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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Chrome repair

I am restoring a 1959 Edsel and several of the chrome plated pieces (door handles & large trim) have pits. The chrome is not discolored nor rusted, but raised metal and sunken pits can be seen and felt. Is there a best method of repairing these areas without causing too much damage to the surrounding chrome?

Thank you.

Ivan Ogburn
- San Antonio, Texas
2003

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Sorry, no good way, Ivan. These parts are probably zinc diecastings; if pitted, it's probably over for the plating. Replating them is probably the minimum repair that can be done, and even that is not easy because the pits must be filled. Sometimes small pits can be filled by copper plating and mush buffing, but in some cases the pits must be repaired one by one by brazing and the cost can obviously be ridiculous.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

adv.