The Ford Barn

bucket-o-rust · 03-26-2019, 11:28 PM

I have a set of 30 original roadster top irons. They are in perfect condition with no rust or rust pits. I have them glass bead blasted. I do not want to take them apart for any reason. My question is can the part that connects to the quarter panel be chrome plated first then the rest of he assy be powder coated? What order would be best to do this? What would the area where the chrome and the powder coating meet look like if they were not taken apart? What would happen to the chrome plating in the hinge area after the plateing process the first time the assy was folded?

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 03-27-2019, 07:13 AM

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Generally speaking, the way it was done originally is the plated area(s) was copper and nickel plated first, then the unit was assembled followed by the chromium dip. Areas that you do not want plated can be wrapped in plastic tape.

Personally I would disassemble them and do it correctly to ensure the metal is not left bare to rust in the hidden area, -and second to ensure you get an even plating coverage and not a build-up that will cause them to bind when folding them. Leaving them assembled will also make it difficult to go a good job of buffing.

Also, if the irons are in nice shape like you say, I would spray a light coat of 2k epoxy and let it flash followed by a medium coat of tan paint and call it done. I would not try to powder paint the pieces.

03-26-2019, 11:28 PM	#1
bucket-o-rust Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: visalia calif Posts: 263	30 roadster top irons I have a set of 30 original roadster top irons. They are in perfect condition with no rust or rust pits. I have them glass bead blasted. I do not want to take them apart for any reason. My question is can the part that connects to the quarter panel be chrome plated first then the rest of he assy be powder coated? What order would be best to do this? What would the area where the chrome and the powder coating meet look like if they were not taken apart? What would happen to the chrome plating in the hinge area after the plateing process the first time the assy was folded?

03-27-2019, 07:13 AM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,508	Re: 30 roadster top irons Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Generally speaking, the way it was done originally is the plated area(s) was copper and nickel plated first, then the unit was assembled followed by the chromium dip. Areas that you do not want plated can be wrapped in plastic tape. Personally I would disassemble them and do it correctly to ensure the metal is not left bare to rust in the hidden area, -and second to ensure you get an even plating coverage and not a build-up that will cause them to bind when folding them. Leaving them assembled will also make it difficult to go a good job of buffing. Also, if the irons are in nice shape like you say, I would spray a light coat of 2k epoxy and let it flash followed by a medium coat of tan paint and call it done. I would not try to powder paint the pieces. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .