plating over lead and/or aluminum-based filler

[m1garandusa]

Hi, I just bought an old chrome grille for an MGB. It will need to have some dings and whatnot woked out before it can be replated. Since I'm not talented enough to remove all traces of my hammer-work, can old-fashioned body-lead or a water-proof aluminum-based filler be used under a 3-step chrome process? If not, what would the elders recommend?
Thanks,
James J.

[mcaswell]

Both of those metals are problematic, but can be plated.

Lead would require a pre-dip in Pickle #4, followed by a Flash Copper plate.

Aluminum would require zincating, followed by plating in any kit.