Hints & Tips
Chrome Metal Foil
During the fifties, chrome was as important in a car as fuel in the engine and the Corvette was not excluded of this trend, which lasted all the way thru the 60’s and early 70’s. Corvettes didn’t used as much chrome as other cars, but it was definitely there. From windshield frames to tail lights bezels to early moldings, no replica Corvette model is complete without its chrome trim, not to mention customs.
Forget about that silver paint. It just won’t do it. What about Chrome -Silver paint? We’ll get to that later.
Several years ago, a company named Bare-Metal came to the rescue with the Bare-Metal Foil. Today it is still probably the best selling metal foil, but there are other brands out there. Choosing a favorite brand is up to you.
What exactly is it? Well if you imagine the aluminum foil used to store food leftovers with an adhesive back you are not far from the truth. But this foil is made really thin, and it is available not only in chrome, but in other colors as well (black, gold, dull aluminum, etc)
Once you get your favorite chrome foil, you need some basic tools for properly applying it:
Before beginning, there are some ground rules. First, work in a clean environment. Little particles and fingerprints are attracted to the foil. Second, you have to be generous using the foil. If you try to be "economic" you will end up throwing it away and cutting a bigger piece.
Let’s begin with something easy, like the rocker molding of a ’63 Vette (without sidepipes of course). Measure the length and the width of the molding. Using the metal ruler as a guide, cut a piece of foil at least ¾ inch longer and about ½ inch wider than the molding. To cut the foil, do not apply too much pressure. Let the weight of the handle help do the job. If it starts tearing you are either applying too much pressure or the blade is dull. After cutting the foil, lift it carefully by a corner using sharp pointed tweezers. Once lifted a bit you can take it with your fingers. Place the foil centered over the molding, and lightly press in the middle. Using the cotton swab, slightly wet to prevent cotton lint, start pressing from the center outwards, parallel to the molding. Tuck the bottom and the corners inwards and slightly increase the pressure. For hard to reach places, you can press the foil with a toothpick, but be careful. It tears very easily. Once you rub it completely, you are ready to trim it. Using the sharp blade, carefully cut the foil by the upper edge. Work slowly to prevent cutting into the foil, or worst, into the paint. After cutting, press it again with the swab.
Now you are ready to tackle more difficult tasks. How about the windshield trim? If you look at the real car, the windshield molding is actually made out of several pieces. Why do it differently?. Attack this task in four parts. Left, right, top and bottom. Do the verticals first similar to the rocker panel, then the top and bottom overlapping the verticals. Don’t worry about overlapping. If properly rubbed in, it will be unnoticeable.
Use the same procedure with the rear window trim and door vents.
For the emblems, use a piece big enough to cover it, rub it in and carefully trim it with the #11 blade.
Metal foil is flexible, but it does have its limitations. Bumpers of mid year (C2) corvettes would be very difficult to cover in foil. So does a custom hi-rise intake manifold or a wheel. There are several alternatives. You can send the parts to a chrome plating company, or depending on the look you want, you can paint them using Chrome-Silver paint. This will actually look more like polished aluminum. You can also use clear to enhance it. There are more complicated processes to chrome plastic like varnish based, aluminum dust etc. but that is out of our scope.
As you can see from the materials list, patience is key to success. Work slowly and carefully. You will be proud of the results. Also, keep experimenting and draw your own set of rules…. Have fun!!!!
Summary
Chrome Metal foil isn't always user friendly.. but with the techniques that Ismael has described, the mystery of applying Chrome Metal foil isn't really that complicated.. I learned a few new tricks.. so as Ismael suggested, buy some Chrome Metal foil and give it a try... Al
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Page updated 01/03/00