Removing the chrome surface from aluminum based auto trim

[jbashaw]

I would appreciate any info regarding my options for removing a thin chrome surface from upper body trim for a 1967 Dodge Dart. The trim, in its current shape is straight and dentless, but has scratches that cut through the chrome, into the aluminum. When attempting to sand them out, I cut into the aluminum. On one piece, I sanded off all of the chrome, then used black emory, followed by tripoli, and it shines like a mirror. The only thing is that it will take me several years to sand the chrome off the remaining pieces. I tried a wire wheel; removed the chrome quickly, but grooved the aluminum a lot which required, you guessed it, more sanding. Thanks in advance for the help.

Jim

[marsfrogie]

You should purchase caswell's greaseless compounds kit. 180 grit greaseless would blast the chrome off. This takes hand sanding down to an absolute minimum. After the 240 you could go the the emery compounds and then to tripoli and white. If you want to take a chemical approach to removing the chrome you could use a battery charger and caswell's anodize and chrome remover. If I remember correctly you hook the chrome piece to the positive terminal, and place a swab covered anode on the negative end. You then place the swab in the solution (sodium hydroxide I believe) and then stroke the chrome plated piece. The chrome will then come off slowly.

[mcaswell]

You remembered correctly. It's the opposite connections to plating (reverse plating)

[txturbo]

Are you sure its chrome plated? Most side trim from the 60s was anodized polished aluminum. You can strip the anodize with drain cleaner. Then polish.

[djmas]

my grill is anodized. can i use drain cleaner on that to remove it so I can polish my aluminum?

djmas

[mcaswell]

You can also use our Chrome & Anodize stripper. It's much easier to use than drain cleaner. It gets the job done quickly in one application.

See http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/aluminum.htm

[GramSlam]

"hook the chrome piece to the positive terminal, and place a swab covered anode on the negative end. You then place the swab in the solution (sodium hydroxide I believe) and then stroke the chrome plated piece. The chrome will then come off slowly"

Is there anywhere I can find detailed instructions on this process? What is the swab made of?

How quickly is it supposed to work? I have the caswell stripper but the lable was damaged so I cant see the instructions...

Thanks