GRILLE MOD POLL

[Amsterdam]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

When we start "shopping" for a potential supplier for the Chrome-On-Steel surround (as it's better then SS- and far better then plastic), I guess it's not that cheap to make. This because the width should not overal be 5/8" but narrowing down on both sides to make it look elegant and OEM (the earlier photoshop shows this nicely). A strip that is all over 5/8" probably looks as a cheap hobby add on? What's your opinion?
Hans

PS Wikipedia: Pareto indeed found out in 1906 that 80% of Italian properties are owned by 20% of the Italians, thanks for this info Phil, but as Holland is the German neighbour I guess their big bellies made my marketing teacher think of beer etc.

[Bond579]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

...the width should not overal be 5/8" but narrowing down on both sides to make it look elegant and OEM (the earlier photoshop shows this nicely). A strip that is all over 5/8" probably looks as a cheap hobby add on? What's your opinion?

Your aesthetic sense matches mine, glad you like it.

[Guest]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Hans, Gene, yes, the varying width of the trim is a subtle, but pleasing, aesthetic consideration. And It should conform to the lip around the grille. I'm not sure if that 'lip' varies in width as I don't have the stock front fascia on my NM now.

This is something that can be incorporated into a 'custom' trim surround that's not possible to achieve with the chrome-plated plastic tape.

As for 'chroming' it, it could be chrome-plated rather than fabricated of stainless steel. However, with all the other aftermarket trim for the T-Bird (and other cars and trucks) made of stainless, there must be reasons not to use chrome. I think it's generally accepted that stainless steel is more resistant to fading, peeling and discoloration than chrome plating, and it's probably less expensive. I'm sure a grille surround could be 'chrome-plated' but I don't know if stainless steel can be chromed. So the surround would have to be fabricated from a 'base' metal and then chromed. It certainly could be done, but I don't know if potential buyers would want to pay more for it.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

I've got enough SS on my car to qualify as braces. The side trim that I only put up to the front of the doors looks real good. Some of the surround pieces are not that stellar. Has anyone gone and measured the lip? SS or chrome is fine with me. Thanks John..then chrome it should be..period..IMO

[JAB02LHS]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

, there must be reasons not to use chrome. it's probably less expensive. I'm sure a grille surround could be 'chrome-plated' but I don't know if stainless steel can be chromed. So the surround would have to be fabricated from a 'base' metal and then chromed. It certainly could be done, but I don't know if potential buyers would want to pay more for it.

Decorative chrome plating a thin layer of chromium is applied as a decorative topcoat to stainless steel and nickel-plated components. In this plating application, the thin chromium layer protects the nickel from oxidation and tarnish while providing the bright bluish tint we all recognize as bright decorative chrome.

[Guest]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Thanks John. Okay, then chrome-plating could be an option. That additional process will add to the cost. I don't know how much. Ron has had some experience chrome-plating wheels, maybe he has an idea or might get a quote from the shop he used.

[Amsterdam]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Gene, what an amazing good look! Is this photoshopped?

If it exists in real: did you cut the trim on the sides of the wheel chromium molding 3M tape?

[Guest]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

I don't think the chrome tape can be cut on the sides. The stuff I've seen is kind of rounded on the outside edges to form a sort of half 'bubble.' I'm pretty sure it's only designed to be cut to length, not to width.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Phil looks like 8 of us so far...I'd pay the extra for the chrome..If the finished product came in less than $200 I'm in.....

[MATBird]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Phil: You said; " I'm sure a grille surround could be 'chrome-plated' but I don't know if stainless steel can be chromed. So the surround would have to be fabricated from a 'base' metal and then chromed. It certainly could be done, but I don't know if potential buyers would want to pay more for it".

In my past 70+ years I have yet to see stainless chrome plated. Probably because there is "mirror finish stainless" That's what the parts that QAA supplies are made from.

BTW, I have not been able to get over to QAA yet, on your job, but I will make every attempt to do so soon. I also want to discuss rough edges...This is usually a result of dirty optics on the laser cutter.

[Guest]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Thanks for your post George.

I agree that the 'mirror finish' stainless steel doesn't really need to be chrome-plated. The question came up on this thread and based on John's post # 20, it could be done. I think it's unnecessary, as the polished stainless is so close to chrome-plating in appearance. I don't think most people would be able to tell the difference, and chrome plating would add to the cost. 'Overkill', IMHO, but anyone is free to have the trim chrome-plated on their own if they wanted to.

I can PM you with the contact number for QAA if you don't already have it. I realize that with Thanksgiving coming up and the other holidays close at hand, you probably have a lot 'on your plate!' No real rush, just let me know what works for you so I can let them know. And thanks again for helping all of us who would like to see this mod become a reality!

[MATBird]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Hi Phil:

Snowed here today but put a call into Tom, anyway, a while ago. No call back yet so he may be off. I left a message to call me back regarding the surround you and he had spoken about.
Not sure when I can get there with the weather - major rain storm due tomorrow, but in the past Bernie & Tonka were always very flexible, so we may be able to get this done before spring. (no promises though) - I will continue to pursue Tom.
Any reasonable feedback, I'll let you know.

[Guest]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

Thanks George,

I think Tom told me that they'd be closed Thursday and Friday this week, and then the entire week of Christmas. I know he'll get back to you. I'll put in a call too just to let him know you're trying to reach him to set something up.

Thanks again for your help on this!

[JAB02LHS]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

In my past 70+ years I have yet to see stainless chrome plated. Probably because there is "mirror finish stainless" .

Beware of competitors who copy Desert Rose's
info and sends cheaper product.
Desert Rose is an authorized dealer for JAE
Aftermarket for Gm Standard Steel Wheels
14 x 6 - approx 1 3/4 deep
California Chrome Stainless Steel Ring
with Chrome Plating. No Rusting

[cewhite3]

Re: GRILLE MOD POLL

In my past 70+ years I have yet to see stainless chrome plated. Probably because there is "mirror finish stainless" That's what the parts that QAA supplies are made from.

I wondered about this, and it appears stainless steel is routinely chrome plated. Here are a couple of web sites that mention chrome plating stainless:

http://www.metalplatepolishing.com/s...nlesssteel.php
http://www.olymco.com/bright-chrome.aspx
http://forum.caswellplating.com/elec...ess-steel.html

I wondered why someone would want to chrome plate stainless steel, because as you stated many stainless alloys can be highly polished. Reasons I saw included:

Harder, longer wearing, smoother surface (better for wear resistance , prevents scratching)

Shinier (brighter, deeper shine)

Alter dimensions (build up material slightly to tighten tolerances - maybe as wear compensation??)

Ed