Jay, I've been using the Caswell Plug n plate chrome kits for almost two years now with mixed results and these are my impressions, others may have a different view. I haven't tried it on cadmium and it doesn't work as well on zinc or parts containing a lot of zinc as it does on regular steel such as found in most screws and bolts. I've done probably a hundred various fasteners including seat post binder bolts and stem bolts. I recently used it to rechrome an old Campy Gran Sport rear derailleur and it was great. Chroming the front derailleur, however, was a failure as the chroming was uneven. I have also touched up some spots on an old fork crown. Large pieces do require patience and like most everything, proper prepping is the secret. Preheating the solution and the parts shortens the time. It does not apply a thick layer of chrome, so any scratches or imperfections will show. I just rechromed a light bracket holder for an old Sturmey Archer bicycle light and didn't sand and polish it very well, so the finish shows all the imperfections, but still looks okay from a distance. It also isn't a substitute for real chroming, which is a different process. I do recommend it for small parts. You have to be careful not to contaminate the solution and it does have a shelf life, although my last bottle is almost a year old.
I was going to try the gold plating kit, but decided it wasn't applicable to restoring vintage bikes. The Caswell anodizing kits are great, but you need a workshop away from the house because of the odors. I've been banned from using mine in the garage anymore. Hope this helps. Fred Durrette Summerville, SC
I will appreciate feedback from members who have used the Caswell Plug N' Plate Chrome kit on both small and large parts. Will it work over Zinc and Cadmium plated parts to further enhance them? Thanks in advance,
Jay Dubiel Halifax, VA USA
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From: Jay Dubiel <zoomdog@pure.net> To: classicrendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2009 4:36:37 PM Subject: [CR] Caswell Plug N' Plate: Seeking Feedback