Is chrome plating estimate too high?

[Jill J.]

I took 2 headlight bezels/rings and the front license support over to a chrome shop for an estimate. The price I was quoted was $375-$380 per bezel and $375 for the front license support. Do these quotes sound high? I'm just curious since these are the first pieces I've taken for chome plating. I also realize the bezels are pot metal which is more expensive due to the extra processes required for completion.

Thanks for your input.

Jill

[Tracy C.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Pot metal is a mine field to rechome. Dead zinc pitts randomly appear as the surface is worked in preparation for plating. They have to be drilled out and filled with a material that will accept the plating.

Very Very labor intensive...

[John D.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Jill, Get a 2nd estimate. Try M&P Refinishing. They specialize in pot metal, etc. First class family operation located at 212 South Fifth St., Jeannette, PA. 15644 Kerlin brothers. 724-527-6360 They are subcontractors for some other big name chrome shops also but don't tell anyone.

https://www.mprefinishing.com

I have been using M&P since the early '80's. Don Kerlin has done seminars/presentations for my Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter. He taught as a lot about pot metal plating.
Use my name as a recommendation. John

[Richard M.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

I took 2 headlight bezels/rings and the front license support over to a chrome shop for an estimate. The price I was quoted was $375-$380 per bezel and $375 for the front license support. Do these quotes sound high? I'm just curious since these are the first pieces I've taken for chome plating. I also realize the bezels are pot metal which is more expensive due to the extra processes required for completion.

Thanks for your input.

Jill

Jill, Sounds like they're going to use GOLD plating !

I believe you're talking 1959 pieces right?

The front bezels on 1958 - 1960 are prone to have corrosion and ovalled out lower mount holes. You may want to test oval head screws in them and make sure they're good to rechrome, but IMO not at those prices. Recently I was quoted about $100 each to rechrome, but decided the reproduction was a better choice.

Reproduction H/L bezels are about $145 for a pair.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/product/view/id/10457/s/58-60-headlight-bezels-chrome/

The Licence support, is about $45

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=BU-117

and lower bar is about $25.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=BU-118

Granted, the chrome quality is not as good on reproductions in some cases. But those re-chrome prices IMO are outrageous.

Rich

[Richard L.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Jill...

I've never restored a C-1 but that price seems pretty high to me...

I just had all my chrome redone in Houston for a '65 project that I am working on for $1,200... That included the front bumpers, rear bumpers and the front center license bar... I see that you are in Texas but not sure where in Texas you are located... If you want to PM me I know some other vendors that are local who could probably give you an estimate over the phone and help you make your decision going forward...

Good Luck with Your Project...

Rick

[Joe R.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Jill,

Those prices are out of sight! Don't walk away! Run!

JR

[Jill J.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Thanks for all of your feedback. I thought the price was pretty high as well. I'm going to take your advice and "Run!" as JR says.

Jill

[Jill J.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Jill, Sounds like they're going to use GOLD plating !

I believe you're talking 1959 pieces right?

The front bezels on 1958 - 1960 are prone to have corrosion and ovalled out lower mount holes. You may want to test oval head screws in them and make sure they're good to rechrome, but IMO not at those prices. Recently I was quoted about $100 each to rechrome, but decided the reproduction was a better choice.

Reproduction H/L bezels are about $145 for a pair.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/product/view/id/10457/s/58-60-headlight-bezels-chrome/

The Licence support, is about $45

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=BU-117

and lower bar is about $25.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=BU-118

Granted, the chrome quality is not as good on reproductions in some cases. But those re-chrome prices IMO are outrageous.

Rich

Yes Rich. This is for my 59 project. I was talking with a good friend of mine about an estimated price for the bezels and he said his was around $100 as well. That's why I thought the quote was way too high but wanted to poll you guys just to be sure. I'll take a look at the other options (links) you suggested before I decide which way I want to go. I'm getting ready to call the vendor and let him know I'd like to get a 2nd estimate before proceeding.

...And you mention the chrome quality is not as good on repops - but with the prices he's quoted me, I could buy several sets over my lifetime if I really needed to and probably still come out ahead - lol.

Thanks for your input.

Jill

[Jill J.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Thanks for the information, John. I'll be sure and let you know if I use M&P.

Jill

[Jill J.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Jill...

I've never restored a C-1 but that price seems pretty high to me...

I just had all my chrome redone in Houston for a '65 project that I am working on for $1,200... That included the front bumpers, rear bumpers and the front center license bar... I see that you are in Texas but not sure where in Texas you are located... If you want to PM me I know some other vendors that are local who could probably give you an estimate over the phone and help you make your decision going forward...

Good Luck with Your Project...

Rick

Hi Rick.

Yes, I'm in the Houston area (Dickinson) and will send you a PM shortly. Thanks.

Jill

[Paul D.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

Rick, which plater did you use in Houston? Airline,Speed Sport?......Maxie is looking to do his bumpers,vent windows for a 66.....

[Richard L.]

Re: Is chrome plating estimate too high?

HI Paul...

I used Airline Plating in Houston...

They do excellent work...

6829 Airline Drive
Houston 77076
(713) 692-6359

Lupe is who you want to talk to...

Talk to you later...

Rick