The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Unbelieveable Chrome Job

I just picked up my 57 GMC grill from Nu-chrome in Fall River Ma. Had 1 die cast center part and the grill itself. Both parts were wrapped. The person there opened up the pot metal part for me to see...Looked good! I didn't open the grill package until I got home. I found a wonderful "sandblasted" finish on the slats! You have to SEE this to BELIEVE IT

http://img682.imageshack.us/g/nuchromefallriverma001.jpg/

Just wanted you all to see their "Quality" Workmanship.

Another chromer to stay away from.

.... I don't think this is the end of this story. Keep us posted.

Hy john crowleys, have you called them up yet to tell them you are not satisfied with the job? Those pictures are terrible, but it looks like all the chrome has not been "polished", give them a chance to make it right, good luck

Nasty.

Unbelievable . If it is as bad as it looks make sure you let them know you will be telling everybody you know and every car/truck guy you see.

I brought a bumper to my local guys. I was unsure of what to expect so, I had them straighten it and get it ready for paint. I wanted to see how good of a job they would do with the prep first. THey did such a crappy job straightening it I sent it back. I hate to think how it would have looked if I had them chrome it.

There is a place in Minnesota that does show chrome with copper instead of triple zinc. Three time more expensive too.

First of all I would be (upset). That said I wouild take it back and have them to explain what happened. Then make sure they know you are not happy with it. First of all when straighting the pieces they hammer them out or if they have rips or tears they weld them up then sand and polish them as smooth as they can get them. Next they go to a acid bath to get them clean then to a copper tank to fill any sanding marks then more polish and if it is still not all filled in from the copper back into the tank it goes. They then repeat this process until it is smooth when po;ished then the nickle and chrome processes before it is done. Why did they sandblast the bar pieces?
62Blue
Don

You could have "rattle canned" it to be shinier than that! I'd be at their door imediately!

Why do you post a pic where the picture quality is as bad as the chrome job in the pic. I can barely see the grille, but I was able to see what you mean.
Chrome doesn't get polished, the polishing is done to the metal before the plating, providing a smooth defect free surface for the plating.
I guess the solution here would be to see some of their work before hand and then to spell out what kind of end result your looking for.
I learned that with a guy who hung a new backdoor for me. He hung it but it didn't close properly and I had to call him back just to get the job done right. Well, Duh, Isn't the door suppose to close.
Sorry about the cut on your pic, but it is what it is.
Dan

agreed, glasman
Get it outside in natural light without a flash and look for a button on your camera that looks like a flower. That is for close ups. Chrome is not very photogenic and hard to get good pictures of.

Builder, Was it the Sioux City shop?

Thanks,

Dan

Unfortunately, I dont think anyone is reproducing 57 GMC grills. That may be why there are so many Chevy grills on 55, 56, 57 GMC trucks.

Thanks to everyone for all the input. I tried to show how bad this was in the pictures, but I'm not a professional photographer. "Orange peel" chrome is just NOT acceptable. Anyway, Today I brought the grill back to the chrome shop. The owner said he thought (for whatever reason) the horizontal surfaces would be painted,so those surfaces were not finished. (If I wanted a painted grill, I wouldn't be at the chrome shop). The grill is being redone. I will inform you all of the final outcome.

I would still ask to see some of his work,just to be sure he's capable of doing the kind of chroming you are looking for.

As far as photos go, cars and shinny things are hard to photo. Over many years of taking photos of cars I have found bright sunny days play against you causing hot spots and dark areas.
A cloudy day produces all around light which works a lot better many times for getting a good pic of a vehicle.
A camera picks one light value to expose with unlike your eye which adjust to every thing you look at.
I'm not saying you can't get a decent photo on a sunny day, it depends on what you're trying to photograph.

Dan

Pretty sad that they did not just call you to say it would take a little longer to make it right.

dale

Sorry to hear about your experience with NU CHROME. I have used them in the past, 12 years ago, when I sent them bumpers off of my 1955 Pontiac, and the work was excellant. Keep us posted.

John Gott

Just an update on my 57 GMC grill situation. I finally got it back from being "redone" from Nu-chrome in Fall River, Ma. The finished product is now acceptable, but to me wasn't worth the time and aggravation. I just wish they had done it right the first time. But, at least, they did re-do it. While at the shop, I did see some other finished parts in the shop that really looked good, though. However, They do not get my highest recommendation. Just an opinion; Your results may vary from mine.
I am currently waiting for some other parts from 2 other chrome shops. I will share the results with the group when I get the parts back.

Hy john crowleys, thanks for the update, and I'm glad that rare grille is now acceptable to you, good luck with the rest of your chrome.