The real reason chrome is so expensive | Rechroming the Corniche | Classic Obsession | Episode 25

Re-chroming the brightwork on ones beloved classic is considered the Achilles heel of many a car restorer, so on a special visit to Douglas Metal Finishes in London and in a rare behind the scenes tour, Gary attempts to reveal the skilled and complicated process that actually goes into triple chroming our pride and joys.
Created with the support of Footman James, classic vehicle insurance specialists and founders of
Coffee and Chrome Collective: www.footmanjames.co.uk/
Created with the support of IntroCar, International Rolls-Royce and Bentley Parts Specialists:
www.introcar.com/
Use code “MAVERS” for site wide discount on Rolls-Royce and Bentley parts.

[@patrickhostler5939]

That is THE cleanest plating works I’ve ever seen, clearly a firm that takes pride in its facilities, process, customer service and results!!!❤

[@daveanderson70]

I agree. I was surprised and impressed.

[@sigridqwq5198]

cleanest plating shop in the world, but the most dirty work in the WORLD

[@simonmenzies3142]

Really so pleased I found this channel. I came across you from the Magnus Walker one. In a world with so much stress and division. This is just so a welcome and relaxing break. Watching something we all love. Thank you

[@jasondortch2313]

That RR grille is a work of art!

[@nephos100]

The natural shyness and humility of the capable tradesmen is moving.

[@timokuusela5794]

This looks so familiar, as I worked at similar place here in Finland 45 years ago. We also rechromed classic car parts there, and most of them were only ones there are, so failure was not an option. The Peltosen Hiomo-company was an old couple, husband's brother, and the polisher. Car museums used the company because they were the absolute best. Some vintage car parts had only nickel coating after the copper, as chrome was not used back then. Copper and nickel go "round the corner" with electricity, but chrome goes only straight to the surface. So if, say ,a wheel is chromed, the anode must go close to the wheel so that the deeper surface(s) "see" the anode. If not, there is just nickel coating on those surfaces that are further or "in the shade ". The copper is reddish, nickel is yellow, but chrome is actually black, silver is white, so headlamp reflector surface is recoated with silver. The correct process goes from the start like in the video, but instead long first copper, there is only very short dip in the copper pool first , the "pre copper", just to get the color, then heavy or moderate coat of nickel, after that moderate or heavy coat of copper, after that moderate coat of nickel again, and then the fast chrome dip. Of course lots of polishing between those, and , at those days, cleaning with gasoline(/petrol if you wish) and different cleaning dips. Copper cyanide, all kinds of toxic solutions... Back then I first heard that hydrogen makes things brittle, so rechroming springs was a no-no. I made a Finnish Mark coin that had the color of Finnish 50 Penny, and viceversa. I inserted them to a Pajazzo play machine that has glass window, and people played the machine like crazy to get those... :D

[@willardr100]

Fascinating. The only thing missing is the smell of this place! Sublime or awful, we’ll never know. The finish? Epic.

[@martinboulden4388]

This channel is fantastic, we learn so much about the hobby of cars that’s our passion. Another amazing episode.

[@SuperWayneyb]

The oily jobs are great but love your videos that show the finger tip stuff too. Thank you for deciding to make this channel 🤘😎🤘🇬🇧

[@piotrmarek5449]

Hi Gary, I just want to say I love you show . Every week I’m waiting for the new episode. Great Job

[@user-bo1yg3im5q]

I do like your videos Gary! You’re not bad for a Scouser. What makes them good is your gentle touch, and also the music which is very calming when I would be tearing what’s left of my hair out!! Well done. Please keep it up 😜

[@MrDallman]

I really hope these these skilled tradesmen are training up some new young generation persons to carry on their master-craft …wonderful stuff guys . Another brilliant video Gary…more please.

[@martinclapton2724]

Had absolutely no idea how chrome plating works. This vid covers it from start to finish . Excellent

[@nigeldewallens1115]

Good Heavens! It really makes you appreciate what is involved with it! It's almost mesmerising to be honest! Many thanks for creating this work for us to see! 😀👏👏👏👏👌

[@axeljacobs9723]

I‘m so happy that you are giving this great car the loving that it deserves! I have a 65 Shad RHD that will need complete restoration. I will definitely be calling on your friends at IntroCar for parts needs. Always enjoy your content! Thank you! Greetings from California.😊👍

[@anidiotinaracingcar4874]

I love the coper look, that would look swell on a black Corniche and develop a cool patina

[@richardscally694]

Beautiful Chrome work your Corniche will look Stunning, another great video Gary.

[@michaelnaughton1393]

Terrific episode. Other channels have shown the process but have glossed over each individual stage. You have brought to life the true extent of the work, the amount of labour in just the various polishing stages unreal. Douglas look to be a first class operation. Great attention to detail.

[@leepilkington6498]

Great watch Gary - never appreciated what goes into that process; really insightful.

[@colingarner6175]

Fabulous ❤

[@keithmoore5224]

Polishing is a hard job iv know people start on monday and dont turn up on tuesday a good polisher is worth his weight in gold my experance

[@johncorner9295]

Two years wow nice ive been driving an old jag two years aswell...❤

[@darrenbyrne4622]

Great vid Gary loved it the Majestic lady will shine again cant wait for the next vid cheers mate

[@davidglanister4256]

A brilliant episode Gary! Cheers for highlighting re-chroming and in particular Douglas Metal Finishes. I'll give em a call...

[@wolfganghobelsberger6720]

Great Video. First time I could the the whole process of rechroming.

[@grahaminkpen5436]

It’s all in the detail.

[@rogerpritchard]

I'll remember the companies details for the chrome bumpers on my father's XJS which is in a sussex barn at the moment😢.

[@ianmedium]

Absolutely fascinating Gary. Thank goodness for these specialist small companies keeping these crafts and traditions alive and well. I really hate to think what their electricity bill has been this winter. It’s amazing looking at your video how much of the depth of shine a good chrome finish is down to the polish and then the thick copper and nickel plating. The chrome is barely flashed and I bet without those layers of copper and nickel it would look very one dimensional. All now ready for nice warm spring day drives. You must derive so much more pleasure in driving this beauty because of all the work you have done on it as you know every nut and bolt on it! What a joy it is to watch each episode, thank you so much for taking the time and effort in sharing your passion. This really is now my favourite car channel on YT.

[@johncollier608]

You tease, Mr. Mavers. 🤣Great work by the team, though. I knew it was involvd but to do it right, I had no idea it was that involved. It's going to look incredible, giving the old girl a real lift. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrjohncharlesbrown]

And not a university degree in sight

[@charlescallea1759]

Your love for corniche is inspirational!

[@mrjohncharlesbrown]

Gary very interesting these guys work so hard, I'm amazed at the workmanship, the chrome really makes a classic car beautiful...we have lower carbon footprint we are preserving and recycling now that's eco friendly, I can't imagine a Tesla being restored in 60 years time 😢

[@tomeisberg2356]

Love this video, a very impressive operation. While the Corniche is an absolute icon in traditional trim, the front end looks pretty mean with all the chrome removed 😈

[@gotham1-ken588]

Another interesting brilliant episode- keep It up 👍

[@chrishood5079]

I so look forward to watching your Videos. Thank you.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

It's great seeing skilled guys at work, and I bet that's a great company to work for, one that encourages you to take pride in your work.

[@davidthegolfer]

Gary, I really admire your work. I like the word obsession. It’s how I am about my cars. The hardest thing to recondition/renovate is the smell in the car. I hate air fresheners. I haven’t found one I could even tolerate. However I have found an amazing product that does work. (I have no connection with the company, just a customer). “New Car Smell” by Chemical Guys. I spray a micro cloth with it and put it under a seat for a day. You will be amazed. I was sceptical, now I’m a convert. Hope it helps with that obsessive finishing touch, you won’t know it’s there. David

[@classic.obsession]

Thanks David..

[@bloomers359]

Hi Gary just love your videos makes my weekend when you have a new episode out, I also have a Rolls-Royce but a 1977 Silver Shadow so those videos are right up my street. I’ve got a ticket for the NEC I’ve been before but I’m going again just because you will be there with your car, hope to be able to have a chat and meet you… keep up the good work..

[@owdladowdlad3889]

Really enjoyed the film thanks Gary

[@louisville9686]

Dear Gary, Super video! Thank you very much. Will you be kind enough, please, once you have reassembled all your chrome back on your motor, kindly tell us what the re-plating operation actually cost? Thank you very much. 🌴👍📡🚗👀🥊

[@barryfeatherstone1616]

Fascinating...😊👍

[@Dg-zj6jo]

what a car gary hope to have my one soon ish brilliant chrome company and nick would look good in a film get him on the books gary ha

[@davecoleman7431]

Top fella Gary promoting independent company’s doing quality work Even though you went dahn south 😂😂

[@simonelliott5956]

Stunning work and a great video as always!

[@bryanwaruhiu]

Good show. Very enlightening. 👍🏿

[@grayfool]

A truly fascinating episode Gary. Can't wait to see the fully assembled car. If you are really pleased with the rechroming, are you electrostatic? Just asking 😍

[@jonathandavidpope7812]

Very interesting

[@gregorcameron8638]

Fascinating video - thank you

[@peterbrameld696]

So interesting, thank you very much

[@davidcooks5265]

To be fair Gary it's very nice what you've done to it, should be proud m8👍 especially the roof!

[@malfunction8165]

Another wonderful example of craftmanship. Just a thought, but I would be interested to see what leaving the parts in the copper finish would look like on the car.

[@robblack7949]

Great show as usual Gary. Thank you! The only thing that would have made it better was to have that foolish TV turned off.

[@classic.obsession]

Thanks Rob. Apologies for the noisy machines and sound quality, but turning the radio off in a busy factory probably would’ve caused a riot!! Regards.

[@keithgarland3404]

If you have the budget to pay for it, then it's worth having it done. A proper triple chrome plating is the way to go, interesting video,

[@zanderrobertson5138]

Really enjoyed seeing that process, and the skills involved.

[@stewartevans3875]

Hey Gary, Great episode as usual and enjoying the diversity of the channel ! I knew chroming was a multi stage process but didn't appreciate how long some of these processes actually take. No doubt the Rolls will look fabulous with the new jewellery and looking forward to seeing it over the weekend at show ! Cheers Stew

[@dmcars147]

Amazing result! How do I know you immediately started installing these when you arrived home!!?!

[@Simon-ry1lw]

Another great film, love the chilled out soundtrack 😊

[@StuartWischhusen]

Great episode as usual Gary!

[@mauricechollier9899]

Nice job ❤❤

[@choppermarc2342]

Very good video.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Great video Gary, see you at the Nec. 👍🏻😀

[@brianiswrong]

Could you imagine the cost if you have a 1950's chevy😢

[@baasbowing]

Excellent work, beautiful results! I couldn’t stop wondering how the shop keeps track of which bits belong to which customer…you often hear of stuff getting lost at the platers’

[@michaelrickard4682]

Give us an idea how much all that chroming cost you, I didn’t catch that. Apologies if i missed it 👍🏼

[@hughbishopnh]

Great video Gary. I'm very interested in seeing your windshield rubber swap as that is my job next weekend on a 54 year old E-type.

[@mrjohncharlesbrown]

Ps Gary come to the RREC annual rally my wife and I are staying at the Crown Stamford for three days

[@boblacks945]

My old Mercedes had over one hundred pieces of chrome. The solution to restoring the chrome in my case was cheap and simple: fine steel wool. Real chrome is very hard so no scratches were visible.

[@Giddykippa65]

Just curious how much did it all cost

[@jimosullivan1389]

Many moons ago when I was young poor man I had an older car and to keep it looking good I would clean it with an old brillo pad (very gently) particularly the chrome. Stops the chrome from rusting and the rain would bound off the body work Brillo contains fish oils. As you all know, fish are quite waterproof. If you think I am joking..why do you think your steel pans shine and done rust ?

[@andrewf7822]

Great video. Be interested to know how much it cost.

[@inovahightechltd]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mrjohncharlesbrown]

Everything is expensive on mine Gary 😅

[@hrsjohnny]

Can you ppf it to protect for later?

[@scottstrails9369]

Blingtastic

[@llamamanism]

Polishing at a chroming plant is one of the filthiest jobs there is

[@franwoon]

Any specific tips you'd like to give about windscreen removal? I thought the dash should be removed so that the screen can be pushed from the inside out? (I'm asking as I'm actually in the process of stripping my Shadow II for a respray!). By the way, brillant video, thanks!

[@classic.obsession]

Hi Fran. It was a bit of a mare to be fair. I think your shadow may have a one piece chrome which makes it a little easier but I cut mine off through the rubber. Spent a coupla hours fitting a new rubber and chrome (two piece) and taping up. Left it overnight to settle then fitted next day. 1 hour but still sore. Be careful taking your chrome out on removal. If it’s bent in any way it makes the job ten times harder. Did mine without removing any part of the dash. Regards.

[@franwoon]

@@classic.obsession many thanks for the detailed reply and for your wonderfully informative videos that encourage and motivate others to try things themselves! The tip about not bending the chrome trim is important - cheers for that! Did your Corniche have TPA paint? What did you find the best way to remove? (I could probably ask you questions all day!) Best regards!

[@gro9465]

Gary very much enjoying your channel, in particular the Corniche (searching for one myself). However I have a query regarding the detailing or paint preparation for the classic car show: Would it be better to complete the preparation first and then apply the (perfect) metalwork after? I am no expert, but to my pedantic inclination that would seem the logical process. I await to be enlightened. Kindest regards.

[@classic.obsession]

Hi, the nec?

[@classic.obsession]

Hi G. Sorry are you going to the show st the NEC? If so, I think you’re able to detail your car on arrival if you wish? It’s bound to rain anyway for the journey there!! Regards.

[@gro9465]

@@classic.obsession Hi Gary, I was referring to the preparation for your car; my question was is it better to detail the car before fixing the new metalwork?

[@classic.obsession]

Absolutely yes. The space behind the bumpers will have collected lots of dirt so always better to take the opportunity to clean that and polish the whole car first then watch your new chrome really pop. .

[@stephenmoore6501]

Those heavy bars behind the bumpers may be for vibration damping. I suggest you don't leave them out when refitting the bumpers.

[@PonytailRuth]

Thanks for this brilliant behind the scenes video. We just used the same Douglas Metal Finishes company and are truly delighted with our 1975 Jaguar XJC brand new chrome work. We have just left them more chrome to do for one of our many other classic vehicles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGbOZapolLpqick This is my own video showing our chrome work experience.

[@pedrokd5439]

So what did it cost in the end £££😢

[@SuperWayneyb]

🤘😎🤘🇬🇧

[@marcusd2380]

Hi Gary interesting u re chromed. The new process is not as good as the old chrome process. Due to h&s the old process is not legal any more due to the chemicals used. I think certain items can be chromed in the old process but this is for the aircraft industry. It’s worth researching in case I’m wrong

[@peterbradshaw8018]

Rolls has been using stainless for years.

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

How much did that lot set you back Gary?

[@classic.obsession]

Hi £3k for what I had done. But if you send then photos of what you need doing they can give you a price and time scale. Regards.

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

@@classic.obsession Thanks Gary. It is expensive but there is much more work than I realised. Luckily, my Lotus Excel does not have any chrome parts. Looking forward to more updates on your Elite project as my Excel has some of the same issues, cheers, Neil.

[@classic.obsession]

What you need may be much cheaper. These are big old bumpers! Regards.

[@simonmarsden66]

Hi Gary, is there any truth in that Rolls Royce are hand painted with sable haired brushes?

[@jimfoo-6041]

Anything you due to these cars comes back 3x Profits...American Celebrities & Japanese Business Men Collect them...$$$$$

[@jamesjones4786]

😅 ❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊 B

[@petersellers-dy9mm]

You have to be careful ,it's a very carcinogenic environment, to work in.

[@mykehyslop198]

Scousers steal cars,not restore them.🤣🤣🤣

[@kjeldlarsen912]

I don't care it's overpriced as H this chrome...sadly

[@jonharnew]

Afraid the sound quality is horrendous, makes it unwatchable.

[@classic.obsession]

I’m afraid We’re in a working factory with horrendously loud machinery John. Sometimes you just have to make the best of it. Regards.

[@gro9465]

Sir, the sound quality for this episode may not be 100%, but the content is always 101%.

[@electro1622]

There is no real reason except for greed that chrome plating should be expensive ... in the 80's I use to get 4 wheels, 2 bumper bars and all the chrome trim on a car stripped, polished, plated for around 250 dollars... now it costs thousands..

[@classic.obsession]

Yes I suppose that’s 40 odd years of inflation. Regards.