Door and rear arm rest plastic chrome. Been looking for a solution for years. Does anyone have a legit method to restore this yellow crap? The plastic cannot be brought back and I have tried. I want to chrome the plastic underneath but thats not possible.
This has been discussed multiple times. Because the of the way door panels are made it’s a tough one. Some paint it silver because they know they will be satisfied with it. Some have used and suggest using mylar tape. I personally used shiny aluminum tape like what is used to do heat duct wrapping. Careful work with an exacto knife and some light polishing when done, and it shines nice, and yielded very satisfying results for me.
There are some decent chrome paint pens, like Molotow Liquid Chrome. That’s about the best you can do by hand.
The problem with the door panels is that you can’t separate the plastic ‘chrome’ trim as it’s melted (vulcanized?) to the panels. If you could separate them, you’d be able to send them somewhere that does plastic chrome (vacuum plating). But sadly that’s not an option.
What I eventually did was have brand new door panels made by SMS Auto Fabrics. There are some slight differences from the originals, but they came out very nice.
you might want to look up vacuum metallization services or ask if anyone here has had plastic components chromed by this or through electrolysis. West Coast Classic Cougar is another company you might want to inquire as they offer restoration services for many component including the 1967/68 instrument cluster bezel, a plated plastic component. Whether they do this in house or send it out they are worth looking into.
Unfortunately there is no good way to restore the originals, I love the decor trim panels but it sucks there is not much of an option for restore the chrome on basket weave. That section does not come off the panel like the rear ones do. It’s all part of the door pane material. To make matters worse there is no good option for new either at least not for the decor trim panels. I opted for the paint option on mine and was very satisfied with the results. However it fit my interior styling so it’s not for everyone especially if your trying to bring it back to a stock look. I used the chrome pen for the walking cat and I liked how it worked, I’ve used it for a couple other details and it works well, not sure how it would look on the entire trim however.
Here is what it looks painted, the beauty is you can choose any color combo you want. You might be able to use some chrome paint as well but it’s always more satin in finish then actual chrome. This panel was ivy gold to start.
That does look good. I am having the door panels done to original look. The rear seat panels have a metal backing with tabs that go thru the panel. I am going to do the same with the front panels. Houston Chrome has a method to paint the cleaned plastic parts to look like Chrome. Its not cheap but it looks just like Chrome. My only concern is finding an adhesive that will allow me to glue the new chromed pieces onto the vinyl so that it looks original. Any ideas for an adhesive. The upholsterer is talking about using panel bond since it stick and nothing comes off. I will start posting photos when I get the Chrome pieces back. If it looks good I will try to hook up as many of you that wants the same done. As I said, I was able to get the chrome pieces off with a very good razor knife and that included the Cougar logos. They look perfect in new paint. Now just to find a good adhesive to put them back on with. To be honest they came off pretty easy and the back ones were super easy. The hard part was removing the yellow plastic and foil from the flexible trim.