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Having gone over the car and inventorying the items, I am finding the majority of my car's exterior trim is pot metal and is pitting badly. The time to drill out all the pits, then copper plate seems very time-consuming. Has anyone here performed this work themselves? Can you offer advice on best practices or procedures... things that have worked for you?

I'll be experimenting with recreating the cormorant hood ornament for my car in CAD, then sending the CAD out for 3D printing in sintered stainless/bronze. My brother was a plating chemist, so he'll take if from there for the final plating. In the event this works out as expected, I may just find myself reproducing all the pitted exterior trim in this manner. Might just be a lot of fun, too.

Warmest regards!

At least your 53 should have missed out on some of the war chrome. That was truly miserable for longevity and the cars that have it are frequently disasters as far as brightwork. I think that use was mostly over by 53 production. Just in case some was still being used, here is the article for 52s and will give a general idea of material or how various pieces were finished.

IMO, If you can do the work and your brother will be the plater or you have one that will work with you then I think you would be money ahead to go the drill and fill route. Don't think you will find NOS for all the pieces needed and those you do find will most likely cost as much if not more than plating and may not match if mounted side by side. Used will probably not be more than driver condition or even much better than what you have.

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I am interested in the 3D printing. I think this maybe the way we produce parts for our cars in the future. I look forward to your project whichever direction you choose.

FYI, there are factory blueprints for some parts, maybe they can help with your CAD program.