PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - removing gold plating

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Is is possible to remove gold plating from the hood and trunk stars and lettering. I really do not like the way it looks but I do not want to have to buy new emblems. Thanks for any help.

i had the same problem with my gold plated emblems. they had to be replaced. you can strip the gold off the same way you strip off the chrome but you cannot replate it gold (you can but it won't shine like before). you can replate it chrome but the new emblems are propably cheaper.

once the chrome is removed you plate on nickel(gold).the gold is soft so it dose wear out.it could be re gold plated or polished orstripped back to nickel.

unlike chrome, the gold is hard to strip. also the first time when they strip the chrome they need to activate the nickle so it can be gold plated. if they wait too long after the nickle is activated, the gold plating is not going to be perfect either. it the gold plating is too thin, the metal can get oxidized and with your hand with sweat rubbing on that plated door handle, you can even strip off the nickle layer. then you have a uneven surface. uneven in the sense of layer of the metal, because you can only plate on the nickle (you can plate on any metal but it won't shine like chrome), your replate job will look horrible. i plated the gold myself the first time. it looked good for about 2 yrs only. i tried to re-gold-plated it but it did not work. now all my emblems, front grill, and hood star are brand new, chromed only. i like the look of chrome better now. it's more durable. the only problem i have is the chrome pieces on the door handles. i think i am going to paint the door handles body color instead.

The replacements are cheap!! The trunk star is $5, the model designation is about $7, and the hood star $25. Replacement is much easier!

Quote:

Originally posted by David C Klasse
The replacements are cheap!! The trunk star is $5, the model designation is about $7, and the hood star $25. Replacement is much easier!

Where do you get trunk stars and model designations for these prices? Iv'e been qutes $40 each. I am looking for a trunk star, 3000D and DIESEL in chrome.

Ohh, now that I see you have a 1976, I misinformed you. I am thinking of a late model MB, where are not metal anymore.
I would try a junkyard though. I got a big metal trunk emblem from them for $5 about a year ago... I mounted it to my amp.