getting Magnesium chromed

alansvw Wolfsburg Wizard

426 posts · joined May 2005 · 24 Feb 2011, 2:15 am

#827968

I want to get my Porsche fan blades chromed. I've seen it done in photos and thought it would not be a problem until I found out it was made of magnesium. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have already had it ceramic coated and was not happy with the results.

AUSSIE_MICK Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Jan 2009 · 24 Feb 2011, 4:55 am

#827970

Been there with my fuchs, don't bother

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Feb 2011, 6:33 am

#827973

the problem with magnesium 1s that is porus on the surface

also Chroming with embrittle the metal and after a while it will probbaly fly apart while in motion

as per above dont bother

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 24 Feb 2011, 7:44 am

#827981

Yep, don't bother. Mag will polish like chrome but oxidises the minute you stop polishing. Also as you've found it doesn't take ceramic too well either. The metal coaters I use are presently working on a clear coating that will work on the prepolished magnesium......not ready or tested yet.

The chrome ones you've seen are prolly ally knock offs.

Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

65standard Officially Full-On Dubber

373 posts · joined Apr 2009 · 24 Feb 2011, 9:37 am

#827992

As above. The engineers who design things know what they're doing (most of the time) and people are always trying to "improve" things to make them look better.

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

Saggas Casual Dubber

45 posts · joined May 2006 · 24 Feb 2011, 12:25 pm

#828010

i never knew these were mag...

alansvw Wolfsburg Wizard

426 posts · joined May 2005 · 28 Feb 2011, 12:17 pm

#828692

I have sent some emails to guys on the web that appear to have had theirs chromed or polished. If I find out anymore i will post answers. Thanks

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 · 28 Feb 2011, 3:01 pm

#828718

Yes you can chrome a mag porsche fan.

I am pretty sure magnesium will chrome as well or close to aluminium as it has similar properties.

Did you know aluminium chromes far better than steel does? It does in fact stick better on Aluminium due to a process called desmutting.

If aluminium is any guide to magnesium then chroming your fan should yield good results provided your electroplater knows what he/she is doing.

http://www.pfonline.com/articles/smut-and-desmutting

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

liam66 Officially Full-On Dubber

260 posts · joined Oct 2005 · 28 Feb 2011, 4:00 pm

#828723

I thought hydrogen embritlement unlefected hardened parts ( heat treated steel) - could be wrong.

Some of those HPC type treatments are pretty flash these days.

matara Custom Title Time!

1,342 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 1 Mar 2011, 10:21 am

#828863

Have you thought about the Gold coating that Mr Okrasa over on thesamba puts onto Engine Cases:-

More details here:- http://www.chemical-supermarket.com/Magnesium-Treatment-Kit-p421.html

alansvw Wolfsburg Wizard

426 posts · joined May 2005 · 1 Mar 2011, 9:22 pm

#828953

I have had someone say that this product "GIBBS BRAND" will last for a number of years and keep polish looking great. For $35 for 2 cans its worth trying.

http://www.roadsters.com/gibbs/