Can Anyone Get This Chromed???

This is a 3 car consist right now. I would like to find one more "COACH" car for the set, but I will be surprised if I can find another coach for this one.

I am willing to pay for a guaranteed quality job, as this thing will look UNREAL coming down the rails gleaming in beautiful Chrome!!!!!  I have seen sets like this go on ebay for as low as $300.00,without the BANANA whistle of course.

I have an original, clean banana whistle & relay for it. I have several of these "YANKEE" motors,that they used in 636W,Yankee,M10000,as you know Lionel made multiple sets out of every shell and motor they ever produced.    

I got this at a train auction I attended,and they auctioned off several Flying Yankees in a row,and I could easily restore it by painting it,but I have always had this plan to Chrome this one,but I cannot seem to find anyone willing to do it for one reason or another,so I thought I'd ask for some help from my fellow trainmen!!!! 

Have you Googled,  Nickel Plating Service near (your zip) ?  Most of what people call Chrome is actually Nickel plated.  I just found 6 places here in Alabama.  "Precision Plating near Birmingham.  Electroform Nickel Inc. Between Decatur and Huntsville.  Nutec Metal Finishing LLC  in Birmingham.  Many plating shops plate 3-4 different metals. J

http://customplatingspecialist.com

Volphin posted:

http://customplatingspecialist.com

Have you used these guys before???-Thanks

Many custom/Harley motorcycle shops have chome services, usually a second party, that they use. They may be able to steer you in a good direction.

Tom

The chemicals used in the process and the regulations controlling them have made it cost prohibitive to operate a plating business. Therefore, they are few and far between and typical do industrial work.

You must do the buffing and metal preparation before having any plating done.

Chroming is 3 platings - copper, nickel and chrome

I think you could get a really good look with the metallic look paints. Call a few high end custom car shops. The products that they can apply will make you think it's chrome.

kennyb posted:

Volphin posted:

http://customplatingspecialist.com

Have you used these guys before???-Thanks

A buddy has with some train cars.  They came out absolutely super!

Kenny, I sent you an email on it.  

Best option is just google metal plating for your area or check the phone book if you still get one. Places that specialize in plating motorcycle parts will be very high dollar. So high that you could do it yourself for less.

http://www.caswellplating.com

Friends have used Caswell kits on their bikes and built show winners. For this you would want one of their tank kits that allow complete submersion of the bodies.

I have number of their brush plating kits for doing Post War restorations and plating brass parts where appropriate. 

Pete

The link below is a local one for me. I'd vouch for these guys any day of the week. They have done many jobs for me over the years, and I have never had a complaint. They are a large company and they work for many major companies doing production work like several hundred car bumpers etc at a time, stuff like that, but they are kind enough to still do the smaller jobs for small customers like myself. Or used to anyway, I haven't been there in a couple years.

Be aware that there is regular production chrome, or you can go a step further and ask for "show chrome". I think show chrome adds a couple more layers. None of this is cheap since it's a multi step process and alot of chemicals involved. Good luck!

http://aihchrome.com/ 

Show chrome implies the three step process, copper, nickel, chrome. The softer copper is used to fill the scratches like primer and gets buffed smooth. Chrome can also be applied directly to ferrous metals. Not a good idea though if you want it to last. Then there is hard chrome which rarely gets polished. 

Regardless of the route taken the OP should do as much of the prep work as possible including complete disassembly, paint  and rust removal.

Pete

Is it possible to remove chrome from an item without destroying it?

Kenny, are you getting back into trains? I thought you sold your stuff to get into music?

Yes Matt,I have a passion for O gauge trains that I cannot be cured from. I am building a new shelf type of layout.

Thamks everyone for all of your input! It looks like I will be able to get these cars done before I die!!!!!Hallelujah!!!!!

A good buddy of mine Father restores rare chrome trim parts for cars. They live in Los Angeles so such services are available but in bigger cities.  It can be done but be ready to pay real money......a PERFECT plating job on something like a hub center for a 30's era car can be almost $100. 

AMCDave posted:

A good buddy of mine Father restores rare chrome trim parts for cars. They live in Los Angeles so such services are available but in bigger cities.  It can be done but be ready to pay real money......a PERFECT plating job on something like a hub center for a 30's era car can be almost $100. 

Hello Dave,That;s right about where I am hoping to come in on these cars,around $100 each.If you can,can you show your dad's buddy these pictures and see what he says????-Thank you,Kenny

Moonman posted:

The chemicals used in the process and the regulations controlling them have made it cost prohibitive to operate a plating business. Therefore, they are few and far between and typical do industrial work.

You must do the buffing and metal preparation before having any plating done.

Chroming is 3 platings - copper, nickel and chrome

I think you could get a really good look with the metallic look paints. Call a few high end custom car shops. The products that they can apply will make you think it's chrome.

Absolutely, true! This goes even for black oxide coatings! 

For such an oddball piece of Lionel history that's in remarkable condition, I'd leave it alone.

Tin