Getting parts chromed/powder coated
 

I want to get parts of my engine chromed or powder coated. How would one do this? Are there shops or kits to do it yourself?

You can't do powder coating. It requires special equipment to apply the powder and then it has to bake in a 400 degree oven.

You can do home electroplating, chrome, zinc, nickel etc. but you have to have a power supply and a tank larger enough to submerge the parts in. Try this link: http://www.caswellplating.com/index.html

Well, you CAN do powdercoating if you invest in a $100 gun and find a used home oven and can get it hooked up in your garage (fumes=toxic=no indoor oven).

I was lucky to find someone who does more industrial plating than show car plating do a lot of the parts on my car at a good price. The work was good enough and the price was extremely good. But I think he didn't really want to do this business so I found a "show chrome" plater. He is VERY expensive but the workmanship is absolutely first rate, the parts looked like jewelry. Be aware that NO ONE is going to give you a fast turn around, making this a winter project.

The best deal on wheels I found was at chromeyourwheels.com. MAYBE they cut a corner on not buffing the inside "slots" of my 15-holer 15" wheels, but their price was excellent and their workmanship in polishing and plating was absolutely top notch.

BTW, a lot of parts on these cars (aluminum) lend themselves to polishing. It's hard work, it's messy and maybe dangerous if parts go flying, it requires a little investment, but it was worth it. See my gallery and site.

Advantages of powder coating?
 

What are the advantages of powder coating? Does the paint adhere better? Go on smoother? I know a lot of manufacturers I represent powder coat their products, but never really knew why.

You can apply it much thicker than conventional paint. It is also much more durable.

What's PVD?
 

Dan, do you know what PVD coating is? I've heard that term used in conjunction with smaller items like watches, pens, and stuff like that.

I guess that powder coating is going to hold up better in high wear locations, then? What about heat resistance? Is it better for high heat areas like engine compartments, too?

Powder coating uses polyester or epoxy. Both are very durable. I used to be on a race team and the owners had a powder coating business. They powder coated boat hatch frames and lots of race car frames. It resists scratching much better than paint, and when the powder is baked on in the oven it actually flows into the pores of the metal and makes a very strong physical bond. There is also clear powder coating. They did a set of wheels for me and they turned out great and held up very well.

Powder coating also has no solvents involved so you don't run into all the environmental issues that occur with paint.

Clear powder coating?
 

So, you can refinish wheels and put on a clear powder coat? I take it that's what you are talking about.

I guess the limitations are on how large an oven you have for baking it on, then?

Main things I want chromed/coated ar my valve cover, turbo, manifolds, and airbox. The kit posted above seems to small to be able to fit those parts in. And how would you keep the inside of something from getting chromed? How much would it usually cost to get someone else to do it?