Chrome plating...

[echocanyons]

Is it possible to chrome plate carbon firber or fiberglass?
I would like the look and functionality of the 914-6 GT frotn bumper but I really, really like the chrome early bumpers.
I am wondering if since these bumpers are only found in carbon fiber and fiberglass if these materials are able to hold the chrome be functional after chrome plating.
I spoke with several local chrome plating shops and they have never done this before, nor have they ever heard of doing this.

Perhaps there is someone here who has had this experience???

Any and all feedback is appreciated.


Kelly
74 914 1.8
57 356 A

[alauder]

I would think you could do it in theory by first sputter-coating (Vapour Deposition) the part but it may not be possible or very expensive to do a part as big as a bumper. Another option may be painting it with a conductive paint but the finnish may not be very aesthetically pleasing.

Plating plastic is routene but plating Glass or Carbon filled epoxy is not.

http://www.ogdenchrome.com/

http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=32903


From Encyclopedia Britanica------

Plating metal may be transferred to conductive surfaces (metals) or to nonconductive surfaces (plastics, wood, leather) after the latter have been rendered conductive by such processes as coating with graphite, conductive lacquer, electroless plate, or a vaporized coating.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Have you given any thought to a chrome-like vinyl sticker? It might not work too great, considering the curvature of the bumper, but then again it might work. I'd suggest talking to some local vinyl sign shops to see if they have any suggestions. I've seen complete cars done in vinyl, and they only looked bad in a couple of areas.

Heh--that's fairly "anti-rice", a vinyl sticker to make a carbon fiber part look like a metal part.

--DD

[echocanyons]

After a little bit of reserch I found out that there are places that do this type of plating, but they use a certain semi-precious metal to powder coat the material thus rendering the surface cunducive to the chrome plating(as stated by alauder).
Apparently the metal used is pretty pricey (like 400.00 an ounce) and one bumper would cost in the $500.00-$800.00 price range.
So I guess the big question is, is it worth it???
I'll have to ponder that...

Anyways Thank you for your feedback Alauder and Dave Darling.

Kelly

[bowlsby]

I can't imagine why you'd *want* to cover up carbon fiber....express the material! Chroming it would cheapen the look, making it something it isn't.

Didn't know carbon fiber anything was even available for the 914, unless its custom.

Some day there will be completely carbon fiber unibody vehicles...

[echocanyons]

Bowlsby,
I agree that he CF does look sharp, but I very much like the look of the original cars with the chrome bumper (although I dont think that they ever made a chrome 914-6 gt bumper).
I would rather go with a steel one but I don't think that they were ever produced.
By the way, GT-racing.com sells some CF parts for the 914 as well as many for the the 911.

Kelly

74 914 1.8
57 356 A

[Va914]

What about de-chrome'n the door handles and trim pieces? I have seen some cars all blacked out..

Just curious?

[David McLaughlin]

am pondering the same thing. I like the weight advantage and functionality of the GT front bumpers as I will be adding a front oil cooler. I also like the look of chrome sine it's not seen that much on todays roads plus I like the crash protection that steel gives me. So, What to do?

One option is to paint the lower part of the fiberglass bumpers with a "chrome" rattle can paint. Griots garage has a good one. The outcome would be more of a brushed aluminum look than chrome but may due. Another idea is one that a certain Atlanta shop had done and was seen in European Car. To modify a chrome bumper to match the GT bumpers. You don't get the weight savings, but you do get the chrome look and steel crash protection.

Its only money, so you what pleases you.



------------------
Dave
1970 914/6
1995 Golf GTI-VR6
1996 Passat TDI