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Success! Removing chrome from Supraphonic

Posts: 96 Threads: 23

After asking everyone the best way to successfully remove chrome from my 1964 Supraphonic (http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=46057), I took John's advice and sought out a plater. Unfortunately, my only local plater turned me down when I requested a reverse-electrolysis removal, informing me that current EPA requirements on the procedure have become cost prohibitive and they no longer offer the service - but they would remove the chrome by hand at an estimated $360. Ouch!!

As I continued to call on an ever widening circle of platers in the Mid-west, I continued to receive the same response. No Can Do. And all had only variations of hydrochloric acid or caustic removal methods that would toast the aluminum.

Called Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Denver, Kansas City....on and on and on....

Finally I got the answer I was looking for.....Nitric Acid bath. Completely harmless to the aluminum, but completely removes all trace of the chrome.

The best part was, it only cost me $40, and the cost of shipping and back, from Iowa to Santa Ana, California. (UPS Ground as slow as it could go).

Two weeks later - TA DA!

Fresh out of the box, ready for a dual action orbital sander and 220, 320, 400 grit sanding, green compound and an air wheel buffer to finish and put this beauty back on the road to righteousness.

These guys did a fantastic job - http://www.chromeplating.com

Cool Dude

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 13 Threads: 3

Cool1 Cool1 Cool1

Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 1867 Threads: 179

That is great news.

Santa Ana, fairly close to me.

Good to know.

We want to see the polishing process you do.

Or, are you going to your polisher dude?

Cool

sa

BLAEMIRE DRUMS
Thanks to Mr. Jerry Jenkins
Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

looking forward to the end results

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 1113 Threads: 60

I work like ten minutes from that place.

"Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail". John Wooden

Blaemire / Jenkins-Martin drums.

http://www.jenkinsmartindrums.com/
Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 1094 Threads: 183

awesome! I've been on the same quest to restore my dad's 64 Supra. It's REAL bad. Looking forward to your finished product!!

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Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 2023 Threads: 47

I really like that picture you took of the raw shell. It's an industrial art piece. You could blow that up to like fourteen feet...

It would be fun to experiment with a few of these flaky snares, if you knew how to safely alter the look of the various metals - rust, heat discoloration etc....maybe

Cool project.

Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 120 Threads: 42

can you use that process for the lugs and rods too? or only alum?

Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 1525 Threads: 127

I have a Supra waiting to be de chromed. Found a place in Sebastion FL. Who can do it. Just waiting until I can get up there. Anxious to see your results.

Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 1955 Threads: 68

From poregon

These guys did a fantastic job - http://www.chromeplating.com Cool Dude

Thanks for that link. Checked out Classic Chrome Plating's site. Looks like they do great plating. I especially liked their Candy Chrome options:

[Attachment: 74855]

Imagine a Supra or a whole COW set replated in these colors! Opens up all kinds of possibilities.

Mike

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-No Guru... still learning more every day-
Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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