Chrome Alternator Options
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Race Director
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From: The Sunshine State
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Chrome Alternator Options
I was checking some sites for chrome alternators and noticed that it is about a $500 mod ($750 if you include the bracket). My question...Since I am planning for some down time this winter to work on some other mods, does anyone know a firm that will chrome your existing alternator/bracket? Since my alternator is still in very good condition, I don't need a new or rebuilt alternator, just the shell and frame chromed.
Anyone have experience with this method? Vendors?
Anyone have experience with this method? Vendors?
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Chroming one is going to be pricey, have you considered powder coating? It would probably be at least 1/2 the price if not cheaper.
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Race Director
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From: The Sunshine State
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You're probably right. I would like to compare prices with a vendor who does both. I think a flat/satin black powder coat finish would also look good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
chroming is NOT expensive. I've seen shops that offier to do it for $35 a piece. Thats only $70 for the alternator and $36 for the bracket. You just have to remove and have it disassembled.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
I have a chrome Powermaster alternator and also considered having my OEM alternator powdercoated. The only negative side to powdercoating for me was getting someone to take it apart and put it back together again. Actually, I think powdercoating is probably more durable than chrome.
If memory serves me correct, I paid nearly $800 for mine through Summit Racing. The chrome started peeling off of my alternator after about 2 1/2 years and the pulley bolt came out while I was driving, which resulted in having the car towed. My car has never been in the rain or washed, so I contacted Powermaster, even though the warranty had long expired. They were very concerned about both issues and requested that I return the alternator to them for evaluation. Long story short, they sent me a brand new alternator. The chrome on the new one seems much better than on my first one. It'll be interesting to see how it holds up.
If memory serves me correct, I paid nearly $800 for mine through Summit Racing. The chrome started peeling off of my alternator after about 2 1/2 years and the pulley bolt came out while I was driving, which resulted in having the car towed. My car has never been in the rain or washed, so I contacted Powermaster, even though the warranty had long expired. They were very concerned about both issues and requested that I return the alternator to them for evaluation. Long story short, they sent me a brand new alternator. The chrome on the new one seems much better than on my first one. It'll be interesting to see how it holds up.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Providence Rhode Island
I have had lots of parts chromed and it is always cheaper. 36.00 might be a little low, i would think closer to 50.00 and 75.00 for the bracket. To have it gutted and put back together might be 100.00
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I guess another option would be to buy a new chrome alternator/bracket and then sell mine, however since it is has a lot of miles left on it, I would rather just use mine.
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Burning Brakes
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From: Senecaville Ohio
I went through this also. Wanted a chrome alternator and then buy the chrome bracket. Very pricey. So I chose another route since my alternator too was fine. My husband took it out and polished the bracket up and I gave the alternator to my friend who does all my painting for me. He owns a paint store and painted it for me with a high quality paint he knew would hold up. It was less than $100 for sure. Even though, I chose to cover it with CEC's cover, really didnot have to keeping the price way down.
Laurie
Before finished mods...
After finished mods...Still can see it under CEC cover
Laurie
Before finished mods...
After finished mods...Still can see it under CEC cover
Last edited by TomBoy; Sep 24, 2009 at 10:27 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: The Sunshine State
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I went through this also. Wanted a chrome alternator and then buy the chrome bracket. Very pricey. So I chose another route since my alternator too was fine. My husband took it out and polished the bracket up and I gave the alternator to my friend who does all my painting for me. He owns a paint store and painted it for me with a high quality paint he knew would hold up. It was less than $100 for sure. Even though, I chose to cover it with CEC's cover, really didnot have to keeping the price way down.
Laurie
Before finished mods...
After finished mods...Still can see it under CEC cover
Laurie
Before finished mods...
After finished mods...Still can see it under CEC cover
I guess the easier route for me would be to simply copy your car, however I would never do that as you have worked hard to make your car original. We share a similar MSG base and we both know how well chrome pops with MSG if done well.
Drifting<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/2k-3k.gif" border="0">
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From: Memphis Tn
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '19
$10 mod!!!! John Deere muffler paint, and a small brush. Been on for 2 years and shows no sign of wear!!!
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Oldtimer
Burning Brakes
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From: Arden NC
as well 
