The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Re-chrome estimate

Can anyone give me an estimate on having a hood emblem re-chromed somewhere reputable in Michigan? Thanks.

You did not say which one? Die cast or pot metal is a challenge, if that's what it is. They used to have to grind on them which removes the detail during pit repair. Now they have some new techniques that "fill in". Just have to ask. If it is steel is easier, make sure it's not Stainless steel, probably not. Pauls in PA is considered one of the best chromers. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy one off of the internet used or new repro. Chroming is very expensive if done by a quality shop. many states and the EPA have outlawed many chemicals and a big cost is the disposal of various chemicals. All this has raised the cost and shut down many shops which decreased competition and increased cost again. Here in AZ, they send it down to Mexico and back. Other names: Browns, Advanced, I would think there are still some good old companies in and around Detroit, the old center of all things automotive.

Every chrome shop I've dealt with will ask you to send them the item. Once they examine it they'll shoot you a price. If it's not agreeable to you they'll return your item to you. Every item is different. I wouldn't depend on what someone else paid to be an accurate indicator of what you'll pay.

The side emblem "CHEVROLET Thriftmaster" is $15, the lower front emblem is $55 and the top ornament is $110, all "new". I would not bother with the first two getting replated because of price and needs repainted. The top one will probably be more to replate than new. Your call. Try to find some repro ones around your area in stores or on trucks to see if you like the quality. Usually only a rare ornament is worth it, as in: not reproduced. Yours are not rare and the Chinese are getting better. It's a static part so function is not the worry.

I don't think fonz8261 uses reproduction parts on his 48.


His 48 is one of my favorites.

OK then, my bad. My first post is the best I can do, sorry for the second post Fonz, been to the Principal's office too many times in my life already.

Thanks to DADS50 for the compliment on the truck. It has been a fun restoration project. Like others, I am not fond of most of the repro. parts that are available to us in the hobby. I have to come to learn to use genuine GM parts when possible.

I've have the original pot-metal lower front emblem that is in good driver-shape. I will be installing it in the next few days...want to stick with the original emblem...it will be replacing a very good-looking used stainless-steel emblem. I will be looking for a good home for it. Same thing on the upper. I ran into a good used original upper hood ornament and will replace the repro. that it is currently on the truck. I am just wondering if it is worth it to get the original pot-metal rechromed. Sounds like it is a challenging and costly project to venture into.

For the record--this Principal is now retired! More time now to play with the truck, fishing, etc.

When you're shopping for a plater be sure to ask about how they prep the item. Replating hood mascots and emblems requires a lot of hand work to properly work the detail lines. I had the original hood mascot replated on my '38 and was ignorant about needing to ask about their process. It turns out that shop didn't do fine hand work so all of the rust pits along the detail lines were still there, albeit plated over. I ordered a repop mascot since the replate job was so bad and the brand new chinese repop was just as bad. I ended up using the replated original and just live with the crappy job.

....can't call the name right now but a LOT of hot rodders and hobbiest around my area do business with a chrome plater in Tennessee. I've seen some of their work and its nice....and probably worth the cost knowing your piece will fit when you put it back on!! Maybe some one here has done business in Tenn???

Achipmunk, that is probably advanced plating. I have used them for some things and they are pretty good. The 3 that come to mind for me are Advanced, Pauls (which I have not used but heard they were good) and Jon wrights custom chrome in grafton ohio. bartamos is right about the price, none of these guys is cheap