Good Place to Get Parts Rechromed?
 

I have a set of horn grille lights (on my '70T) that I'm thinking about selling.

The lights themselves are clean (I'm thinking they must be stainless steel or chromed brass?), but the horn grilles, and some of the anchoring parts, need rechroming.

I'm thinking about getting them rechromed before offering them for sale.

Anyone have experience -- either exceptionaly good or bad -- with a particular place they'd like to name?

And can anyone offer advice on what I might expect to pay (I know it will depend on the starting condition, but I'd still be interested in hearing estimates)?

Thanks,
--Joe

I've been using Martin's Chrome, 215 289-9227, in Philadelphia for over 10 years. They do excellent work, better than factory but aren't cheap. I have no idea what they would charge for these but I'll bet they'd be at least $100 each to chrome. You may be better off just selling them as is.

I currently have some bike parts being done there now. The current turn around time is about 2 months. If you're interested, I would recommend getting your stuff there soon, as they now start to get real busy and you could face a 6 month turnaround (I've been there)!

This is definitely a dumb question, but why is chroming so expensive? EPA? the cost of chemicals? niche technique?

Bingo for one answer, EPA

EPA is #1 but the materials and chemicals are expensive, it's also labor intesive, stripping, smoothing, polishing, dipping several different times mostly by hand.

I paid $70 to get two standard grills chromed last year. Quality was very good. JP's advise about selling them "as is" is probably right. If they are pitted a lot, the chrome will come back with little dimples in it. You should expect to get them triple plated - copper, nickle & chrome. You should look around for a local shop that is good, too.