Resto tips - Chrome Legs?

[Black Pearl]

Hi

Doing my first resto (first anything really) on a stage 88. The Legs are very corroded. I was curious if there was anything to worry about regarding getting them rechromed or is it just a matter of taking them to a electroplatter?

Also if anyone in Melbourne, Australia can recommend someone I'd be keen to hear.

Cheers Rob

[Alan Lenhoff]

I'm no expert on this, but I'd think that to get some good advice, you'd need to be far more specific about how bad the corrosion is.  Are the legs rusty?  Pitted?  Is the chrome surface totally gone in some areas?  Or have the legs simply lost their shine? Photos would help, too.

Alan

[Ben Bove]

The only concern would be cost.  If you take them to be rechromed, it might be less to purchase a set new from the vintage parts retailers - depending on how original you want to be on the restoration, just food for thought

[David Aubke]

It's in the U.S. but, here's a set of (satin) legs and braces for $300.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rhodes-Piano-Model-3363-Very-good-condition-/320946349930?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item4ab9e4a76a

Comes with a free 3363 piano but maybe you could get the seller to just ship the legs.

[Black Pearl]

I'm no expert on this, but I'd think that to get some good advice, you'd need to be far more specific about how bad the corrosion is.  Are the legs rusty?  Pitted?  Is the chrome surface totally gone in some areas?  Or have the legs simply lost their shine? Photos would help, too.

Alan

Yeah - Good point. The rear legs and braces are particularly bad with chrome surface totally flaked off in certain areas and other areas the legs are totally brown. A mate who restores drums suggested rubbing with some 0000 steel wool for pitted surfaces however these are well beyond that point.

Pity the vintage relic look isn't in vogue with EP's as it is in the guitar world. lol

I'll get a quote for a replate in the next couple of days and report back....

As for photos. My mac is down at the moment so will load some pics once that is sorted.

[Alan Lenhoff]

Based on your description that the chrome surface is totally flaked off in some areas, there's no need for photos.  Sounds like re-chrome -- or replace -- are your options.

[Black Pearl]

Looks like rechroming the legs is not a bad option. First place I got a quote from suggested $150 which didn't seem unreasonable given how bad they are and that they'd require a reasonable amount of polishing and cleaning prior to plating. It is also 8-10 piece once you pull them all apart.

[pianotuner steveo]

Rechrome, replace, or prime and paint them.....

There is nothing wrong with painting them unless you really need the chrome look. Black, silver, or a cool color....

[Black Pearl]

Got the legs back from the electroplater and i must say i was impressed with the outcome. The legs came back looking new.

Given the extensive flaking of the previous finish, even painting would have been a poor outcome and a lot of work on my behalf.

Well worth the effort/expense in my view.