Chrome - fork in the road

FineWynsFJ40 · 01-05-08, 08:22 PM

All my handles on my FJ55 need to be rechromed, as they are pitted and cracked, making it painful to grab. So, I have discovered two options: standard chrome plating, or chrome powder coating. Thoughts? Comments? Experience? Previous experience? Future experience? Thanks.

Brian

DanS HJ-45 · 01-08-08, 10:33 AM

I've tried some chrome powder coating in my setup here at home. It's *ok* but not anything to write home about. From 20 feet it looks good, but it just doesn't have the same luster that real, good chrome does.

I don't know if I was doing it wrong or something (which could easily be the case), but for anything I really need chrome--I'll chrome it with a chrome shop.

Dan

nuclearlemon · 01-08-08, 12:02 PM

blast them and powdercoat black.

cruiser88 · 01-08-08, 12:36 PM

Blast them with walnut shell

Pighead · 01-08-08, 03:16 PM

I've heard that it's hard to get a good chrome finish anymore, in the US, due to EPA regulations. Best chrome is now done in Canada...
That rumor repeated, I have to wonder if you've exhausted the vast number of good used Pigdoorhandles no doubt in private collections throughout these United States. I'm sure that the viewing public could assemble 4 complete door handles between them, probably a whole lot cheaper than re-anythinged...
Then , when you have your new-found, rust-free door handles installed, take your old rusty ones in for a powder coating and see which you like better.

nuclearlemon · 01-08-08, 08:34 PM

i've got a drivers front handle.

FineWynsFJ40 · 01-09-08, 12:01 PM

Thanks for the replies. I decided to get them powder coated. It will not be chrome, but more of a silver color. I think they will turn out pretty sweet. I'll post pics to show you what they look like. Thank you all once again. Oh and all outer door handles, interior door handles, and rear running light bezel for under $120.

Brian

FineWynsFJ40 · 01-10-08, 06:21 PM

*UPDATE* Apparently the owner, who came back in today, said that small parts will not work, being castings they have an uneven surface after sand blasting... So, I'm checking out the only other shop in town to see about rechroming. I liked the powder coating color & idea, but nothing is ever that easy. I'll see what the price is on Friday and then decide.

Brian

01-05-08, 08:22 PM	#1
FineWynsFJ40 FineWynsFJ55 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Michigan Posts: 700	Chrome - fork in the road All my handles on my FJ55 need to be rechromed, as they are pitted and cracked, making it painful to grab. So, I have discovered two options: standard chrome plating, or chrome powder coating. Thoughts? Comments? Experience? Previous experience? Future experience? Thanks. Brian __________________ ~ Two paths diverged in the woods, and I, I engaged my front axle and took the path less travelled ~ 1974 FJ40: Pandora's Box 1970 FJ55: Iron Pig

01-08-08, 10:33 AM	#2
DanS HJ-45 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM TLCA# 17527 Posts: 774	I've tried some chrome powder coating in my setup here at home. It's ok but not anything to write home about. From 20 feet it looks good, but it just doesn't have the same luster that real, good chrome does. I don't know if I was doing it wrong or something (which could easily be the case), but for anything I really need chrome--I'll chrome it with a chrome shop. Dan __________________ 1976 HJ-45 (needs restoration) http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj45-owners-...self-into.html 1991 "Faux-Lux"Pickup 4x4 2LT-E/R-150f http://forum.ih8mud.com/79-95-toyota...onversion.html "Dandelions. You see flowers in these weeds." --Five Iron Frenzy Rebuilt Aisin Hub Faces http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/2...hub-faces.html

01-08-08, 12:02 PM	#3
nuclearlemon IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: meh-ico, colorado TLCA# 1431 Posts: 8,008	blast them and powdercoat black. __________________ seven cruisers and 3 of em run and four are for sale

01-08-08, 12:36 PM	#4
cruiser88 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: over here TLCA# 17319 Posts: 7,159	Blast them with walnut shell __________________ BLAH BLAH

01-08-08, 03:16 PM	#5
Pighead myopic luddite Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Midtown Sacramento TLCA# 2509 Posts: 1,742	I've heard that it's hard to get a good chrome finish anymore, in the US, due to EPA regulations. Best chrome is now done in Canada... That rumor repeated, I have to wonder if you've exhausted the vast number of good used Pigdoorhandles no doubt in private collections throughout these United States. I'm sure that the viewing public could assemble 4 complete door handles between them, probably a whole lot cheaper than re-anythinged... Then , when you have your new-found, rust-free door handles installed, take your old rusty ones in for a powder coating and see which you like better. __________________ "Well it's a '68, '69, '70, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75, 76, '77 FJ55" http://forum.ih8mud.com/424768-post9.html

01-08-08, 08:34 PM	#6
nuclearlemon IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: meh-ico, colorado TLCA# 1431 Posts: 8,008	i've got a drivers front handle. __________________ seven cruisers and 3 of em run and four are for sale

01-09-08, 12:01 PM	#7
FineWynsFJ40 FineWynsFJ55 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Michigan Posts: 700	Thanks for the replies. I decided to get them powder coated. It will not be chrome, but more of a silver color. I think they will turn out pretty sweet. I'll post pics to show you what they look like. Thank you all once again. Oh and all outer door handles, interior door handles, and rear running light bezel for under $120. Brian __________________ ~ Two paths diverged in the woods, and I, I engaged my front axle and took the path less travelled ~ 1974 FJ40: Pandora's Box 1970 FJ55: Iron Pig

01-10-08, 06:21 PM	#8
FineWynsFJ40 FineWynsFJ55 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Michigan Posts: 700	UPDATE Apparently the owner, who came back in today, said that small parts will not work, being castings they have an uneven surface after sand blasting... So, I'm checking out the only other shop in town to see about rechroming. I liked the powder coating color & idea, but nothing is ever that easy. I'll see what the price is on Friday and then decide. Brian __________________ ~ Two paths diverged in the woods, and I, I engaged my front axle and took the path less travelled ~ 1974 FJ40: Pandora's Box 1970 FJ55: Iron Pig

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode