my experience, these are very professional and talented platers.

I don't want this to sound like a commercial, because I am not affiliated with them in any way. I do respect their work and they took real good care of my plating needs in a timely manner and without losing anything. Normally I won't post names and addresses, but since several members have asked (PM'ed), here is their site:
Dynamic Custom Chrome (Detroit, MI)
And their address:
Dynamic Custom Chrome
5999 Bewick, Detroit, Michigan 48213
313-922-6455

Just yesterday, I saw some of Dynamic's work at the "Old Car Festival" in Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI. They had over 400 brass cars and trucks there (1890-1932).

Two images (out of 200) I snapped yesterday: