| Everyone knows that Paul’s Chrome Plating has been the state-of-the-art place for all your chroming needs when it comes to bright work and metal. In today’s segment of Eastwood Garage, Dennis is joined by Jim Hespenheide who tells him about Paul’s latest trick: the chroming of plastic parts! To set the mood, Dennis brought his wife’s Falcon to the garage today as an example of the quality chrome plating work that Paul’s Chrome Plating is known for. At that point, Jim tells Dennis that he has been with the business (working with his father, Fred) and that 32 of their employees have been with them since 1977! Consequently, you know that if these guys are doing the work, it is being done correctly. Something else to keep in mind is that when most chrome plating work is done, there is a buildup of chrome on certain areas that can affect the correct fit when the part is reinstalled. That, however, is not the case with chrome work from Paul’s. They make sure that no buildup occurs so that the part will fit perfectly when it comes back to you. Now, let’s get to plastic! Jim tells Dennis that first the part must be taken down to the bare plastic. Then it must be repaired in case there are any breaks or cracks. Next, the part is impregnated with silver so that it will conduct electricity. Then it is built with copper and sanded and buffed. Finally, there is a nickel-cobalt plating alloy for corrosion resistance. So essentially what has been produced is a plastic part encased in copper and then plated. To show an example of this process, Jim brought a few parts with him. First he showed Dennis a dash piece from a 1965 Barracuda and the radio bezel for the car as well. As Dennis handled each piece, he was surprised by how heavy and thick they were. However, they still fit perfectly! Jim said that their chroming process for plastic adds a great deal of durability to the part as well as a great appearance! He also brought a Bentley grille and a passenger “grab” bar for a motorcycle with him. Each looked better than brand new and both were more durable than ever. In addition, Jim said that while other companies are attempting to do this type of work, no one else does plastic chroming like Paul’s Chrome Plating!
If you would like to know more about Paul’s Chrome Plating, you can visit them on the web at www.paulschrome.com, or you can give them a call at 800-245-8679. By the way, don’t forget when you are looking for unique automotive tools and supplies for your automobile restoration, you should give the folks at Eastwood Eastwood a visit at www.eastwood.com.
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