'restoring' the plastichrome clock delete plate

[djfordmanjack]

Guys, I thought this might be interesting for some of you. This isn't a restoration by any means, but seeing how difficult and expensive it can be having that rare part rechromed, I came up with this. Again, nothing fancy, but not that bad for a 10 min project that cost $0.01
maybe $0.02.....hahaha
Maybe something that some of you will be ok with in their driver quality cars. 
Guenter







thin heat insulation aluminium tape, rubbed into the ridges with a thick soft cotton cloth.





maybe the overlap of the stripes could even be improved on. the aluminium foil does shrink a little to the side because of rubbing it down in the grooves.

[brushwolf]

I like that idea for situations where the cost of restoration is not justifiable and it is transferable to some other parts too.  A tiny overlap at the center and working from center out would avoid a gap in the middle, if the tape is not wide enough to run horizontally. Or overlap it more and just cut with a new razor blade after it is rubbed into the grooves.

Never seen even one of those plates in all the cars I have had pass thru my hands, but if I do stumble across one now, I won't toss it..

[mustang6984]

Dang G...almost makes me want to delete my clock! LOL!!!

[terry_208]

If any one decides to delete their clock so you can use this tip, I could use your "old" clock and the faceplate! lol

[Ecode70D]

Günter
    That's a good tip.  It does brighten up a dull finish.  I never thought of something like that   
Jay 

[RICH MUISE]

Looks good, Gunter. I had some project going on where I thought about using the chrome/brushed chrome tape sold for dressing up outside panels, dashs, consoles, whatever. Comes in 6 or 8 inch widths.
I also thought about trying the gold/silver leafing sold at hobby shops.
I did use the aluminum tape to repair an interior vinyl trim piece on my '57 where the leafing was flaking off (door panel). I guess it worked pretty well, I had forgotten I did it until your post got me trying to remember what I did with it.

[geraldchainsaw]

ok,   silver leaf on door panels,  thats what i used,  turned out great,  and then i covered it with clear plastic,

[RICH MUISE]

Great job Gerry!!

[djfordmanjack]

and installed. Even the dash looks a little stunned by this  jaw dropping trick....

[RICH MUISE]

looks great. Thanks for the installed pics........looks better in place.

[Ecode70D]

UMM..... Mr. DJ, Just one question. 
  What's that  thing above the ash tray with the black knobs and buttons?  The shiny plate on the right looks nice.

[djfordmanjack]

Haha Jay... they call it the frogeyed music maker. And I am not going to delete it.... this wagon only came with a clock delete. ( or maybe the radio was a dealer installed option ).

[djfordmanjack]

it's an interesting detail, that the ripples on the radio delete plate are somewhat wider spaced than the radio face plate. Although both are factory 1957 plates.

[hiball3985]

Great

[dgasman]

Question #2 what?s the levers on the left of the frogeyed music maker?
Looks good I will have to give it a try on mine.