Prep Chrome Plate for Black Out?

[Jerry Overstreet]

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I lightly scuffed the soundhole inserts with a sanding sponge. They came out good. I really like this paint. It goes on very smooth with a few light passes from a distance. It is labeled semi gloss but has just a tad more gloss than I wanted. Still better than matte or flat, I think.

I may decide to replace those with screenless rings if I can find some at a reasonable cost. The ones I've found so far are ridiculously expensive. I'd take some used ones, chrome or black, if someone has some they have replaced.

I'm still deciding about treatment for the cover plate. The screens were suprisingly easy, but they're small and there will be little or no contact with them unlike the cover plate.

[Bill Groner]

They look great Jerry. Good luck with the cover plate.

[Jerry Overstreet]

I decided to try and vinyl wrap the cover in carbon fiber pattern. Pretty time consuming with all the fan punches but I got more time than money...so...

Still a little edge trimming to do but I think it'll do.

I'll install the cover plate when I get to a string change and internals inspection.
Thanks for all the suggestions and tips everybody.

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[Bill Groner]

What?????? R U trying to compete with HowardR? LOL It does look good! I hear you on the more time than money!

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thanks Bill. Compete with Howard? Hardly, No, I don't think so. He has some of the most professionally crafted and beautiful instruments anywhere in the world.

My work is barely adequate and on close inspection probably some evidence of flaws and booboos. Wouldn't pass muster in other camps probably.

[Bill Groner]

So you're saying it's a 25 footer? Looks great from that distance. That's OK as long as you like it that's what counts!

[Jerry Overstreet]

Well, maybe not that rough. Most folks will not see the little things I see. Some minor bubbles but the heat gun may take care of those. Yeah, not bad considering and It will definitely be more durable than my paint idea.

My first attempt did not go well due to the humps and bumps in the coverplate. Fortunately it peels off relatively easy. Clean up and start over.

The second time I did it in 2 halves. Much better. There's a small lap where the pieces meet, but the pattern lines up good and it's barely visible. I'll probably leave it like that.

Thanks for your support Bill. On to the next project.

[Jerry Overstreet]

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Concerning HowardR's coverplates treatment in the above link, I had completely forgotten about that post. Had I remembered, I might have tried to copy some of his treatment methods as those are unique and great looking.

No matter, I'm done for now I guess.

[Jerry Overstreet]

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So this is how it looks. Just gotta finish restringing.

I had to use the existing one as the replacement one I first covered is too small. It's off a Wechter 'horn that I replaced with a chinese import unit some time ago. I guess the import 10 1/2 cone route uses a smaller diameter coverplate. [See pics in above post.]
The layover appeared that it would fit, but hard to tell with all the hdwe. still in place.

Anyway, all the effort was not really wasted as I learned a little bit in the process. If anyone wants to black out their import reso with this smaller coverplate, I'd sell it. I cut the palm rest off it years ago but configured it so it can be installed or not. It's not perfect, but it serves.

The existing one that came on the guitar was more difficult due to the palm rest hump, so I had to do it in 3 pieces. It is not as good a job as the first one, but I'm commited and it'll do.

[Brooks Montgomery]

Looks great Jerry!

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thanks Brooks! Some tired and poked fingers doing all the fan cutouts twice after vinyl application. About 100 cut and folds ea. coverplate, not counting the mounting holes.

I just took my time while sitting watching bb games and used a hobby knife. Some of the original machine punches were annoyingly rough too, but I don't guess they show much.

I don't know if I'd want to do another one, time intensive as it is, so I could save somebody interested in doing this a lot of time if they wanted to buy the first one for a new look. It should fit imports. That's what it came off.