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Tux License Plate Light Housing

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by truckee4x4, Jan 31, 2022.

  1. Jan 31, 2022
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Truckee CA
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    67F8B5CE-5DEF-4A92-B35B-5ADE4A77168D.jpeg 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.
    A39D4DE6-AEBC-4430-BDE9-B0B65EA8F724.jpeg
    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.
    16912675-DFAA-437D-8638-ECF7D37407C7.jpeg
    Has anyone dealt with restoring one of these before?
     
  2. Jan 31, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    truckee4x4 likes this.
  3. Feb 1, 2022
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    well deep pockets maybe required
    Paul's Chrome
    Ogden Chrome
     
  4. Feb 1, 2022
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
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    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?
     
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  5. Feb 1, 2022
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    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
     
  6. Feb 1, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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  7. Feb 1, 2022
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  8. Feb 1, 2022
    SoCalNickG

    SoCalNickG Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Whittier, CA.
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    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
     
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  9. Feb 1, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    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.
     
  10. Feb 1, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    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.
     
  11. May 16, 2022
    Erikjw

    Erikjw New Member

    Fairfax, VA
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    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
     
  12. May 18, 2022
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    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 :sneak:
     
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  13. May 19, 2022
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    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
     
  14. May 31, 2022
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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