Removing Chrome

old_blue

15 Year Member
Nov 3, 2003
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I want to paint the side steps on my 56 body color. They were chromed by a previous owner. I'm not to savvy on diy chrome removal and thinking the best bet will be to take them to a chrome shop to have it stripped. I'd hate to pay a ton of money for it if there is a simple diy approach to removed the chrome
 
I want to paint the side steps on my 56 body color. They were chromed by a previous owner. I'm not to savvy on diy chrome removal and thinking the best bet will be to take them to a chrome shop to have it stripped. I'd hate to pay a ton of money for it if there is a simple diy approach to removed the chrome
You just need to treat the chrome like bare metal.

One problem you'll have is sanding the chrome, it sands like a granite brick. It's very hard to score it properly for the mechanical adhesion you'll want.

Go with a heavier grit sandpaper, like 80. I would recommend that you etch primer it afterwards and put about three coats of regular primer. Chrome is phenomenally hard. The primer will add a layer of "padding" that you'll want to avoid chipping.

Just treat it like any other primered part after that.
 
I don't yet. I am waiting for your expertise in that area. I wanted to get a gallon of some filler for the body panels. Figure I'll at least go through that much on these big fenders. What brand do you recommend? I have a few paint supply houses near me. Figure I'll get some sealer and etching primer while I'm there.
 
I don't yet. I am waiting for your expertise in that area. I wanted to get a gallon of some filler for the body panels. Figure I'll at least go through that much on these big fenders. What brand do you recommend? I have a few paint supply houses near me. Figure I'll get some sealer and etching primer while I'm there.
Honestly, anything you can get through a paint supplier will be good. I don't remember ever using a "bad" bondo. I've used Evercoat products pretty extensively, though.

The glaze is a seperate filler, it's much thinner and is used to fill in heavier body scratches and pinholes. It's great for chips and knicks too.

Be sure to get a primer/filler for primering your bodywork.