The vapor coating on the headlamp reflectors has deteriorated to the point where I would like to chrome plate them. The local shop owner tells me that can only be done if an electroconductive coating is applied to the plastic.

Can anyone tell me where I might find something like that?

Thanks,

Bryan

Any custom shop should be able to do that for you. Its just electroplating. Try a local hotrod shop, they dip a lot of plastic parts.

Charles,

I tried the local custom shop and they told me that "Volvo" plastic couldn't be plated.

It's near the GM plant and specializes in American hot rods. Well, I guess I know where I'm not welcomed. Thanks,

Bryan

jewelry supply stores have it also

donnie,

Wow! I found the conductive primer and copper sulfate solution to build up the base prior to electroplating at the jewelery supply.

I really appreciate your help,

Bryan

im a jeweler, i use it all the time, you can plate anything with that stuff. ive plated everything from spiders to leaves!

Donnie

donnie,

This is getting very strange.

I took it to the plating guy and when he applied the nickle bath the copper plate flaked off. He states that was a result of the high temperature.

Now, he wants to plate with silver since the bath is room temperature. This guy does a lot of antique car restoration and advised me that those cars originally had silver-plated light buckets.

My questions are 1) won't the silver tarnish, and 2) will a protective coat of lacquer yellow over time?

Thanks again for your assistance.

Bryan

yes yes yes and yes. it will tarnish and it will discolor. the plating can and will flake off while plating, but if hes doing a good job it should not be a problem. If hes having trouble with chrome, see if he can do rhodium, he may not have it but worth a try

If its small enough ship it to me and ill do it.

Donnie