what did you do about your pitted/rusted parts?

[jbar2bc]

My exterior door handles; license plate light; etc. Pot metal parts are pitted and have some rust.

I have looked into buying new but I would rather fix up what came with my compact if possible?

I am curious about what everyone is doing with their pitted/ rusted parts?

Thanks for your thoughts!

[universalexports]

There are not a lot of options, I dont guess anyone has found a place that is willing re-chrome for a decent price,

1.sand and paint them
2. look for better used parts on ebay and Craigslist.
3. bite the bullet, and wait for someone to sell a NOS (new old stock) part on ebay and pay through the nose. I have almost as much $$$ in my door handle, water fill, wings, and license tail light than I have in my camper.

example,
NOS door handle, $225 on ebay
NOS license plate chrome light and fixture, $110.00 on ebay
new wings $325.00 made by Tylerbes here on the board
NOS bargman outside water fill with lid, $75.00 from ebay.

I havent found a cheap economical way to restore back to near original finish.

[cowcharge]

One of the advantages of being vintagely challenged is having plastic water fills and a regular old door knob.

[jbar2bc]

Holy cow Universal!!!!
I may just be using what I have. Maybe I will try the sand and paint thing.

[WingedWonder]

I read up on rechroming or zinc plating online. I know zinc plating can even be DIY. I found out that pot metal is an absolute nightmare to plate even for the pros. My plan is sand, fill pits, and paint a silver color. Won't be absolutely correct but should look good.

[dawgpound]

I just clean them up the best I can. It is, what it is!

I painted then with Rustoleum gloss black and then buff off the paint on the letters with fine steel wool.

Attachments:

[cowcharge]

That looks fine. Just consider the pits a badge of honor, like crow's feet.

[65callie]

Learn to love and embrace them as is. That's what we do!

[boandsusan]

I look at them as "love pats and pimples". Vintage trademarks. You gotta love em! Crows feet? Grrrr.......