Predicta; refinishing CRT side metal pieces?

[Steve]

Now that I have this thing working (21" pedistal version) I need to do some
cosmetic work. The metal tubes that go from the base of the CRT
to the sides are in bad shape. These are steel tubes with a brass
finish. I'd like to hear what others have done to refinish these. I'm
tempted to sand off what remains of the finish (and rust...) and
just paint them. TIA
Steve

[bandersen]

I have the same problem with a Princess model. I've tried various metallic spray paints on scraps and none look close to real plating Even so, that's what I plan on doing unless someone knows of an inexpensive electroplater.

[ohohyodafarted]

Spend some of your money and have them re-brass plated. That's what I do. There are decorative plating shops all over the country who do this type of work. I would guess that it would cost between $50 and $100 depending on the present condition of the parts.

[marty59]

+1 on the re-plating. When I get around to doing the cabinet work on mine I should do those pieces too.

[tvdude1]

On my sets I had the base and both arms done. Not expensive.

[bandersen]

OK, maybe I'll try to get a quote from some places like this: http://www.implating.com/our_finishes.html
I've heard one of the issues to be concern about is rust. If you want them to remove it and get rid of the pits, it can really drive up the costs.

Any recommendations of plating companies ?

[ohohyodafarted]

Much depends on the depth of the rust. If it is surface rust, most likely it can be sand blasted and polished. Then copper, nickel, brass is the plating cycle. First is a heavy layer of copper plating. Then the copper is polished again. Then nickel plated and finally brass plated. AFter the brass plating, it must be polished to a bright shiny finish or a satin finish. I believe the original Predicta finish was bright brass.

In all decorative plating, the manual labor involved in polishing, is what adds to the cost. Industrial finishes are not polished and so all you pay for is the actual electro plating.

[kx250rider]

Definitely replate & don't paint! Better left cruddy than painted, IMHO. Check around for prices, as they can vary by 1000% depending on local environmental laws and taxes/fees. The Southern states have had the best plating prices lately; at least with chrome. CA needless to say, is the highest.

Charles