Removing chrome and another question..

[bherder]

Is there a cheap easy way to remove chrome from a smallish part? I was wondering if the electrolysis method would work? Here's why I ask..
I'm getting ready for paint in a month or two.. I've got a pair of the chrome tailight frames, that I'd like to remove the chrome, weld some small bars on them (Like a rock/brush guard thing) and then have them powder-coated black.
Any ideas?

Back in the day, you used to be able to buy those wire-mesh rock guard grilles for the headlights. The ones that clamped on to the ring/frame that holds the headlight in the basket. I'd like to get a set of these for my quad headlights...
I've searched and searched... Summit/J C Whintney have them for the old single round headlights, but I can't find anything for mine. Anyone have any ideas, clues, or maybe something out in the shed you wanna sell?

Thanks guys.. ;)

[86_custom]

Gentle sand blasting?

[Speed Dragon]

Yeah I'd probably sand blast them. And you should be able to make some headlight guards.

[fins2fuselage]

B,

I'm not sure how you are going to attach steel bar stock to those pot-metal taillight housings. Pot-metal can't be welded to steel; it melts.

A few weeks ago, I almost melted my '61 Chrysler's pot-metal parking light housing while trying to achieve a good ground between the bulb socket and the housing by using a little solder. Please try welding/soldering on a junk piece first!

And no, I don't know how to get the chrome off, either. Chrome plating is very tough; just bead- or sand-blast it to texture the existing finish and then paint it would be my (lousy) advice.

Jeff

[86_custom]

This just popped into my head, if you got a shitty old ezel laying around, break it into a few small pieces so basically it can lay flat (or if it will bend out flat) then use that as a template on some steel of your choosing, cut it out and roll it to match the original and now you have a tail light bezel you can weld on. A shot in the dark idea but hey sometimes those work the best.

[bherder]

mmmmmm.... Didn't know it was just crappy ol' pot metal ....

Well, 'Plan B' I guess... ;)

[BaggedIndy]

As far as removing the chrome find someone that does gold plating, the first step is to strip it down to the nickel plating. Should be workable from there. I did this about 15 years ago to some parts on our shop van and it held up well to paint. Powder coat will be better. This won't help much with the pot metal issue, but it might for future reference.

[C1DoG]

Powder coat will be better.

I want to powder coat chrome, the 50s hood ornament that is on the front of my 82. :)