Newbie Chrome question

[sheena]

  First, I hope I'm asking these questions in the right forum My modeling question is how to deal with the line between two chrome pieces. I've got a two piece chrome rear end (no jokes) and how can I make that line less obvious? I 've read how to de-chrome the pieces but I'd rather not do that and I'm afraid to try sanding the chrome parts. Any suggestions would be appreciated

[BigTallDad]

To alleviate the fear of sanding chrome, practice on the sprue where the part was formerly attached.

I'm guessing you're talking about the differential being cast in two halves...you'll need to sand the mating surfaces to get good adhesion. After that (and if you don't like what you see) use some Bare Metal Foil (BMF) to cover the glitches.

http://www.italianhorses.net/Tutorials/BareMetalFoil/bmf.htm

Finally, post some pictures of the problems you're incurring; I know you're a newbie, but ya gotta learn sooner or later.

[sheena]

The line where the two parts join .Thanks very much

[Ben]

That looks like the rear end from an AMT Ford LN series kit. I don't ever remember seeing one chrome plated? (I have built every version of that kit)

personally, I would strip it as you would more than likely never see a chrome plated rear axle that is that big in real life!

[sheena]

It's from a kit called Infini-T.  Not looking for scale at this time ,just a nice clean effort

[Foxer]

With your photo I see what you mean. You can't get completely rid of it but sanding the mating edges carefully with a sanding stick or fine nail board will get the edges as sharp as can be to make the line  fine. You'd have to strip the chrome, glue and fill the mating line then chrome it with Alclad or other chrome process to completely rid it of the joint.

[fseva]

I would sand the entire side of the part where the mold line is... get it so flat and smooth that you can hardly see it... then, cover it with Bare Metal Foil.

[StevenGuthmiller]

There's really no way to fill that kind of gap on a chrome part without ruining the finish.

Your only options are to remove the chrome, fill & sand the gap, & either spray with a chrome type paint, re-chrome, or paint it a different color.

personally, I would fix it & then paint it black.

 

Steve

[935k3]

Scrape chrome from mating(gluing)surfaces.

Carefully glue halves together while being held together tightly so there is no gap. maybe a close pin.

After drying scrape top of joint with an X-acto knife so joint between halves is flush and even.

Cover joint with a thin strip of Bare-Metal foil rubbed down good with a Q-Tip.

 

 

[sheena]

just realized that most of my two piece chrome parts have terrible seams .Guess I'll be doing that de-chroming thing after all

[1930fordpickup]

Just remember to wear your rubber gloves. when dechroming parts. All degreasers are bad for skin on your hands. 

[disabled modeler]

I use ether of these two to de-chrome parts...

Castrol Super Clean de-greaser

Brake fluid...this one is easier on the hands

I use the disposable medical type rubber gloves for a one time use I get a better feel of the part and can hold on to it better...just remember to wash all parts after the plating is gone well with warm soapy water under a sink(soap that has no oils or lotions in it)