S4/Sprint Rear Light Re-chrome

[silverlink]

Does anyone know if its possible to get the rear lamp base plates re-chromed on my Sprint. Lamps work fine and lenses in good condition but chromework is all pitted.
Ian

[LI-599]

Hi Ian, yes it is possible and most chrome platers should be able to do it. I had mine repaired and replated here in Melbourne and they look like new.(1969 S4 DHC) Ian M

[silverlink]

Thanks for info Ian

[jono]

Had mine done at Derby Plating.

Very good, not cheap but the only firm I would trust

Jon

[peterexpart]

Just out of interest what did you all end up paying for a Re-Chrome ??

[gjz30075]

Did you drill out the rivets to remove the backup light bulb holder?

Greg Z

[jono]

about ?100 per lamp body,

Strip them down but leave the main reflectors in place

Jon

[silverlink]

Jon,
Did you have to any other work on them before sending them off for plating (rubbing down)
Ian

[jono]

Ian,

No, I just sent them off as shown.

They strip the chrome plating chemically then they put a very heavy coating of copper plate onto the bodies. They then linish the copper back to the original profile and the copper acts as a filler, filling the pits which are much larger under the plating than they appear to be on the surface. Mazac is really crappy stuff.

They then copper them again if needed and re linish until the bodies are completely flat and smooth. They then take the copper to a mirror finish then nickel plate them then, finally, chrome plate.

I can understand why it's expensive - the polishing is very skilled and the whole process is highly labour intensive

I had all of my +2 chrome work done at Derby and it's faultless - the rear bumper is a work of art. It all cost me a fortune but, hey, there aren't many of these cars left so what the hell they deserve it

Jon