The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Re-chrome grille, what is a fair price?

I'm looking to have the upper and lower grille re-chromed on my '41 pickup. I almost passed out when I got an estimate from a shop a few hours away. In your experience, what is a fair price for this? The grille is not beat up or in bad shape at all, just needs stripped and plated. Anyone have a source for plating at a reasonable price? The truck is not a show truck, so I'm not looking for perfection.

Three years ago I paid well over $800 to have the grill on my '38 chromed. It's expensive but better than paying nearly that for a cheap chinese repop grill that most likely won't fit right. Also was that a phone quote? Phone quotes are always high because they can't see the actual part they'll be working on. You'll get a more accurate quote if you send them the grill to look at. They'll call you back with a quote before starting on it. If the quote is too high for you to afford most will send it back on their dime.

I used Space Coast Plating website here and they did a great job on my bumpers. The price almost gave me a heart attach though ($500)! Your grill is going to cost a lot and most shops will refuse to do a "cheap" job for reputations sake.
Before #1
Before #2
After
On truck

Good luck!

Oh, I bought a cheap chromed grill from Classic Parts and it started rusting on the backside while sitting on the shelf! It didn't fit very well either. I didn't have the choice as my original was beyond saving. But if yours is original and fits, bit the bullet and chrome it.

Tiny, they had the grille in hand when they gave the quote. I sent it via a friend who was going that direction anyway. Then they called me with the quote. Their original quote was $1200 but after we talked awhile they said they'd do it for $1075. I just can't bring myself to pay that right now. Maybe after I get over the shock it will sound better.

i had my 46 grill done maybe tree years ago and it cost me 750.00 for the upper, lower, and all three trim pieces. i straightened it myself and chemically dipped before giving it to the plater. if at all posible use an original,you will be much happier.

That's a good point. The less work they have to do, the less they charge.

I have a friend that has a shop, mine was $800.00 but that was with 20% off. Chroming is expensive but worth it. Keep in mind the cost of nickel, brass, chemicals and the EPA, it's an expensive business but hey he generally stays 6-8 weeks out on everything that comes in. Most reputable shops will quote depending on the condition of the item. He has quoted items off of good pics that are shipped in.

I had a bunch of chrome done here http://www.rschrome.com/ I was referred by another memeber here who had all the stuff on his firetruck done by them. I was very happy with the work they did. Some of my stuff needed repairs too. If you call them ask to speak to Mac. I would mention Stovebolt.
Here is just a few items I had done.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2894077230083734483vqdLDG

Chroming is expensive but in the long run very much worth it. There is a shop near my house that I basically pass every day going to work but their work is terrible. The chrome has pitted on interior items on my '46. It sits inside most of the time with a cover on it.
Good luck,
Billy

I just had my original gmc grill done. it was disassembled and then reassembled so the top of the grill pieces look as good as the front. The gmc grill is horizontal not vertical Along with the front bumper, gage bezel,headlight rings and some misc. it ran 1,900. Be prepared to open your wallet.