The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Chrome $$$

So I Went to the plating shop with the following:
2 outside door handles, 2 inside door handles, 2 window cranks, 2 parking lamp bezels. The guy quoted me $500 (about $400 US). I had checked the prices for repros in the catalog before I left. I told him I could get the repros for a small fraction of his quote. He said that the repros were junk.

Are the repros really that bad?

I have repros on all of mine and I don't think that they are all that bad. It would be nice to have originals rechromed. Just depends on how much you want to spend. Price seems in the ballpark. Cecil......

Repro inside handles on my 54--just fine anywhere this side of Pebble Beach. But first maybe try another chrome shop? That was quite a fancy quote.

That dosn't sound that far off if they do nice work. It is quite labor intensive work. If it is the guy in Victoria I here he does really nice work. Sorry but I cant remember his name

My experience with reproductions is that the quality, fit and finish is a function of the aftermarket truck supplier. For example, I have bought some top notch parts from one supplier in my area and compared it to the same part from another supplier in my area, only to discover one had a better finish for less or the cheaper one didn't fit as well, etc. Attempt to buy NOS (New Old Stock) or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts if possible. Generally speaking, I have found that many of the reputable aftermarket truck suppliers realize that the Stovebolt Nation is a pretty close-net group and word of a poor-quality part spreads like wild fire.

In any event, depending on the year, you should be able to buy new reproduction/replacement parts for about any year Stovebolt from a number of different sources. Unless you are looking to do a "period correct" restoration, most parts will satisfy the quality, fit and finish of original equipment. Remember, most reputable aftermarket truck parts suppliers are in the business to stay in business and will carry parts that will enhance their ability to do so.

Good luck with your plating or new parts decisions.

It,s what ya want to spend.reproduction parts are fine.I have them and it,s going on 5 years and there fine.Just keep the polished like everthing else.Chevy Duty has been good to me.Ordering parts is fast.Chrome shops are high and you may have to wait a year or so.People don't know what they are .They just look if they shine.One thing if your getting bumpers,GET stainless bumpers.They cost the same as chrome and don't crack or peel.They buff out nice if they get markes.One chrome plating shop to Stay away from is Poor Boys Chroming.They look good but the plating is cheep.I would say just 1 plating.After polishing many times the plating is worn off.them rust .Just do your math and check around,ask ???? at cruises and shows.These people arn't shy to tell you the truth when they have been screwed.Reproduction parts are fine and if you have to replace some things every 5 years or so.The cost will never be as much as the chrome shop.Who's to say the chrome shop job will last that long also.They warrent there job for a few years only.

I've seen rechromed stuf simply start to peel a year later.I've seen other poor quality work as well.I've also had some repo stuff go bad after a year as well.I think it's all a crap shoot.ho humm!

Thanks for the advice. It's all good. This truck won't be winning any trophys, so I might as well get shopping. I would have liked to give the local guy some work but he seems busy enough anyway - he said I would be waiting 6 weeks to get my parts back.

Gord
I found the number of the shop that was recomended to me. The guys name is Tom Saxby of Electrashine 2071 Ameliia ave Sydney B.C.

Thanks, Sublime. I will go see them.

Fran and Gord, wait until you decide to get that grille chromed! A buddy had his 50 done and it was $1000, and it had to be done twice it was so poorly finished. Maybe I'm wrong but weren't the inside door handles the same for many years after 54? I have some old ones here and you can have a look to see if they are any good to you.

Thanks, Bill, but my grill isn't worth chroming! Paint hides the abuse the poor thing has had to endure. I will send you an email about the door handles.