Chrome Plating Referral Request

[Ellwood]

The recent dent in the Fiat has forced me to tackle its bodywork first and during this effort I am switching to early bumpers. I have a set but they need to be rechromed. The plating shops in California can be expensive due to environmental reasons or they can turn out spotty work because the actual plating is outsourced south of the border.

Soooo, if anyone has any info on plating shops in the lower 48 that they have used in the past or have first hand knowledge of the work they have turned out, I would greatly appreciate any referral info you can pass along.

Thanks,
Ellwood AKA Darin
’50 Jeepster – plan to be rolling this spring
’75 Fiat – one dent can ruin plans
’81 Datsun 720 – AKA the Mighty Dastun; 5 more payments and she is all MINE
’87 BMW 535iS – rolling on new shoes
'88 BMW 535iS – complete euro conversion pushed to the right. See dent above

[So Cal Mark]

check out these guys; they're doing restoration work on vintage cars. I haven't used them yet but I'm planning on giving them a try soon.
http://www.southbaychrome.com/

[baltobernie]

I've had satisfactory personal experience with these guys, although there must be hundreds of shops between CA and MD!
http://www.metroplating.com/index.html
In chrome, their lobby has mostly motorcycle parts on display, but also some marine, because of the proximity to Annapolis. I do remember that January-March is their busiest time of the year.

You're right about environmental concerns; there are only a few plating companies in the entire Baltimore/Washington area, and only because they're grandfathered. I would think that the Midwest would still contain the bulk of this industry. Did you try Hemming's?

[racydave]

Im in that same situation, and shops are not plentifull here in Indy. I would like to know a approx price if you find someone! Otherwise I might consider powder coating... Dave

[mdrburchette]

I've used several companies for different scenarios. New England Chrome Plating: http://www.newenglandchrome.com/
gold plated my dual Webers, Custom Coatings rechromed my taillamp housing: http://www.customcoatings.net/
and Guilford Plating in Greensboro, NC did my front bumper. All of these are on the east coast but they all do chrome plating. I'm especially happy with the service I received from New England Chrome Plating and Custom Coatings, even though I had to send my parts to them, they had the parts done on time and the work was beautiful. Guilford Plating is an old place and wasn't in a hurry to get things done, but there are many chrome platers in NC.

[So Cal Mark]

so custom coatings redid the plastic chrome?

[mdrburchette]

Yes, and it came out very well.
Here's before:


and here's after:

[So Cal Mark]

boy, those photos are pretty avant-gard!

[baltobernie]

Do you remember what they charged for the tail lights?

[mdrburchette]

About $150 a piece plus shipping. It may seem a lot for some of you, but if you're stuck with the rare 71-72 taillamp, it becomes a deal.

[racydave]

Yes, its worth it if you want the best Fiat in north America! All hail the Queen!

[mdrburchette]

Gosh Dave, get up off your knees. You're embarrassing me! You only have to hail the Queen while you're passing me my first beer at FFO.