Chrome Trim Refurbishment
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm after recommendations for a company/person who can restore the centre chrome boot strip on my 2010 DBS coupe. I believe it is anodised aluminium (base material) as it has weathered in the form of a white powder on the right hand side. Doesn't look good! Online searches suggest there are plenty of repairers out there, but when you actually tell them what it is, they are not able to replicate the finish. Any suggestions welcome! Before I am forced to shell out £950 for a new part.
I'm after recommendations for a company/person who can restore the centre chrome boot strip on my 2010 DBS coupe. I believe it is anodised aluminium (base material) as it has weathered in the form of a white powder on the right hand side. Doesn't look good! Online searches suggest there are plenty of repairers out there, but when you actually tell them what it is, they are not able to replicate the finish. Any suggestions welcome! Before I am forced to shell out £950 for a new part.
blackrock1 said:
Hi all,
I'm after recommendations for a company/person who can restore the centre chrome boot strip on my 2010 DBS coupe. I believe it is anodised aluminium (base material) as it has weathered in the form of a white powder on the right hand side. Doesn't look good! Online searches suggest there are plenty of repairers out there, but when you actually tell them what it is, they are not able to replicate the finish. Any suggestions welcome! Before I am forced to shell out £950 for a new part.
Been there, it’s a very common issue. Not only is the new boot finisher outrageously expensive but when you try to buy a replacement you discover that Aston demand that you send them yours in exchange first!I'm after recommendations for a company/person who can restore the centre chrome boot strip on my 2010 DBS coupe. I believe it is anodised aluminium (base material) as it has weathered in the form of a white powder on the right hand side. Doesn't look good! Online searches suggest there are plenty of repairers out there, but when you actually tell them what it is, they are not able to replicate the finish. Any suggestions welcome! Before I am forced to shell out £950 for a new part.
Not quite what you're asking for, but could you wrap it in a similar colour vinyl?
I had to match some plastic components to go with polished aluminium, and I used some "chrome finish" vinyl that was practically indistinguishable from the metal when the parts were right next to each other.
Perhaps a similar satin finish product would do what you need? It would cost a fraction of having the part re-anodised.
I had to match some plastic components to go with polished aluminium, and I used some "chrome finish" vinyl that was practically indistinguishable from the metal when the parts were right next to each other.
Perhaps a similar satin finish product would do what you need? It would cost a fraction of having the part re-anodised.
InitialDave said:
Not quite what you're asking for, but could you wrap it in a similar colour vinyl?
I had to match some plastic components to go with polished aluminium, and I used some "chrome finish" vinyl that was practically indistinguishable from the metal when the parts were right next to each other.
Perhaps a similar satin finish product would do what you need? It would cost a fraction of having the part re-anodised.
Just a wild stab in the dark, but I'd guess you don't actually own an Aston, and certainly not a DBS.I had to match some plastic components to go with polished aluminium, and I used some "chrome finish" vinyl that was practically indistinguishable from the metal when the parts were right next to each other.
Perhaps a similar satin finish product would do what you need? It would cost a fraction of having the part re-anodised.
LTP said:
Just a wild stab in the dark, but I'd guess you don't actually own an Aston, and certainly not a DBS.
The OP is asking for advice on refurbishing the trim at a lower cost than the AM replacement part, and I was suggesting a way of doing that. He is free to consider the suggestion or not. InitialDave said:
The OP is asking for advice on refurbishing the trim at a lower cost than the AM replacement part, and I was suggesting a way of doing that. He is free to consider the suggestion or not.
A fair point. I personally doubt that anyone who owned a DBS would want to wrap a piece of the exterior brightware.Just so you understand the part, the picture below shows the rear of a DBS, and the piece under consideration is the thin strip of brightware that runs across the entire width of the boot above the number plate, that then visually extends into the two smaller pieces of brightware fixed either side on the rear quarters above the rear lamps, making a continuous, slim bright arc on the rear of the car. Many people will use the centre brightware to open the boot lid
Edited by LTP on Friday 26th August 12:53
LTP said:
A fair point. I personally doubt that anyone who owned a DBS would want to wrap a piece of the exterior brightware.
Just so you understand the part, the picture below shows the rear of a DBS, and the piece under consideration is the thin strip of brightware that runs across the entire width of the boot above the number plate, that then visually extends into the two smaller pieces of brightware fixed either side on the rear quarters above the rear lamps, making a continuous, slim bright arc on the rear of the car. Many people will use the centre brightware to open the boot lid
Yes, I figured it was that part. I just wanted to make the suggestion to the OP, as having had to address a similar issue myself matching a metal finish, I was very impressed with the stuff.Just so you understand the part, the picture below shows the rear of a DBS, and the piece under consideration is the thin strip of brightware that runs across the entire width of the boot above the number plate, that then visually extends into the two smaller pieces of brightware fixed either side on the rear quarters above the rear lamps, making a continuous, slim bright arc on the rear of the car. Many people will use the centre brightware to open the boot lid
Edited by LTP on Friday 26th August 12:53
Just an update - I tried all recommendations including Vernon Moss and they wouldn't entertain the repair. Whilst very helpful, many weren't comfortable in attempting it. It isn't just a straightforward chrome re-plate.
Anyway, I stumbled across Chrome Fix in Birmingham. They have repaired both the rear boot trim and also one of the side trims (it had yellowed slightly). I collect tomorrow so will update then - £150 all in. They actually suggested that both trim pieces were more likened to a nickel finish so I went with their suggestion. Will post photos shortly. Fingers crossed it's a good finish.
Anyway, I stumbled across Chrome Fix in Birmingham. They have repaired both the rear boot trim and also one of the side trims (it had yellowed slightly). I collect tomorrow so will update then - £150 all in. They actually suggested that both trim pieces were more likened to a nickel finish so I went with their suggestion. Will post photos shortly. Fingers crossed it's a good finish.
Ah, top stuff, OP, hope you're happy with it, price sounds pretty fair for a one-off job.
May be worth asking them when you pick it up if they have recommendations for future care, waxes/sealants/coatings meant for paintwork don't always work so well on a polished or plated metal finish.
May be worth asking them when you pick it up if they have recommendations for future care, waxes/sealants/coatings meant for paintwork don't always work so well on a polished or plated metal finish.
blackrock1 said:
Just an update - I tried all recommendations including Vernon Moss and they wouldn't entertain the repair. Whilst very helpful, many weren't comfortable in attempting it. It isn't just a straightforward chrome re-plate.
Anyway, I stumbled across Chrome Fix in Birmingham. They have repaired both the rear boot trim and also one of the side trims (it had yellowed slightly). I collect tomorrow so will update then - £150 all in. They actually suggested that both trim pieces were more likened to a nickel finish so I went with their suggestion. Will post photos shortly. Fingers crossed it's a good finish.
I came across this thread when searching for a solution to the usual DBS chrome trim issue. I'd be interested to see how it worked out with Chrome Fix?Anyway, I stumbled across Chrome Fix in Birmingham. They have repaired both the rear boot trim and also one of the side trims (it had yellowed slightly). I collect tomorrow so will update then - £150 all in. They actually suggested that both trim pieces were more likened to a nickel finish so I went with their suggestion. Will post photos shortly. Fingers crossed it's a good finish.
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