Chrome(ing) Rocker Covers

[Shoe Man]

I'm having some work done to my 500 Chim (new stealth cam etc - see earlier threads). Obviously I've got the rocker covers off and they're fair to midlin scruffy - I've thought about having them chromed rather than re-powder coated in purple. I'm planning to 'tart up' the engine bay as much as pos during the summer. Does anyone have any experience of chromed (or chroming) of rocker covers?

Help and advice/comments (as always) gratefully received.

Thanks. Ian

[dickkark]

just have the ally ones polished,they come up a treat.

[Shoe Man]

Thanks Dick - good point (obviously an engineer!!) I don't even know if it's possible to chrome aluminium!! Any pointer to who/where in south/south west england?

[T40ORA]

Apparently just elbow grease and time, and it's a DIY job. Nice article in the MX5 owners club magazine about it.

[mickypee]

It is possible to chrome alloy, I have done it lots of times. It involves polishing the base metal, and then it undergoes a process known as the "bondle process" (i think thats the spelling) then a copper base coat, nickel coat and then chrome. It comes out nicely, but it is very sensitve to salt and moisture. If you garage the car and drive it on dry days, then you should be fine. Or, what about chrome powdercoat. I have had a bell housing for my Cossir S done and it looks the bizz. Or the best way is shotblast and stove enamel with a colour. Red is perhaps the most popular. then if you need some TVR badge, gime me a call, as I have made 100 pairs, although, they do seem to be going at a steady rate, so I might have to make some more. Have a look on TVR classifieds. Call or email me if you need some advice.

Mike

[David H]

Plenty of chrome alloys around. An option on some Bentleys and Corvettes amongst many other. If done properly it'll last a long time (wheels have a very harsh environment).

I polished my TVR rocker covers but didn't like the look so had them powder coated.