Chroming Aprilia grill

[lancialulu]

Any recommendations on rechroming my Aprilia front (inner) radiator grill.

I took it to my normal guy and was told v difficult because of the fine "mesh" behind the thin vertical ribs as you need to plate onto polished metal. Its all one piece... He is an old fashioned 3 metal plater so I think he would do it if possible.

Any suggestions?? I will review the diy thread that el Colnel posted some time back.

Tim

[Dilambdaman]

CROYDON ELECTRO PLATING CO LTD
2 BRIDGE PARADE, WADDON ROAD
CR0 4JH CROYDON , SURREY

Phone: +44 (0) 20 8688 4709

I've used them quite a lot and they've been quick and not too expensive.

Robin.

[Sliding Pillar]

The mesh behind the vertical strips should be painted satin black, not chrome.
The same applies for the Aurelia.

[ColinMarr]

My memory is that the outer shell of the rad grill consists of the surround and one vertical central piece – all of which was bright chromed. The inner mesh was a separate piece with fitting screws to hold it into the surround, which in my case was painted body colour and it looked great.

Colin

[Dilambdaman]

The mesh behind the vertical strips should be painted satin black, not chrome.
The same applies for the Aurelia.

Yes I agree, same as the Dilambda. I was going to get the centre of the grill chromed but it was too pitted so painted if silver. Then just as I was about to have a new grill made in brass someone suggested that it should be black and looking at pictures of Dilambdas realised that was correct. Did so and it looks not only great but right.

Robin.

[Sliding Pillar]

Colin, I'm not sure if you understood what I meant.  The surround is chromed, it's the separate mesh behind that you get chromed and then paint all the individual horizontal bars black. This gives the appearance of just vertical chromed strips

[ColinMarr]

Ade,

On reflection I am sure you are correct – it was probably only the recessed horizontal bits that were painted blue/ black on my old car.

See two options in photo below.

Colin

[Sliding Pillar]

Those are great photos for showing the contrast Colin. Just painted black looks OK, but a bit dull and all chrome is just too bling. Contrast these photos with mine of the Aurelia grille with the horizontals painted black and verticals chrome...... just right!

[GG]

What we did (on Aurelia grille) is chrome the inside piece, then mask off the ribs with rubber "C" channels, and pain the in-between areas black. I think this is how it was - according to the unrestored Appia grille alongside. Then again, 50 years of age have had their impact on the Appia grille too....