Chrome shops

Allenk · 07-24-2006, 02:29 AM

I have a few trim pieces from my targa that could use re-chroming. Since they are all metal and seem to be difficult to find at a good price, I was wondering if sending them out would be the better option. Any thoughts? If so, any reasonably priced shops you can suggest? What can I expect to pay? Maybe someone on the board does this stuff?

rouxroux · 07-24-2006, 07:47 AM

Check out the "services" pages in Hemmings Motor News. There are many chrome shops that do different "levels" of chroming. You get what you pay for (especially when you get to "show chrome")...for the majority of my "daily driver" stuff, I have a local bumper company that lets me run small stuff in their tank for pretty reasonable prices. Sometimes they charge by the "tankload" instead of individual pieces. Also it depends on the condition of your pieces (do they need any pitting issues addressed, etc...). Best of luck with your project.

Gene Wilkes · 07-24-2006, 08:25 AM

Try Pauls Chrome, he's in our area. Don't have a number, but think he has a website too! Does a lot of wheels!

Allenk · 07-24-2006, 09:32 AM

Thanks.

Gene Wilkes · 07-24-2006, 09:47 AM

http://www.paulschrome.com/
his website! ;-)

Allenk · 07-24-2006, 11:42 AM

I called and they want $100 a piece if the metal is aluminum and $150 a piece otherwise. I think I would paint it black before paying that. Any more options?

Gene Wilkes · 07-24-2006, 11:45 AM

These shops are all expensive. Befriend a gunsmith that does chrome work!

Harlan Chinn · Harlan Chinn's Garage

My neighbor runs a shop locally here that does all types of plating from chrome, gold, brass, copper, not cheap especially for "show quality" chrome, essentially mirror like with zero distortion. Plating places are very caustic environments with the various acid baths. Everything made of metal in the shop begins to deteriorate if left out. I've powder coated things there but haven't done any plating though I've been invited to. The oven for powdercoat is large enough to pull a large diesel truck tractor frame into. It might be cheaper to buy new chrome trim pieces than to pay to have yours re-chromed. Unless the part is NLA.

randywebb · 07-25-2006, 02:05 PM

Cost is for proper handling of toxics + a lot of hand labor.

The process is sorta like a body shop - they clean & strip, straighten, etc. then fill (tho using a pot metal rather than bondo). then comes the sanding and base coating + more sanding and then the chrome layers per se. then fine sand/polish/fine polish... a lot of work.

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

Why is plating so expensive here?

I used to restore/custom vintage Vespa and Lambrettas in the UK and used to get parts chromed all the time, as long as the pieces were 'minimal' work they were priced by weight. Used to be able to get loads of nuts, bolts, rims, trim pieces, flywheel covers and small parts (up to the size of wheel hubs / tool box doors / headsets) done as a bulk lot for a couple of hundred bucks or so.

Perhaps not 'hot-rod show' standard but a good quality job from a dedicated chrome plate only company.

When I have the car repainted at some point in the future (subject to lottery win, bank robbery, inheritance) I have a number of bits from my Targa that I would like re-plated - surely it should be cheaper to re-finish rather than re-purchase?

May seriously look at sending parts back to the UK for chroming.

Gearbox · 07:29 PM

Try Gene Mara at Mara Plating in Newark, NJ. One of the last old timers left in the state. I have most of my vintage race car parts nickel polished plated with him for the past 25 years and I just dropped off 4 bumperretes and two door handles from my 71S, cost was $250 for triple chrome plating and polishing for everything. He also does the chroming for OCC if that matters.

Nigel, Chroming and plating has been hit hard by the EPA in this country. Almost impossible to set up a chroming shop with all the new regulations and equipment requirements to treat the water, neutralize the acids, and clean the air. Plus the insurance costs have gone through the roof. Only some of the "Old Timers" who have been around for 50 years were grandfathered, but they are dieing off left and right. NJ use to have platers everywhere, now, I only know of Mara Plating in Newark, and he's there only because the area he's in is not developable. Good luck Allan

GSpreeman · GSpreeman's Garage

Gearbox, where in the heck are you with that car collection? I live in South Orange and am in Westfield at least a few times a week. Also, do you have a number for Mara? I tried but couldn't find him on the internet. I you want, PM me.

Gearbox · 07-25-2006, 07:41 PM

GSpreeman - LOL, Haven't you heard? The one who dies with the most toys wins. I had to install a lift in my garage just to get all the cars I'm using/restoring inside, then there is my race car enclosed trailer, my basement, and a warehouse that I have use of. It's a never ending game of musical chairs. Check out my website at www.thelolaregistry.com under project cars and see some of the insanity I'm up to. Or better yet, drop by and see yourself, I'm right across the street from Minowaskin Park. I'll PM you with my adress and Mara's number, Cheers Allan

Allenk · 07-26-2006, 02:26 AM

It seems purchasing may be the better option. Kind of a shame actually, the pieces I have are just bad enough that I wouldn't want to put them on a car with a new paint job, but not bad enough to toss. When the time comes I'll offer them here in case someone wants to paint them.