Stripping Chrome from ABS

[w30bob]

Hi,

I'd like to strip the "chrome"' off the grille of my 09 Ford Escape. The base material is ABS plastic. It appears a non-ferrous metal, probably aluminum, was applied to the plastic (I've read vacuum formed) and then the aluminum was "chromed". I have a broken grille I'm practicing on and nothing will remove the chrome. In parts where the grille is broken the metal has lifted from the plastic I can see the aluminum under the "chrome" and it's very hard and sharp....like work-hardened steel. And it sticks really really well to the plastic base, as it's almost impossible to peel off. Reading online suggested things like brake fluid, Coke, bleach...etc...but I think these people are talking about flash chrome on plastic model parts, not vacuum formed chromed aluminum. Other suggestions I've read but have not tried include ferric chloride or nitric acid. I would think with all the plastic OEM automotive parts out there now chromed by this method someone might know how to remove it without destroying the base ABS plastic. Might you have any suggestions or be able to point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance,
bob

[w30bob]

Hi Again,

I need to make a correction. What I thought was a non-ferrous metal between the base plastic and the chrome is actually ferrous. Not sure exactly what it is, but a magnet does stick to it.

thanks,
bob

[w30bob]

Well...........let it sit in a pan of Lacquer Thinner all day..........that didn't do much either. Called the only local chrome plater and he didn't have any ideas. I'll see what other toxic mess I can find in the garage to play with tomorrow.

later,
bob