The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Thoughts on chrome

I have painted bumpers and grill in great shape, not original (I don't think) To get them stripped and chromed locally will be slightly higher than purchasing new ones via the catelogs, but this guy has tons of great recommendations from other car restorers.

I am learning there are lots of variation on quality and durabilty of chroming and wondered if others had thoughts and experiences of spending more working with what you already have, or just buying new and selling the originals?

repro chrome is rarely as good as what you'd get done at a reputeable shop, I'd always go for the local job if the parts were in decent shape, even for a few bucks more

Bill

As said before the best Chrome is the Triple Plate Copper,Nickel,Chrome like in the old days. The Nickle, Nickle, Chrome does not get it as you will see every polish mark they made. Copper hides the scratches they make when polishing.The best Chrome Platers use the Copper under base as you can build up the copper to fill in the scratches by putting back into the Copper solution then buffing again. This is why the old style plating cost a little more but twice the deepness in the shine.
Buyer be where on N.N.C.parts. Have some plater do the nickle nickle chrome only then have a part done in copper nickle chrome compare them you will see a big difference in shine and depth. If your parts are in good shape take them to the shop and the shop will tell you if they will come out ok or not. They can tell right away if they are a good shop as their repatation is on the line if they do a bad job. You know what one bad job can cost them if the word would gets out.

doc2002002: there is shop that advertises in the Old Cars Weekly that is in Ohio. (close to you) The shop is Bill's Speed Shop. They advertise bumpers for 105 up. I called about a year ago and a new one for my panel was $120 plus shipping which beats most any of the "professional vendors". I talked to the guy but honestly can't remember if he said they are USA made or not....seems ot me they were. From talking to the gentleman I took it that they stand behind them with at least a 5 year warantee and are good quality. I made myself a note to call them when I get ready to buy one.
I've posted this before but no here seems to have called them.
The number is 330-832-6-9403....if anyone calls please update us.

if at all possible reuse the original parts. i just picked up the grill for my 46 last weekend from the plater. so glad i didn't buy a repop. 750.00 or more for new and i got all 5 pieces rechromed for 750.00

where in Illinois if I can ask?

quality chrome plating there in sterling il. web site is www.qualitychromeplating.com