Removing chrome plating?

[K5DH]

I know this is primarily an aviation modelers' forum, but I have a question related to car modeling. Actually, it's sorta aviation related. I have a 1/25 scale Allison V1710 engine that's entirely chrome-plated, and I want to remove the plating and paint it more realistically. Once I have it painted properly, it's going into a 1950s slingshot-style dragster frame!

Suggestions?

[The Inspector]

WESTLEYS Bleche Whyte will remove the 'chrome'. After the chrome is off, you'll discover the parts were dunked or sprayed with a semi clear lacquer (that looks like someone smeared them with cheap Bar-B-Que sauce) to make the chrome stick to the parts, now you need to be careful because lacquer thinners will eat the polystyrene. If the plating looks OK on the parts before you strip them, the undercoating should be level enough for you to paint over it.

Dishwasher powder disolved in warm water will also remove the plating but takes longer.

What are you building? Art Arfons' GREEN MONSTER?

[earnie]

I know this is primarily an aviation modelers' forum, but I have a question related to car modeling. Actually, it's sorta aviation related. I have a 1/25 scale Allison V1710 engine that's entirely chrome-plated, and I want to remove the plating and paint it more realistically. Once I have it painted properly, it's going into a 1950s slingshot-style dragster frame!

Suggestions?

i use regular coka cola= sounds weird but it really works, let your parts soak in it for the night/day and just tooth brush it off

[K5DH]

What are you building? Art Arfons' GREEN MONSTER?

Nah, although that would be cool! I have a re-pop of the old AMT "Fiat Double Dragster" kit, which contains an early slingshot-style dragster and a Fiat Topolino gasser. I'm planning to install the Allison V1710 in the dragster chassis. The chassis is long enough for a pair of siamesed small-block Chevy V-8s joined at the crankshafts (a standard kit option), so the Allison should fit. It's gonna be a real freak, that's for sure! I'm still mulling over what to do with the Fiat. I may use a Chrysler hemi with shorty injector stacks, or perhaps I'll stuff in a blown and injected Ford 427 SOHC "cammer", or some other engine from my stash. So many possibilities. . .

[The Inspector]

Keep the TOPOLINO body, and get three more ALLISONS and build the exhibition car that was the follow on to 'BIG AL' the 34 FORD tudor sedan with the 1710 built by Jim Lytle, with 4 ALLISONS (QUAD AL) it made Ivo's 'Showboat' look like a weed whacker.
Tex Collins built a very nice ALLISON powered 70 MUSTANG flopper 'Mr. Cal Automotive' saw it run @ Palmdale Dragstrip in about '72, it was painted in typical late 60's/early 70's 'YEEHAW' flake and candy paint, pictures of all the above can be found on GOOGLE IMAGES.

Be sure and show what ya done!

[DaveG]

What a coincidence...I was just reading this guy's site today...he recommends using Formula 409. Scroll down a bit and he talks about why he prefers it to coca-cola.

http://www.alanoodle.com/66_b-mobile_tutorial.html

[Hemiman]

TOPOLINO! WOOT!!!

Used to watch the Fuel Altereds run on the East coast. What a show.. One of my favorite pics! Nothing like running over your own oil pan!!!

[The Inspector]

not to mention the crank and rods and flywheel too!
I knew a guy who said he could get his Chevy small block to turn 10 grand twice in a day if the parts store stayed open late!

[K5DH]

The Formula 409 worked! I now have a naked Allison V12 to work with.

[B-17 guy]

I read this last night and wanted to try this out, I had some chrome plated diamond plate from a scrapped peterbuilt tractor that my kids got from a neighbor. I took all the diamond plate pieces off the truck so I could use them for an M925 to M931 tractor conversion I'm gonna be working on.

I cant believe how well the 409 worked! I soaked the chrome parts for 20 mins and got perfectly clean parts to use! I'm glad for forums like this.