Quick Fix for Rusty Chrome

[TWChamp]

Chrome plating is a line of sight process and doesn't plate well to the backside of bumper guards. Today it got above zero, so I removed my left front bumper guard on my 50 Champion. It had a light coat of rust on the backside, and only took a minute in my blast cabinet to remove the rust. I taped over the front side to protect the nice new chrome. After blasting and wiping it clean I gave it a coat of Rustoleum chrome paint. Ford did a similar thing to the backs of the Model A bumper ends, where the chrome didn't plate, but most shops today just leave it bare and it will soon rust.

[52-fan]

That's what I did years ago with my Champion's chrome. It looked a lot better that way.

[57pack]

I spent many $$$$$ on chrome plating on my 1957 Packard bumpers, essentially there are three bumpers. Front upper, front lower, and rear plus the two front "Dagmars" or guards.
I will definitely do what you have done to your Studebaker, looks fantastic!
Thanks for posting.

[alaipairod]

After rechroming my bumpers I masked the new chrome off and applied two coats of POR 15 on the back side.
This eliminates the rust issue, and gives a nice contrast to the chrome........This also stops any potential chrome peeling on the edges.

[bezhawk]

Chasis Saver is as good or better [in my opinion] than POR 15, and is available in silver.

http://www.magnetpaints.com/underbody.asp

[EssexExport]

Looks good. Nice work.

[TX Rebel]

Chrome can be applied to recessed areas, but a conductor must be placed inside, after all oxidation is removed. Most customers do not want to pay for the extra labor on something that does not show, so a good coating is an excellent option.

https://www.custompolishchromeplating.com

[studegary]

Decades ago, for each bumper or bumper part that I had show chromed, I would paint the back surfaces with Rustoleum aluminum. I think that it looked proper and the surfaces did not rust. I do not believe that they made Rustoleum chrome back then.