Black Pearl Emblem pics
07-11-02, 09:11 AM
#17
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He does say they are used, but mine came well packaged, flawless finish, and with the Lexus care instruction sheet. I guess if they start flaking off in a month or two I'll know I got screwed, but I don't see that happening.
I don't really see the extra $50, but to each their own.
I don't really see the extra $50, but to each their own.
07-11-02, 02:21 PM
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FWIW, I was originally going to have my silver emblems re-plated but, after discussing the differences between both factory and aftermarket plating with a manufacturer of plating equipment , I decided to purchase an original factory set instead.
This is basically what he said:
Factory plating uses a more expensive and durable process which applies a heavier coat of plating material to the surface, whereas aftermarket only applies a thin coat. It takes several applications to "build up" a lasting plate. The thinner the plating is, the quicker it will fade or be damaged by waxing, buffing, etc.
The problem is that, to save time and material cost, most aftermarket platers do not take the time to apply the necessary amount of coats (they stop when the color "looks good", usually after one coat). Even if they do apply several additional coats, he admitted that the factory process and plating material is superior. He also said that re-plating black pearl is the hardest to get right because the process is more sophisticated than with gold or silver.
So, if you have problems with aftermarket plating it will not be due to flaking but fading. You will probably not see any degradation in a few months... but perhaps in a year?
The bottom line is factory plating will significantly outlast aftermarket, which is why it is more expensive.
bizarreRide, I realize you are trying to justify your purchase and possibly save someone else a few bucks but remember, you usually get what you pay for.
- J
This is basically what he said:
Factory plating uses a more expensive and durable process which applies a heavier coat of plating material to the surface, whereas aftermarket only applies a thin coat. It takes several applications to "build up" a lasting plate. The thinner the plating is, the quicker it will fade or be damaged by waxing, buffing, etc.
The problem is that, to save time and material cost, most aftermarket platers do not take the time to apply the necessary amount of coats (they stop when the color "looks good", usually after one coat). Even if they do apply several additional coats, he admitted that the factory process and plating material is superior. He also said that re-plating black pearl is the hardest to get right because the process is more sophisticated than with gold or silver.
So, if you have problems with aftermarket plating it will not be due to flaking but fading. You will probably not see any degradation in a few months... but perhaps in a year?
The bottom line is factory plating will significantly outlast aftermarket, which is why it is more expensive.
bizarreRide, I realize you are trying to justify your purchase and possibly save someone else a few bucks but remember, you usually get what you pay for.
- J
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