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Removing chrome from bumper end caps

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by wiretwister, Jul 8, 2020.

  1. Jul 8, 2020 at 7:48 PM
    #1
    wiretwister

    wiretwister [OP] Sorta new guy

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    I want to color match the chrome end caps on my front bumper. I like that they're steel, but despise chrome. So going with this option versus buying new plastic endcaps and painting them seems like a better approach. I found a good, local powder coating shop, but they won't remove the chrome for me.
    Do I seek out a chrome plating shop or a sandblasting shop to do this? What route did you guys take?
     
  2. Jul 8, 2020 at 8:09 PM
    #2
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

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  3. Jul 8, 2020 at 9:33 PM
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    Makoy339

    Makoy339 Simplicity = Reliability !!!

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  4. Jul 8, 2020 at 9:57 PM
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    Jsnake89

    Jsnake89 New Member

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    So where is the link for the rears , I couldn’t find them. Did it ever say he could do color matched it didn’t look like it on the site.
     
  5. Jul 9, 2020 at 1:53 AM
    #5
    Flightmech65

    Flightmech65 New Member

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    Wire twister
    Go to a local sandblasted or body shop with a large cabinet. Some black/red oxide should get it off and ready for primer. Make it easy for them by removing the ends which you’ll have to do for paint anyways. OR you can try vinyl wrapping them for a less permanent solution.
     
  6. Jul 9, 2020 at 3:08 AM
    #6
    wiretwister

    wiretwister [OP] Sorta new guy

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    I always love when a simple question turns into everyone recommending crappy option-D. How did this turn into a bumpershellz promo? I want to REMOVE CHROME.

    Sorry fellas, but the whole plastic-bumper-shell-cover-thing makes me want to bang my head against something.
    It's basically like covering old, ugly linoleum in your kitchen with less ugly tile.
    Sorry, rant over.
     
  7. Jul 9, 2020 at 4:03 AM
    #7
    FlyingWolfe

    FlyingWolfe Wolfie

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    Powder coaters typically blast and prime anything so just hunt around. Half a dozen popped up on google near me and I went to the top rated one and turns out I used to race Ducatis with the guy at NHIS back in 2010. Small world.
    They did an awesome job. I just had my tracracs powder coated and asked about the bumper caps and grill surround, they said they’ll do them no prob. I have an industrial sandblaster at work and will probably just do it myself once I muster up the motivation though. Not that complicated, just need to get to the nickel and etch the surface for the primer to stick. There's a chemical method to remove chrome but personally wouldn't attempt it because it's nasty shit and I'm concerned about any residual left reacting with the primer/paint down the road.
    I ordered plastic replacements for the SRs, not the bumpershell bs, but they emailed saying they were sold out. There's only one company i've found that makes steel replacement caps and they've been sold out forever. I don’t know why such a common part is such a pita.
    Chrome is the worst. :rolleyes:

    Good luck!
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2020
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  8. Jul 9, 2020 at 8:47 AM
    #8
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    Wiretwister,

    Unfortunately removing the chrome is not going to be easy.

    I have tinkered with car restorations for a lot of years, and I have plated and stripped metal.

    Most platers will use hydrochloric acid to remove chrome plate. I have used it in small batches to strip 60+ year old bolts and other hardware that I then zinc plated. Hydrochloric acid is dangerous to work with, and you can’t just dump it down the drain when you are done.

    For something fairly big, like a bumper end, you’ll need a considerable amount of acid to get the whole end submerged. (You’d also need to do it outside, wearing a respirator, away from people, animals, and objects you don’t want to risk destroying, and you’d need to have a disposal company to get rid of the gallons of bad stuff when you’re done- I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS)

    Contact a plating shop versus a powdercoater and explain you just want the part stripped for powder coating. They may be able to do that reasonably and quickly. They use acid baths and electricity.

    Or, just sand the bumper ends down to provide some tooth, then prime and paint with a quality urethane finish and clear. (That’s MY crappy Option D for you!) :thumbsup:
     
    timdske likes this.
  9. Jul 9, 2020 at 5:26 PM
    #9
    Murph2308

    Murph2308 New Member

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    I did this as well (the TPO). Love how they turned out.
     

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