Post by rodburner on Nov 18, 2009 13:59:33 GMT -5
I made one up today so I can prepare for the next round. The one I have is falling apart and I figured I would make another one and show ya how it's done. This is what you need to send parts out for new chrome plating. Guys like myself who restore old kits often get bumpers, lights , hub caps etc with bad chrome.
Supplies you will need to buyEvergreen Styrene Strips .188x.188, K&S #505 Music wire (or metal coat hanger) and Permatex "Clear" Silicone RTV Adhesive.
Tools you will needNeedle Nose Pliers, Sidecutters, 3/32 or size smaller drill bit and a Standard Ruler
Bend to shape with pliers (vice recommended)I recommend a wire coat hanger over music wire, it's much easier to bend! The shape is bent to 6x8 inches.
Spread it openThis is so after you drill the holes into the styrene strips, it will slip over the corners easier. (the holes will stretch a little while putting them on)
You will need 4-5 of the styrene strips 6 1/4 inches longCut them to length using your razor saw or use your imagination and find a sharp tool at your bench.
Finished productAfter you drill holes at each end of the styrene strip (holes do not have to be perfectly on aligned but close to the edges), slip them all onto the "closed" side and then bend it back into a rectangle shape. Once you do that, slip them over the other side which is "open" and then wrap a small piece of wire around the two open edges to keep them together. After you have it all secure and in shape, you can use some of that RTV to "seal" it and prevent sharp edges from poking or cutting anyone. This is a very easy project and takes about 20 minutes or less. As you can see it does not have to be perfect, it's going to get abused and depending on how many times you use it, it's going to come back with more and more chrome and left over RTV from previous times. It's best to keep it clean and store in a zip lock back so when it comes time to mail it off, your parts won't come back with hair or dust on them.
Remember, not being perfect allows adjustablility!
Don't worry , you will need that RTV for mounting your parts! It's great because the parts stay in place and when you remove them, the RTV comes off easily.
Supplies you will need to buyEvergreen Styrene Strips .188x.188, K&S #505 Music wire (or metal coat hanger) and Permatex "Clear" Silicone RTV Adhesive.
Tools you will needNeedle Nose Pliers, Sidecutters, 3/32 or size smaller drill bit and a Standard Ruler
Bend to shape with pliers (vice recommended)I recommend a wire coat hanger over music wire, it's much easier to bend! The shape is bent to 6x8 inches.
Spread it openThis is so after you drill the holes into the styrene strips, it will slip over the corners easier. (the holes will stretch a little while putting them on)
You will need 4-5 of the styrene strips 6 1/4 inches longCut them to length using your razor saw or use your imagination and find a sharp tool at your bench.
Finished productAfter you drill holes at each end of the styrene strip (holes do not have to be perfectly on aligned but close to the edges), slip them all onto the "closed" side and then bend it back into a rectangle shape. Once you do that, slip them over the other side which is "open" and then wrap a small piece of wire around the two open edges to keep them together. After you have it all secure and in shape, you can use some of that RTV to "seal" it and prevent sharp edges from poking or cutting anyone. This is a very easy project and takes about 20 minutes or less. As you can see it does not have to be perfect, it's going to get abused and depending on how many times you use it, it's going to come back with more and more chrome and left over RTV from previous times. It's best to keep it clean and store in a zip lock back so when it comes time to mail it off, your parts won't come back with hair or dust on them.
Remember, not being perfect allows adjustablility!
Don't worry , you will need that RTV for mounting your parts! It's great because the parts stay in place and when you remove them, the RTV comes off easily.
It's an interweb thing.....