Anyone know where to get "raw" parts?
 

I'm looking for exterior body parts in the raw (i.e. that have not been plated/chromed, etc).

Example: Door handles, misc exterior chrome components, etc.

Does anyone how/where a consumer can purchase these type of parts?

a platers would be able to chemically strip parts if you gave them to him if you can't find your raw parts...

What Ricola said! Any plater can strip the chrome off the parts, and just leave the nickle finish. This makes paint stick way better than painting over chrome (not a good idea). I guess that's what you are wanting "raw" parts for anyway ;)

They do come up. I have some "raw" (primed in factory black) mirrors, door handles all brand new which I got from ebay.

Volkswarenhaus has quite a bit of stuff, from like what I have to window frames like the Jeans, but it'd probably be cheaper to get down the platers and have them stripped if the parts you have are good.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...1.jpg~original

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...1.jpg~original

What you are after?

If you want, you can do at home. Scuff lightly with 1000 grit then coat with metal etch primer. Krylon has some industrial satin finish paint that works great. Two thin coats is all thats needed.

Thanks for the replys guys. I'll keep checking around. The reasoning for the question is that I need to buy all new parts anyway, so I want to get them cheaper raw prior to any plating especially when I'm going to strip/paint them anyway. Plating/stripping is just an extra cost in addition to the retail mark-up.

There is a plater in santa clara I know who has stripped / plated some things for me in the past. If I can't find more "raw" parts I'll just have to go back to him I guess.

I'll keep on the lookout.

Thanks again.

That's exactly what I did but I used 600grit plus wire wool. I used Rustoleum Hard Hat spray paint in matt black. Works a treat and appears to be holding up well.

Clive