I'm also thinking that the chroming process will bugger up the paint so you are looking at a full resto anyway. What I have done before is to start buffing what chrome is there until all rust is gone and the surface is smooth. Its a long process, but it will pay off if you are diligent. Sit on the couch, cover your lap with a cheap Harbor Fright moving blanket, and get to work. Start with 600 grit and work your way up to 2000. After that, the buffing wheel, or buy one for a hand drill. It will eventually shine like chrome, but you'll have to protect it by either keeping is waxed with Renaissance Wax, or bowling alley wax, or simply spray some glossy clear acrylic over it. Tedious. Time-consuming. Doable.
ETA: I also wanted to say that Caswell offers DIY nickel plating kits that will provide a reasonably chrome-like shine. Not cheap though, and you'll have to deal with the chemicals on your own.
Last edited by J.Higgins; 08-14-19 at 05:31 AM.