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86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

Chrome plating for Plastic Parts?

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Old Aug 6, 2023 | 07:03 AM
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Chrome plating for Plastic Parts?

Can anyone recommend a shop that still does chrome plating of plastic parts here in the US? Paul's Chrome in PA (who did if for me last time) no longer offers that service nor do at least a half-dozen other shops I've tried (environmental regulations).
The center caps on the wheels of my 89 pickup are black plastic & awhile back I had them chromed to match my wheel treatment. Unfortunately, the right rear center cap was either lost or stolen (pretty good after 34 years!) and altho I have extras, they are black plastic and need to be chromed to match the other three. Any recommendations (or alternative ideas to having them chromed)? Thanks!

FYI: Vacuum Orna-Metal (in Michigan) does "metalizing" of plastic for dash parts, etc. but it's not durable, so they don't guarantee the finish on an external part like that.
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Old Aug 6, 2023 | 01:43 PM
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https://romacproducts.com/chrome-plated-plastic/
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Old Aug 7, 2023 | 07:42 AM
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Thanks -- I'll drop them an email. Have you used them before?
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Old Aug 7, 2023 | 04:24 PM
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No. Just was curious to see.
Have you thought of getting them wrapped in chrome?
Maybe hydro-dipped chrome?

Last edited by JoeS; Aug 7, 2023 at 04:27 PM.
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Old Aug 8, 2023 | 07:52 AM
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Not familiar with those processes, but thanks, I will look them up.
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Old Aug 8, 2023 | 10:51 AM
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It's more cosmetic and not as tough as chrome but if you have no choice they could be options. Has to be cheaper than chroming these days.
I like my caps black with red lettering and outer ring.

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Old Aug 10, 2023 | 10:52 AM
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Oh yeah--that's def the classic look!
My center caps on the base model were just black plastic. Awhile back, I had my rims painted to match the blue color of the '89 truck body and getting the center caps chromed made a nice contrast & gave it an old school look (I also have tires with the thin 80s white sidewall, so it's got a real retro vibe to it)
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