Window Trim Refinish Options? Chrome, Nickel, Powdercoat

[CBA]

Window trim refinishing options and pricing. What have you guys had the most success with and what has it cost? Just started another project car 1973 and would like to have a Chrome type finish however I've been quoted big dollars for Re-chroming ($3,500 plus 2 companies) so been wondering if anyone has tried Nickel Plating or Powder Coating with a chrome or aluminum type finish?


How much has it cost for the following:

1. Re-Chroming window trim
2. Nickel Plating window trim
3. Powder coating window trim

Thanks

[wjdunham]

I had mine (anodized aluminum) polished for $400 for the pair. They stripped the anodizing before polishing. I know that's not one of your choices, but might be an option? Mine had some pretty deep scratches and lots of patina, but were able to come back with a nice mirror like finish. Have considered having them anodized but I'd need to see samples before doing so. Are yours chromed brass or aluminum?

Bill

[Robert Adams]

My 73 is a Targa. I had all the 'bling' done about 3 years ago. ALL exterior aluminum parts stripped, polished and anodized. Vent window frames & back piece, door sill trim and the body to under Targa rear window trim, head light bezels, all re-chromed. I'll try to dig out the costs, but $3500 seems about right. My door handles were ok, so kept them as is.
I'd recommend the re-chrome on the brass stuff and strip, polish & anodize the aluminum. The labor is where all the cost is not in the materials......and expect to wait several months

[Anglocanadian]

I couldn't justify the outlay for chrome and went with powder coat , from memory I think it came in around $500Can for everything

[CBA]

Thanks guys for the feedback.

@wjdunham do you have to polish your frames on occasion to keep them bright?
@anglocanadian what color is your powder coated frames. Almost looks like a nickel color.

[Anglocanadian]

Sorry I don't know the exact color , I just chose from the sample parts I was shown.

[cabmandone]

PM Shaun @ tru6 guy does amazing work.

Originally Posted by 911pcars

Ceramic coatings are much thinner than powder coat. In addition, there's a ceramic coating that looks like chrome, metal finishes and color options. Shaun@ Tru 6 here on the board is one such source. Depending on where you live, there may be more local sources as well.

Sherwood

Good point made above. I took my fan and housing to a local gun shop that does Cerakote.

https://www.cerakote.com/find-applicator

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Not sure it would be the right choice for a classic air-cooled 911 but vinyl wrap for window trims is fairly popular. Some new vehicles even have vinyl as new instead of paint on window trims. Would probably be worth looking into for someone wanting black.

[wjdunham]

Originally Posted by CBA

Thanks guys for the feedback.

@wjdunham do you have to polish your frames on occasion to keep them bright?
@anglocanadian what color is your powder coated frames. Almost looks like a nickel color.

Good question on the occasional (yearly is what I have been advised) polishing. I just had them done and they are not even on the car yet. But yes, I am expecting to have to polish them a bit every year to keep the mirror like finish.

BIll

[911pcars]

Ceramic coatings are much thinner than powder coat. In addition, there's a ceramic coating that looks like chrome, metal finishes and color options. Shaun@ Tru 6 here on the board is one such source. Depending on where you live, there may be more local sources as well.

Sherwood

[Showdown]

Having just seen the singer brushed nickel finish on the trim I can’t Stop thinking about it. It’s simply the most stunning finish I’ve ever seen. I’m sure it cost a lot but I’d say it’s totally worth it.

[Harpo]

I had all of my exterior bit powder coated and I love the look but it is thick even when they put it on lite. Reinstalling my rear 1/4 vent windows was a major PITS and I will never do it again. Cerakote can be a a PITA due to all the steps involved but does look awesome but it ain't cheap.

Originally Posted by 911pcars

Ceramic coatings are much thinner than powder coat. In addition, there's a ceramic coating that looks like chrome, metal finishes and color options. Shaun@ Tru 6 here on the board is one such source. Depending on where you live, there may be more local sources as well.

Sherwood

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by Harpo

I had all of my exterior bit powder coated and I love the look but it is thick even when they put it on lite. Reinstalling my rear 1/4 vent windows was a major PITS and I will never do it again. Cerakote can be a a PITA due to all the steps involved but does look awesome but it ain't cheap.

Is it as much as the $3000+ quoted in this thread for traditional polishing and anodizing?