Hubcap Restoration

[Guest]

I would like to restore the chrome hubcaps for my 38 Dodge Bros. touring sedan. But they are pretty dinged up. They consist of a thin, chromed outer shell that covers a heavier steel backing. The problem is that this thin material would not allow much filing or grinding to get the hubcaps smooth. My question is, could I use lead to fill any imperfections that I can't totally knock out? When the hubcaps are rechromed, would the chrome cover the lead ok ? Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks

[Ricko1937]

Jim, I had a 1937 Dodge set of hubcaps done at the chrome shop. They were dinged up pretty good. The plater pryed up on the crimped outer skin, pounded out and filed the outer skin smooth. He then plated several coats of cooper for filler before buffing & plating. To put the skin back on is the tricky part. He soldered the edges and filed them done before plating. You might try soldering to smooth out your dents but I am not an expert and how good plating would last on it. I would be afraid of using lead. Hope this shines some light for you.

[Guest]

You may want to contact this chap who make replacement skin pressings for hubcaps <BR>Les Hayter 810 Tukairangi Road R D 1 Taupo New Zealand or PH +64 07 3789230 Also has a P. O.Box 762 Taupo New Zealand