beetle786 wrote:
Anyone know the difference between nickel plating and chrome plating .
Nickel plating is the primary plating layer, after copper. It is usually seen on older vehicles, particularly old English motorcycles, before chroming became the preferred plating finish. It is usually identified by a slight yellowish tinge, whereas chrome is brighter and has a slightly blue-ish tinge. That said, chrome plating is actually just a thin sealing layer on top of the nickel plating, which helps prevent oxidising of the nickel. First the part is polished and then copper plated, followed by more polishing and then it is nickel plated. Finally, it is chrome plated, sealing in the shiny goodness.
As for where to get it done, I've used Supreme Bumpers and got fantastic results, albeit at a stiff price. I've also recommended them to friends, with mixed results. There is also African Electroplaters on the West Rand, who do a good job, but do tend to take their time about it. What I can say with certainty though, is that for a premium finish, you will pay a premium price. Hopefully you find a nice surprise under that black paint and won't have to fork out for a new plating job.
I've used various methods for removing paint; acetone works best on normal paint, applied with a sturdy paint brush. For more hardy paint, I've had good results with Nitromors and various other industrial paint strippers. Use a plastic scraper if you can, otherwise use a normal scraper with a good edge and be very careful. Whatever you use though, make sure you wear gloves.
Hope you come right.
