TromboneChat

Hey all,

Can slide inners be replated if they have corrosion spots ???

Laurie.

Just have them replaced

We are kinda the "end of the earth" here in Australia, not so easy to get replacement parts.

It may be easier sourcing replacement parts than someone willing to replate them.

Modern inner slides are plated with chromium. The process requires some VERY strict environmental controls and not many people do it. You may note how few automotive parts are chrome plated nowadays.

You may find that even in Oz, you can source replacement tubes. And it will be faster and cheaper than trying to find somebody to strip and replate the tubes.

Both the new tube option and the re-chrome option would include complete disassembly and rebuilding of the slide, and maybe a new leadpipe. Very expensive to do. Is the old slide worth it?
If not ,the chrome plating is not essential to good slide action. There were fast slides before the age of chrome technology.
Whether your "corrosion spots" are wear-through of the chrome or pimples of brass oxidation, any sharp edges can be eased with a diamond dressing tool (see below for an example). With a follow-up slide alignment done by a good tech, the slide can be just as fast as a fully chromed one. It just won't be as pretty.

https://www.rockler.com/diamond-hone-sh ... gLDM_D_BwE