Tux License Plate Light Housing

I pulled this out of the box last week and took it to the chrome shop and they said they couldn’t re-chrome it. They said the pitting was so bad that in order to sand blast it down, the pot metal would be too thin and they’d blast through it.

So - what to do? I seriously doubt I’ll ever find another one of these, and it seems like this one is right on the line between putting effort into it, or just putting it on and running it as is.

The inside is in pretty bad shape too, and the threaded bolt holes “might” hold on enough to where I wouldn’t worry about it rattling off.

Has anyone dealt with restoring one of these before?

 

Just a crazy idea... (couldn't find "chrome" at a glance)

OVERTURE PETG Filament 1.75mm, 3D Printer Consumables, 1kg Filament (2.2lbs), Dimensional Accuracy 99% Probability +/- 0.03 mm, Fit Most FDM Printer (Gold) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DNP42JF/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_0ZWHN4P21FQX7JE55A83

 

well deep pockets maybe required
Paul's Chrome
Ogden Chrome

 

Would it be possible to cast a new one then have it rechromed? Or strip the chrome off of it and very carefully fill in the pits?

 

Not really thinking about going that route on my build; I'm not interested in car shows or anything. Just wondering about DIY clean up options if anyone knows of any.

I was thinking about bead blasting it and seeing how bad it is....

I've heard of this process before but I'm a total novice, and I mentioned it to the chrome shop and they said 'that won't work."



To be honest, I'm on the fence about putting in a new light fixture, and just bolting it on and enjoying the patina! I do have a set of chrome tail lamps (thanks to the generosity of Rick Whitson) that I will get re-chromed one day when I save up and do the bumpers.

I also need to figure out how to clean the glass fixture from inside of this as well.

Did find this on Ebay - maybe this one is worth thhe $40 and trying to repair it:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203613615435?hash=item2f6851354b:g:4d8AAOSwqTVgNYTW

 

3d print then chrome plate it?

https://www.thehogring.com/2012/10/16/6-ways-to-transform-plastic-into-chrome/

 

Interesting. I’m not very good at SolidWorks or Fusion3D - how would one make a 3D Model of one of these? Send it off somewhere to be scanned?

 

You shouldn't blast to remove the chrome (and the copper/nickel under the chrome). The plating should be chemically stripped to the base pot metal (zinc die cast). The problems starts with the fact that you need specialized chemistry to remove the layers of plating without damaging the zinc die cast. Once you’re down to base metal, the pits can usually be dealt with but it can be a lot of work. It is specialty work for sure and it doesn’t come cheap.

If this is not a restoration and you are just making the Jeep nice and clean, you might try some rattle can chrome. Rust-Oleum has one. I have no experience with these paints but it might be worth the try.

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-7...ocphy=9030949&hvtargid=pla-511352532712&psc=1

 

I'ld do a revolve for the basic bell shape.
Extrude the bolt pattern
Extrude cut the window
Then a final cut for the tab.

Pm me a reminder next week if another solution doesn't present itself. the work PC is in the space my printing PC normally lives.

 

You need to poke around and see if anyone in the area is set up to cast aluminum. You can use your old part as a form to make a new one.

 

you may wish to send pics and or speak with Wayne's Chrome Plating 540-220-6884 is Wayne's #. He is currently wrapping up the bumpers for my '66 Tux. He does all kinds of car stuff. Good guy...and VERY knowledgeable about this stuff. He is in Virginia

 

Truckee sent me his part, I scanned it, created it in CAD and 3d printed it, and sanded it smooth and shipped it back.
It's been cold so he hadt had a chance to try the chrome spray paint.
On my end I made the nut insert wall too thin and they split when I put them in. Yes, I tapped them before I tried to screw them in.

So if it looks halfway decent after it's painted, let me know and I can mass produce them

 

Yes, repairing rotted zinc is an expensive process. 3D printing may be a way to go. I’ve heard of a process where plastic can be affordably chrome plated.
I have always planned on turning down a light housing from brass stock, then having it chrome plated.
-Donny

 

It's finally warm enough I will give this a go this week!