Custom Chrome?

[soulsea]

So something's been bugging my ocd and I need some help trying to track down a solution.

As you guys know, everything on the side of my Denali is chrome (door moldings, mirrors, handles, rims, roof rack) except for the metal trim on the side of the power running boards where it's some sort of brushed stainless steel (see sig pic). This inconsistency in finishes is bothering me and so I'm trying to figure out how to make that piece chrome.

After inspection and consultation with my buddy at the parts dept., that metal piece isn't a separate part number from the boards themselves, and removing it without damaging it seems a difficult prospect.

So my thought was the following ... contact a custom chrome shop, give them the exact dimensions of the piece, and have them chrome plate a really thin piece of metal that I can adhere to the existing piece and it will sit almost flush with the surrounding plastic.

The thing is I don't know how thin the chrome plated new trim can realistically be ... but, if it had to be thick enough to be visible then I could always tell them to bevel the edges before chrome plating it.

Is this a sound plan?

And if so ... anyone know a shop that could get it done for me?

Thanks.

 

[ChevyFreak]

Hmmmm.... How would you fasten on this custom chrome piece? Anything you get won't sit entirely flush. It may look okay from afar, but in the end it would still be an overlay. It would probably bother you. The running boards, especially without mud flaps, seem to take the most beating from road debris and gravel. Anything you get would have to be fastened on fairly well, and be able to take a hit from a rock.

Have you thought about having the brushed stainless steel ends on each running board painted white to match the color of your Denali? That may be another option to consider. It would help to separate some of the chrome. However, in the end, I can only offer up my opinion, not a solution.

 

[soulsea]

Well, I would adhere it with thin automotive 3M tape ... if it covers the entire surface area no way it's going to go anywhere.

I guess I was thinking of having a really thin sheet of stainless steel chromed, you know the type that comes off big rollers for all types of applications like fridge cladding an the like. And if I couldn't get it thin enough to be inconspicuous I'd have the edges beveled.

I know it seems like a lot to go through, but I'd really like to have that in chrome.

 

[ChevyFreak]

Well, I would adhere it with thin automotive 3M tape ... if it covers the entire surface area no way it's going to go anywhere.

I guess I was thinking of having a really thin sheet of stainless steel chromed, you know the type that comes off big rollers for all types of applications like fridge cladding an the like. And if I couldn't get it thin enough to be inconspicuous I'd have the edges beveled.

I know it seems like a lot to go through, but I'd really like to have that in chrome.

I understand. If it covers the entire surface you should be okay. I just know that those running boards will see everything - dirt, gravel, mud, rain, snow. You name it, and they probably will or have had it on them at some point. I guess I have just never had much luck with 3M tape, but it may work for you.

I can't imagine that it would have to be very thick, but then again, I have never had a custom piece of chrome made. I am sorry that I cannot offer any further suggestions on where to have this done, but I am sure you will be able to find a place. Good Luck, and keep us updated! I will be interested to see what you end up doing, and how it turns out!!

 

[Gzes]

I wouldn't do it. That 3m crap sucks

 

[soulsea]

I wouldn't do it. That 3m crap sucks

No it doesn't ... you can even get automotive 3M tape as strong as the strongest automotive adhesive, way stronger than if it were fastened mechanically. Some of it, you can literally never take off.

Heck, half the moldings on these trucks are attached this way, and it's not even applied on the entire surface. Same with bus/camper siding, etc.

Nah, the attaching is the least of the issues in this mod, so far as I can tell anyway.

 

[Big O]

Chrome paint? Would a polished and clear coated finish match close enough?

 

[soulsea]

Chrome paint? Would a polished and clear coated finish match close enough?

It's a good idea ... except I'm not sure paint can handle the wear of being on the side of a board without chipping pretty quickly.

My thought is that well plated chrome can ... I'm going on the experience of having the chrome boards on the hybrid which looked like new when they came off.

Whatchathink?

---------- Post added at 08:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:57 PM ----------

I should add that i have no experience with chrome paint and how realistic it emulates actual chrome ... it has always been my impression that it looks 'cheap' but that's on other people's word and not any first hand knowledge.

 

[OHSIXX]

I'll second the automotive 3M tape--if installed properly those parts will never fall off and it takes a good amount of strength to remove said items

I say contact a shop and get a thin piece of chrome and use the 3M tape.....

 

[soulsea]

Yup yup ... actually the trick with automotive 3M tape, because there are so many variations, is to find one specific to the surfaces, and most importantly to get the proper adhesion strength. It's a balancing act between getting something that bonds well enough that it will stay on, but not so well that you can never take it off if you need to.

And yeah, I need to find a custom chrome shop that will do this on spec as I can't seem to locate one in the DC area.