Chrome questions...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Johnson City TN
Chrome questions...
Hello All,
I am finally at the point in my restore that I need to seriously start looking at having some chrome work done. Problem is, I know good chrome when I see it, but have no idea how it gets to that state??
I really need some recommendations on shops who can do good work. I would like to start by sending a single piece (I have a driver side windshield post that is pitted and has a broken tab, i.e., the worst piece I have). If that is done nicely, then I will proceed to send more.
Short of recommendations, can you help me with the "right questions to ask?" a potential shop?
Thanks in advance!
Doug
I am finally at the point in my restore that I need to seriously start looking at having some chrome work done. Problem is, I know good chrome when I see it, but have no idea how it gets to that state??
I really need some recommendations on shops who can do good work. I would like to start by sending a single piece (I have a driver side windshield post that is pitted and has a broken tab, i.e., the worst piece I have). If that is done nicely, then I will proceed to send more.
Short of recommendations, can you help me with the "right questions to ask?" a potential shop?
Thanks in advance!
Doug
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 1,293
From: minneola fl
Some shops do a crummy job even when they use the right process. You want "triple plate" chrome. That is, copper, nickel, then chrome. Make sure that the shop that you use has experience with pot metal (door posts, and windshield posts, 6 grill surround pieces). You can usually replace small items cheaper than you can replate them, ie. door handles, wiper bezels, etc. I've used Grossmueller Corvette with good success 1-800-253-5362. They can also repair the tabs (Corvette Central does this also). They send the stuff out, but it is done very well. Cheaper is not better (or worse). Just make sure that the shop you select is familiar with the chrome from your car. Expect to wait 8-12 weeks. Good luck.
Mike Coletta
Mike Coletta
Last edited by mike coletta; Jul 28, 2009 at 09:32 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 21,315
Likes: 2,828
From: Nearby Mayberry in NC
Crowd Plow For Now
I've have had two jobs done so far. First the air cleaner and ignition shields and second the seat iron all chormed via Dick at VA Vettes. He had the steel (chrome and stainless) sent out and managed the project to exceptional results as I'm sure he uses different vendors.... The quality is great, deep and appears to be just the right "depth"......
Today I just shipped the bumpers (4) to him. I've been happy. I know this is not going direct but he has a good eye to not accept crap which is his value:cheers
BTW - seat iron was a quick turnaround this time of year ~ 2.5 weeks
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...seat-iron.html
Today I just shipped the bumpers (4) to him. I've been happy. I know this is not going direct but he has a good eye to not accept crap which is his value:cheers
BTW - seat iron was a quick turnaround this time of year ~ 2.5 weeks
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...seat-iron.html
Last edited by MAD IN NC; Jul 28, 2009 at 09:35 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,359
Likes: 871
From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
I had these guys do everything (chrome, pot metal chrome and stainless steel). I sent the window posts to CC for the mill tab work then direct shipped them to the chrome shop. The chrome shop did a great job and were reasonably priced. All of the pits were gone and looked great! My parts were really rough when I gave them to them. It is not show chrome, though, for the the work it came out great. Their stainless steel work was very nice. I worked out a deal to give them all of my extra pieces for the work. My advice is to call around and visit your local shops.
Custom Metal Finishing-Indiana LLC.
9705 State Rd 38. Hagerstown IN.
(765)-489-4089.
Custom Metal Finishing-Indiana LLC.
9705 State Rd 38. Hagerstown IN.
(765)-489-4089.
Last edited by jimh_1962; Jul 28, 2009 at 10:06 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
For any cast pieces you have to be very careful where to send them. Repairing pits must be done correctly. I would not give them to a place to "try" unless they are very experienced at it. Steel pieces such as bumpers are easy which most places can do.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Johnson City TN
There is a local place that does bumpers only (but I have been told they don't do those too well). So yes, I am looking for someone who can do it all.Thanks to everyone for the recommendations!! Keep them coming, please..
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
As a ballpark figure - show quality chrome for the bumbers should be in a range of $225 to $250 per piece. Two years ago I had four bumpers, the rear license surround and a couple of the front license pieces (not the bumperettes) done for around $1,200
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 99
From: Lake Villa Illinois
St. Jude Donor '14
I've have had two jobs done so far. First the air cleaner and ignition shields and second the seat iron all chormed via Dick at VA Vettes. He had the steel (chrome and stainless) sent out and managed the project to exceptional results as I'm sure he uses different vendors.... The quality is great, deep and appears to be just the right "depth"......
Today I just shipped the bumpers (4) to him. I've been happy. I know this is not going direct but he has a good eye to not accept crap which is his value:cheers
BTW - seat iron was a quick turnaround this time of year ~ 2.5 weeks
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...seat-iron.html
Today I just shipped the bumpers (4) to him. I've been happy. I know this is not going direct but he has a good eye to not accept crap which is his value:cheers
BTW - seat iron was a quick turnaround this time of year ~ 2.5 weeks
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...seat-iron.html
Gerry
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Johnson City TN
Just checked theie web page? I take it you would recommend them? I was thinking of hand delivering my first part so I could check out the place. Thus far, I've seen a couple of votes for Va. Vettes and you for Advance. Both are approximately 5 hrs driving time for me (totally opposite directions, however.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 195
From: Maryland
Libranti s and Pauls Plating in Pa are excellent for pot metal and steel chrome plating but are pricey. Libranti s is located near the Harrisburg Pa Airport.
http://paulschrome.com/ps10.htm
http://paulschrome.com/ps10.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,934
Likes: 657
From: Norwalk ohio
2019 Corvette of the Year Winner
St. Jude Donor '15
Libranti s and Pauls Plating in Pa are excellent for pot metal and steel chrome plating but are pricey. Libranti s is located near the Harrisburg Pa Airport.
http://paulschrome.com/ps10.htm
http://paulschrome.com/ps10.htm
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 595
Likes: 2
From: Beaver Penna.
IMO Advanced Plating is the best....but very expensive. Most "high end" ISCA cars and Ridler contenders use Advanced. Having said that, and since I'm not in the high end or Ridler category....I always use Pauls. Great quality at a fair price.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Johnson City TN
Okay. FINALLY made a decision and sent the roughest part I have (a moderately pitted, tab-broken window post). Just got a call saying the piece has come back from the mill and is going to the chromer. I expect about 3 weeks from this point.
Anyway, my plan is to keep one piece in the pipe at a time should this one turn out a nice as I think. I figure the one piece reduces my exposure to bankruptcy, lose, etc plus spreads my layout over time. How consistent is a chrome process? Can I expect good results using this method?
Anyway, my plan is to keep one piece in the pipe at a time should this one turn out a nice as I think. I figure the one piece reduces my exposure to bankruptcy, lose, etc plus spreads my layout over time. How consistent is a chrome process? Can I expect good results using this method?
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
Just checked theie web page? I take it you would recommend them? I was thinking of hand delivering my first part so I could check out the place. Thus far, I've seen a couple of votes for Va. Vettes and you for Advance. Both are approximately 5 hrs driving time for me (totally opposite directions, however.
Virginia Vettes
1-757-229-0011
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
Fair prices, but you should tell customers that you send the parts out to be chromed by an outside suppplier
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Johnson City TN
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
We do use outside platers and pass on the volume discounts to our customers. Our pricing speaks for itself. This week we did 8 bumpers, 6 grill shells, 4 door posts, 6 windshield posts, 4 door handles,1 grill bar,and a pile of small parts.