Refurb of Slimline tank badges

Previously wrote:

I brought a pair of Slimline Tank Badges that were very "pimply". I knew they were made of "Soft" metal but I set to rubbing them back. I was chuffed with the smooth surface I ended up with so set off to the Chromers with them only to be told they could not be rechromed because they were made of a "soft" metal (I knew that - he called it"Mazac").

So, my next thought is to spray them with a Chrome effect paint (Unless I recieve some better ideas). However, the surface is now patches of bright chrome/dull chrome/base metal. Suggestions of the sort of Primer to use to get a good key would be appreciated.

Cheers. Mick Pond.

hello mick well the chromer was not the best guy for the job There a process called Cold Chroming ,by Speed Demon www.speed-demon.co.ukand that sell chroming kits too So you can get them chromed ? hope this helps a and merry christmas ??

Hi Michael. I think I would get them Powder Coated. You can get some excellent "Chrome Lookalike" powder coat finishes.

Perhaps call: http://www.triple-s.co.uk/index.htmto see if it can be done. If you do, let us know please.

I would imagine there are other companiesthatcould also do the work.

Les

Previously wrote:

I brought a pair of Slimline Tank Badges that were very "pimply". I knew they were made of "Soft" metal but I set to rubbing them back. I was chuffed with the smooth surface I ended up with so set off to the Chromers with them only to be told they could not be rechromed because they were made of a "soft" metal (I knew that - he called it"Mazac").

So, my next thought is to spray them with a Chrome effect paint (Unless I recieve some better ideas). However, the surface is now patches of bright chrome/dull chrome/base metal. Suggestions of the sort of Primer to use to get a good key would be appreciated.

Cheers. Mick Pond.

Hello Mick - an update. Speed Demon is now Caswell Plating kits hope this helps. Yours Anna J Dixon

Previously wrote:

Previously wrote:

Hi Anna and Chris.

I have now found a local company that reckon they can chrome die-cast Zanac. I'm going to let them have a go and will report back.

Have you seen the Powder Coating idea. If this doesn't work I will give that a try.

Cheers.

Mick.

I have finally got the Tank Badges back from chroming. It took 4 weeks and cost £60 for the pair. They couldn't get all the "pimples" out but I think they have done a good job with what I gave them. They were done by Russell at Silvabronz at Alton Hampshire.

Cheers. Mick.

Hi Mick, Don't go down this powdercoating lark for your tank badges. You are correct that the badges are made of a bastardized material called mazak. If you take them to a quality platers such as Marque Restore Chrome Plating Ltd in Coventry (Tel. 024 7662 2225)they will build up the badgewith copper prior to polishing then plating.I had them do my badges a number of years ago and they were very pitted, but the finished result were superb.

Regards, Paul.

Michael Pond previously wrote on Friday 14th January 2011 at 15.38hrs:

I have finally got the Tank Badges back from chroming. It took 4 weeks and cost £60 for the pair. They couldn't get all the "pimples" out but I think they have done a good job with what I gave them. They were done by Russell at Silvabronz at Alton Hampshire.

Cheers. Mick.

Hello Mick,

Glad you are satisfied with the job.

It would be interesting tohave before & after pictures of those badges, so wemay see what can beachieved by Silvabronz. I have had goodwork from Marque Restore of Coventry, who were mentioned by Paul Webb. They made a superb job of re-chroming some rusty slimline mudguards and 'wing-nut' tank caps for me about 6 years ago.

Paul

Previously wrote:

I brought a pair of Slimline Tank Badges that were very "pimply". I knew they were made of "Soft" metal but I set to rubbing them back. I was chuffed with the smooth surface I ended up with so set off to the Chromers with them only to be told they could not be rechromed because they were made of a "soft" metal (I knew that - he called it"Mazac").

So, my next thought is to spray them with a Chrome effect paint (Unless I recieve some better ideas). However, the surface is now patches of bright chrome/dull chrome/base metal. Suggestions of the sort of Primer to use to get a good key would be appreciated.

Cheers. Mick Pond.

Mick,

Many classic car parts were also made from Mazak but the important point is that they WERE once chrome-plated, so it is obviously possible to do! You'll find copper beneath the chrome. I had some of my old Jaguar Mazak parts "dip-stripped" in an acid bath and it left the copper for re-chroming. As you know, the problem with Mazak is the corrosion pitting. Slimline badges are available in cast brass which avoids the chroming problem.

It's possible to chrome-plate plastic parts too (you'll see numerous household items and toys with this) but all this work is specialised so your local chrome plater isn't likely to do it.

Good luck

Lionel

Previously wrote:

Hi Mick.

Nothing to help with your badges but I noticed you had then repaired at a chromers in Alton so I wondered if you were the Mick Pond from BAT Southampton. If so I would like to get in touch with you as I still have my 650 SS.

Regards

Eric Foulkes

Previously wrote:

Hi Anna and Chris.

I have now found a local company that reckon they can chrome die-cast Zanac. I'm going to let them have a go and will report back.

Have you seen the Powder Coating idea. If this doesn't work I will give that a try.

Cheers.

Mick.

I have finally got the Tank Badges back from chroming. It took 4 weeks and cost £60 for the pair. They couldn't get all the "pimples" out but I think they have done a good job with what I gave them. They were done by Russell at Silvabronz at Alton Hampshire.

Cheers. Mick.