Hi Alfisti
I am looking for contact details of a supplier of NOS chrome plated dash board trims for Alfetta GTV split dash model. The trims fitted have had the chrome plating peel off over time, leaving the unsightly bare grey plastic finish (refer photo attached with trims arrowed in red). Have had quick search on the net without any luck, hopefully this post might result in locating a supplier over the next week or so or if not, need to look at other options such as re plating existing trims or covering trims with polished 304 stainless steel.
Thanks in advance
bonno
In the interim, would it be practical to remove and cover the trims with chrome-look vinyl wrap?
Are they electroplated from new or was it a thin metallic film under plastic?
I've experimented with vinyl wrap - self adhesive vinyl doesn't stay stuck down very long, and it really shows any uneven surface beneath the vinyl.
Thanks guys.
It appears that new chrome plated plastic trims are no longer available. My preference is to use 304 grade stainless steel flat bar 12W x 3mmT, that is cut and polished to the desired lengths and affixed using silicone.
Making enquiries at present with a chrome plating company located in South Australia who specializes in this type of work. I have requested a quote based on the photo and general description of trims.
Good find, by the looks of it. Could be a great excuse for a road trip.
Made several attempts via e-mail for a quote to chrome plate existing plastic trims without success. I have deleted the company referenced on the earlier thread and decided to go with my original choice to replace the dashboard trims using the 304 Stainless flat bar and have it polished. My reasoning for this option is that it will not deteriorate over time, as was the case with the original OEM design, together with finish product matching the Stainless Steel door trims located on top of door cards (refer to photo attached).
Shame about the other place not being helpful; they must have their hands full with clients like the tapware mob. But at least they could have replied.
I've just had a similar experience getting a simple fabrication for a domestic brief; all the places in Sydney that said "no job too small" either told me it wasn't a big enough job or didn't respond. Ended up outsourcing to a fabricator in the Gold Coast... I think avoiding actual work is becoming a national pastime.
CB
Funny you mention the attitude of businesses with respect to taking on small jobs, as I also experienced this when trying to get quotes for my seats via e-mail. The only time that they seem to be at all interested, is if you visit them and discuss your requirements.
Finally got a reply to my request for quote to re-chrome the plastic trims ($200) + Freight and GST. This is double the price of using the 304 SS flat bar ($20) and using service provider cut to size & buff ($120) option. I will attempt to cut and buff the pieces myself and see how it goes. The only difficult part of the whole job is removing the existing plastic trims stuck down with silicone (some form of surgical procedure required)
Cut, polished and fitted replacement 304 CRS trims as depicted in photo attached. The 304 CRS flat bar was a mill finish and required a fair bit of rubbing back with 400 wet and dry to get it to the level required for buffing to achieve the desired mirror finish, but the end result was worth the effort.
Wow, that looks great Bonno.
I actually bought some brushed aluminium to replace the tired strips on mine quite a while back but haven't got around to it yet (have to think about where I put them now...). How did you go about removing the old strips? Just forceful levering off with a screw driver?
Hi Poohbah
Apart from the glove box lid strip a simple screwdriver under the trim and gently levered them off. The trim on glove box required removal of the plastic backing plate (4 screws) to expose the star locks securing the plastic trim and prying off gently. Used good quality silicone to secure the new 304 CRS trims and taped to secure whilst curing for 24 hours. I went for the polished Stainless Steel, as it matches the trims located on door cards.
Cheers
bonno
Thanks Bonno. So you reckon silicone on its own will be strong enough to bear the weight over time?
Can’t guarantee the trims won’t fall over time, but from my experience and the data available suggests that it should do the job. Please note that to give it the best opportunity to bond between the two dissimilar materials, I ground the back face of CRS 304 strip and effectively cleaned the dashboard skin. Find link to product info I used “Permatex Black silicone”.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Permatex-3-oz-Black-Silicone-Adhesive-Sealant-75150/302775053.
Regards
bonno
Thanks Bonno, excellent tips.
Hi
I too used an aluminium strip to replace the piece of plastic on my Alfetta dash. I got the aluminium strip from Bunnings. To secure to the dash I drilled two small holes per section and tapped a thread in them. I then cut the head of some bolts and screwed in place on the aluminium sections. I glued these threaded sections in place so they would never come out. I also sanded the surface so the bolt and the face of the sections were smooth but if you look closely you will still see where the bolts are. put back in place and secured by a nut and washer. Overall a lot better than what was there and it should never come off again.
Mark
Hi
Been offline for a week or so, as I was in Tassie enjoying the sights. With respect to adequately securing trim, on my recently refurbished dash the only trim that incorporates the added securing mechanism to warrant bolting or clamping is the glove box trim circled in red (refer to attached photo). I consider that the additional weight from plastic to CRS 304 secured by good quality silicone plus the added preparation should be adequate. Further information added.
If the option to secure trims down is preferred, then another method is to secure screw/bolts is to attach flat head fasteners with a good quality epoxy on the underside of trim, thus eliminate the need to screw thru the trim and leave signs of fixing.
cheers
bonno
We're waiting for the driving highlights/lowlights of your holiday! :)
One of the highlights of the Tassie trip was the car show in Hobart