S&T ELECTROPLATE RESTORING ALLARD CHRYSLER DRAGSTER CHROME
Courtesy of Allard Chrysler Action Group
The Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) has selected S&T Electroplate of Yate, near Bristol to provide the chrome plating needs for 
the restoration of Europe’s first dragster – Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler. The link to their website is now available via www.allardchrysler.org. Using photographs taken in the early 1960s and existing parts as a reference, items that were chromed back then included steering, suspension, transmission, braking and exhaust components. Those requiring new chrome were identified. ACAG Chairman Brian Taylor said,
“I received estimates from 5 different plating companies and selected S&T after receiving a recommendation from Mike Knapman of the Allard Owners Club and talking on the telephone to Nigel Hayward and Kim Saleh of S&T. The fact that they were fairly local to us and specialised in plating for the enthusiast and vintage restorer were also important considerations”.
On inspection of the items, Kim made some suggestions. He thought due to their condition the rear brake back plates should be silver zinc plated rather than nickel flash as we had originally planned. He also recommended that we use a nickel coat on the headers before chrome plating rather than the normal copper. This is because metals expand at different rates when heated, and using copper can result in it breaking through the chrome when the component gets too hot.
S&T Electroplate was established in 1983. It is staffed by very experienced polishers and platers, the key staff having all the necessary skills to strip, polish, repair, plate and inspect the work that is undertaken. They service customers right across the UK & Ireland and even have regular clients in various parts of the European mainland.
Nigel Hayward, Production Manager at S&T said,
“We are proud to have been selected to carry out the plating processes required to restore such a unique and historic vehicle. The great bulk of what we do at S&T is refinishing vehicle parts dating from the early 1900s to about 1980. This inevitably means that of all the car and bike parts we receive for refinishing in nickel or chrome, a significant number will be damaged in some way and need to be repaired prior to being refinished and we can carry out that work at Yate”.
“But the polishing shop is the key area in the restoration of old parts. It is the work here before the main plating stage that largely determines the quality of the finished parts. The polisher is dealing with various metals in various states of decay. They are also dealing with various shapes and need to be aware of stampings and logos so as to retain the originality of items”.
“In our main processing shop we have the plant and solutions for Zinc, Copper, Dull Nickel, Semi-Bright Nickel, Bright Nickel & Chrome Plating. Our tanks are large enough to cope with items up to 8 feet in length. There is an art to know how to ‘jig up’ a part prior to its journey through the chemical processes. The plater will be aware of holes on studs to be masked and of parts that have to fit together after plating. They will be aware of power and time settings to ensure that the correct amount of plating is put onto parts”.
Brian Taylor said,
“So far we have concentrated on assembling all the dragster parts and producing a working exhibit. But it will be fantastic to see the car restored back to its former glory and the chrome plating task is an important stage in completing the job. Now we have the chrome work and the painted chassis, the final assembly can begin. We might need to wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the glare”.
