What approach have you guys taken with tired chrome parts inside these old birds? The two little metal caps that go over the end of the pilot door handle on my plane have seen better days, I've talked to a couple of local chrome shops and both scoffed at plating these little things. I'm considering painting them, but I'm not sure and I'm not particularly creative when it comes to this sort of thing however I do like things to look good. Thoughts?

I see NOS on fleabay. Also maybe tried Preferred. My experience with platers is that they are expensive. Replacement seems to be least expensive whether Cessna or Harley.

I’m almost certain that the new covers you get from a Cessna dealer now are painted black, p/n S1362 something something. In any case I’ve seen them painted black and prefer it, but then I’m from the “chrome is for Cadillacs” crowd.

How handy are you? You can re chrome it yourself. https://caswellplating.com
Rob

Halestorm wrote:I’m almost certain that the new covers you get from a Cessna dealer now are painted black, p/n S1362 something something. In any case I’ve seen them painted black and prefer it, but then I’m from the “chrome is for Cadillacs” crowd.

If I had a gray toned interior, which would be my preference if I were to buy new or replace the interior I would totally go black. The other option I was considering was painting these some sort of beige tone that matches the headliner or something. I'm not generally a chrome guy.

RC5280 wrote:How handy are you? You can re chrome it yourself. https://caswellplating.com
Rob

I've actually considered this. I don't have a ton of time, but as much of a pain in the ass as it's been to find a way to chrome these small parts, I can't be the only guy needing something small rechromed and perhaps I can buy the triple reprochrome kit and help other guys with small batch chroming to recoup the cost.

Go to the motorcycle or auto forums, they chrome small stuff all the time.
DENNY

Maybe get it PVDed instead?


https://www.pvdamerica.com/gun-coating/

AlCrN Silver

Haven't seen that before, looks like it'd be better than cerakote?

CParker wrote:Haven't seen that before, looks like it'd be better than cerakote?

Not as good as DLC or TiN, but I’d say vastly better then cerakote, probably better then the cheap chrome those things always have on them too

Found a nice blade test for these coatings

Seems plenty for stuff like door handles, fast forward to about 4:10




PVD “chrome”

Fascinating, this is all new to me. I’ve never been impressed by cerakote, I’ve had a couple of guns coated and was surprised at how quickly it wears. Thanks!

I painted mine a gloss grey to match my interior and they've turned out pretty nice!

Problem solved, by some miracle Preferred had a new old stock handle with brand new chrome caps.