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Posted by 49Reo
- March 30, 2012, 23:43:33 PMI wouldn't have thought you could get away with using Steel wool in and grade on chrome; my cousin used to own a body shop, and had to send out a customers bumper on a restored car, because the guy did just that; he tried to remove road tar with steel wool; it made quite a mess on it. Maybe the chrome on the plastic is a different type? I am going to try that on something, as soon as I come across something I don't mind sacrificing; like maybe the chrome on the wife's Toyota?
LOL 
Regards and such,
49Reo
Posted by greenbarn
- March 30, 2012, 16:34:32 PMTroll, the place in Columbus OH is Keystone. The phone number there for Michelle is 614-434-2659. I did not get a chance today to call and they are closed now. I don't know if they do plastic or not.
Posted by Troll
- March 30, 2012, 12:30:46 PMWeeeeelllll, I just talked to Bob at Chrome Tech USA ( http://www.chrometechusa.com/index.html ) about the headlight . What he does is vacuum metalizing...just like the original finish on car interiors and model car parts. His prices are reasonable, quoting me around $50 to do my headlight, BUT...this is not the oem finish, and won't stand up to the elements. He told me to check out electroplating plastic, as this is what he feels was originally done. He told me to try some 0000 steel wool on the scuff and see what happens. I would never have thought I could get away with that, but the scuff seems a little less noticeable, and certainly no worse...no he doesn't do any metal plating...so the search continues. He told me that the electroplating process for plastic is VERY expensive... 
Posted by 49Reo
- March 30, 2012, 10:22:15 AMNow that is good news! Since nothing lasts forever, especially our bikes, a decent source for getting the bright-work redone is great. Especially if he is reliable in the shipping/receiving dept. I sent a brake pedal out to a different shop than the one mentioned in my last post, (I had extended it 2" to make room for my big feet) after 2 months and not receiving it back, I called and they had no clue as to what I was talking about. Finally they found it, but I won't trust them with any thing else. When you talk to this guy on the phone, ask if he can email a work order # with a description of the parts received and work required. It will make both his life and our lives a lot easier if things are properly recorded and tracked. Keep us posted as to what he says; I may send some goodies to him as well. If he pans out, it would be a good item for the Mods/Tips section as well.
Regards and such,
49Reo
Posted by Troll
- March 30, 2012, 08:35:55 AMI was googling around last night after I posted this and I found a place in Madison, Wi that specializes in re-chroming plastic car and model kit parts. I emailed him and he wants to talk to me on the phone about the job....Could be a lifesaver for us, and a new revenue stream for him!
Posted by 49Reo
- March 29, 2012, 23:34:16 PMWhere ever you get it done, I hope it is cheaper than up here; I got a quote from one plating shop, for a set of new exhaust tips, 2 1/4" diameter x 9" long, $150.00 Each. $85.00 each for 2 brackets 5 1/2" long x 1 1/4" wide, 1/8" deep. $250.00 to de-chrome and re-chrome 1 rear head-pipe heat shield.I don't mind anyone seeking their fortune, but I do have a problem with them trying to get it all out of MY pocket, LOL. When you get a price please post it; maybe I can get it done on one of my escapes back to Montana and/or points south of there.
Regards and such,
49Reo
Posted by greenbarn
- March 29, 2012, 21:40:53 PMOne of my automotive suppliers just contacted me a couple of weeks ago about their chrome shop. Don't know if they can do plastic or not. I'll look them up and post the phone number or address or whatever.
Posted by Troll
- March 29, 2012, 15:16:45 PMI fully realize that if I want my Drifter to stay new, I have to park it in a sealed room and control the environment to prevent deterioration, but I won't do that....I bought it to ride...BUT......The P.O. did some damage to the headlight right on top. Scuffs from putting on/taking off windshield. I have cleaned, and polished the headlight, but the scuffs remain...right where I can SEE THEM!!! Looks like a wart on the Mona Lisa's nose..At night, they don't bother me, but during the day, especially when the sun hits them....grrrrrrr! Anybody know of a place that re-chromes plastic ? No rush, it would be for next Winter, when I'm not riding, unless we have another Winter like this last one....