Electroplating (chrome, nickel etc.)

[markymark]

Having bought my first all mechanical slot, a Sega Bonanza, the arm is very rusty. I was curious as to where you other collectors get re-chroming done, is it expensive? Or where can I get a spare arm in better condition?
As a last resort... Are these DIY spray cans from Homebase/B&Q that say they are chrome, any good?

Sorry for all questions. thx.

[grabber]

Hello, I live in Essex and use KK Chrome of Romford, Essex for all the jobs I need doing but he is very expensive and sometimes the price changes as he states it is a harder job than he thought, etc. His number is 0783008800.

If you need parts for this machine, look on eBay Coin Operated or Fruit Machines section and you could put a "Wanted" advert in Jerry's magazine.

If you are going to use spray paint, I find it always looks matt and not mirror finish like real chrome. Hope this helps...

[markymark]

Hi, thanks for the advice. I had heard that chroming was expensive, but as other collectors seem to have no worries about re-chroming I was hoping there was a simple answer!!!
Thanks about spray paint; I guessed it wasn't as good as the cap they have on the cans!!!

[badpenny]

As I said in my original mail at the beginning of August, you'll benefit from Jerry's magazine and at the next auction (Coventry - Mid November) there are bound to be stalls selling some of the stuff you need.

Welcome to the world of slots, it's all down hill from here!
I agree with Dower the spray paint is carp!

[markymark]

If it wasn't for you I'd be lost here!
As for the magazine, is it any good?.. I used to subscribe to Antique Amusements magazine years ago (AAM), is it similar to that!
The November auction seems like a trip worth taking.. Thanks.

[badpenny]

The mag will help you establish your network, give you access to free adverts. And well worth the minimal outlay. Use the link I originally gave you to mail Jerry and ask hin for a free taster copy, here hang on a minute ......

Jerry! Any chance of letting Mark have a copy prior to his taking out a subscription with you when he attends our auction in Coventry November?......... Cheers!

That might do it Mark, depending on whether he has surplus to spare, but he'll still need you to contact him.

[markymark]

Thx for that. I'll email him now..
and hopefully catch you at Coventry.

[special when lit]

Topic merged - Site Admin

Anybody know of any decent chrome platers in the Midlands?
I've just tried my local one in Derby and he wanted £180 for chroming the handle, badges and a couple of pieces of trim off my Aristocrat Clubman.
Is this an average price, or has he overpriced the job 'cause he doesn't want to do it?

[badpenny]

Is that the one on Abbey Street? When I lived in Derby I used them and I guess quality names its own price.
However it is expensive these days due to the anti-pollution laws having closed down all the little back street boys.
So I don't think they are short of work.
Do you know Mick Harris in Derby? He'd be worth asking.

I once used some outfit over in Nottingham they had a name something like East Midlands plating, but that was ten years or so ago.

[special when lit]

Not tried the one on Abbey street yet, just thought if that was an average price, it maybe better looking out for some decent second hand parts rather that going the re-chrome route.
Can't imagine they'll be that plentiful though!

[myford]

Hi,
For the centre logo on my bursting cherry (that sounds rather rude!) I bought a re chromed one from the states rather than get the original done over here, with the exchange rate as it is it was cheaper.
Not that that helps you!
cheers,
Myford

[howeinuk]

I use Marque Restore, Unit 4, Shilton Inudstrial Estate, Bulkington Road, Shilton, Coventry CV7 9JY. Ph 024 7662 2225 http://www.marquerestore.co.uk

They specialise in restoration work for cars and bikes .... and my stuff! They are not cheap, but do a good job and to date I have never had any problems (unlike many others I have used!) There is no point in getting a cheap job.

Best of luck

[treefrog]

Topic merged - Site Admin

I might be mad, but I found the link to a home Chrome Kit producer in the archive
CHROME KITS
These seem to vary in cost based on the amount of capacity of fluid to complete the process from £400 to £750, but is US based so uses 110V and would need converting..

I have so much stuff to do that I wondered whether anyone had attempted this as of course as with all things home based could turn out rubbish.....

I am sure the advice would be to leave it to the professionals, but any experiences would be appreciated.

[slotalot]

Hi tree-frog ,
I looked in to Chrome plating at home and to be honest some of the chemicals used etc. made it a nogo , but I have had some fair to good results with Nickel plating at home, and the chemicals for this are for sale on ebay for a few pounds, if you know what to look for. I also found that preparation of the part to be plated is also very important, any marks/scratches will show through the plating, so you need your own polishing machine as well. The photo shows a coin cup that I made from brass sheet for one of my allwins and then nickel plated myself.
I would say stay clear of chrome plating....

[malcymal]

When I've had stuff chromed, I haven't paid so much for the nickel then chrome plating but the labour in polishing out the pitting in the metal. This is where the art of a good finish comes in, the quality of the polishing prep and then the final polishing. I'd love to be able to do this but think the process is far too dangerous for my likings; acid and all that. Even polishing can be quite dangerous in itself, invest in some gauntlets (heat the polisher generates into the metal is tremendous) and eye protection equipment. If that item comes loose in the hands whilst polishing it propels like a bullet. I've seen somebody polishing a bolt head that flew off the machine and embedded in the wall.

[slotalot]

Hi malcymal , you are right about the polishing being dangerous, I worked as a metal polisher for a time and the chap on the next spindle to me was polishing a stainless steel frame, it looked like a big fish tank without the glass, it was about 30 inch square on all sides and made from 1 inch x 1 inch 16g angle. He must have lost concentration for a second and the mop grabbed it out of his hands and wrapped it round the spindle like wool, the polishing machine never even slowed down, and he had over 10 years experience as a polisher. So if you are going to polish your own metalwork, don't get distracted

[markymark]

Topic merged - Site Admin

Hi
Was reading other posts regarding re-chroming slots.. but guess a DIY option is out of the question!!!
So, was wondering what all these chrome sprays are like.. Has anyone used them?
Looking in HobbyCraft store they have several spray cans that has proper shiny chrome lids (supposedly what the spray looks like!!! haha), but how close to chrome do they come? My guess is that they are just a silver colour without any reflection properties like proper chrome!!
Maybe in another 10 years they may invent a decent DIY chrome system!!!

Mark.

[willborl]

Hi Mark,

Having only used a chrome spray a couple of times, they are OK, but proper chrome looks a million times better!!!
The spray is a bit dull compared to chrome but not bad for smaller parts.

Hope this helps

P.S. Let's hope they come up with a decent chrome spray sooner than 10 years

Will

[treefrog]

Thats spooky, I bought a can from Halfords this morning as I thought I would give it a go... I was going to try on a slot arm or smaller parts as suggested, as a lot of people have used just silver spray, which does not look good. Having said that, it does state that it's best not used on areas that are handled. I assume this is due to the longevity, rather than some toxic risks

When I get around to trying, will share results.

[grabber]

Hi,
I've used chrome spray on machine parts before and found that the finish was very flat, no shine even if you have the parts warm first like in an airing cupboard or putting them in the oven.

Anyway this month's Practical Classics magazine has lots of companies who do chrome. You will find the adverts in the back pages.