Chrome Plating Tips for 56/57 Tail Lights

[Richard M.]

I've had plating done recently for a nice set of cores for a Corvette acquaintance(who posts here often and I'd really like to meet some day!). I went to pick them up and was disappointed with the inside corner area at the bottom of the lens on both. A year ago the same shop did 2 for me and they were fine. This time not so.....The plating was dull 1/2" on one and 3/4" on the other from the corners. They are doing them over again.

This is a difficult area to plate due to the process. The plating process in the deep corner areas is dependent on several factors.....the length of time in the bath, the anode strength, the current applied, and the amount of impurities in the bath. It can take a 1/2 hour or more in the bath to get adequate plating in the corners.

So.....FYI, when getting yours chromed, make sure they know about the importance of plating in this area. Here are a few tips to arm yourself when you talk to them.......

The repro lens gaskets are apx 3/16" thick. The lens is 1/4' thick, totaling 7/16" thickness. Ensure that they will get adequate plating in the corners at a minimum of 1/4" to 3/8" away from the lower inside corner. This will give you a satisfactory result.

Rich
p.s. pics are of the ones I had done a year ago. Now I need a car to put them on!

[Patrick T.]

Re: Chrome Plating Tips for 56/57 Tail Lights

I had Paul's Chrome Plating do my '57 tail lights and they came out perfect. PT

[Steven B.]

Re: Chrome Plating Tips for 56/57 Tail Lights

Rich, in '65 I ordered an extra set from my local Chevy dealer and the plating in the corners of each was not quite as good as your pics. In '67 I saw another set come out of the GM box and they were the same, thin to no chrome in that area. My originals were also thin in that area.

In the early 80's a friend bought a '60 with the original chrome. We removed the lenses and they also were thinly plated (little to no chrome) in the corners.

Steve