C2 Center Console Re-plating

[Ed S.]

Need advice - I have the original console from my 64 on the work bench, stripped of paint and clean. It has some pitting and surface scratches in the chrome. I can have it re-plated (chrome) to a high standard for around $450 or I can purchase a new one (manufactured overseas) for about the same price.

I am inclined to go with having mine re-plated but I ask, does anyone have experience with new replacements that are available from the usual suspects (vendors). How was the fit and quality?

Also, for those with experience with good chrome plating shops. I am in central Virginia and have only found 2 shops within 100 miles that do chrome plating. Can anyone recommend a shop that does good work and will accept jobs through the mail?

[Gary J.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

I think the consensus of the group here would be to have your original parts rechrome, they fit your car. At least you will not have the headache of try to make some offshore junk work. Can't help with a plater, but I have heard Paul's Chrome is good one, may be a little more expensive. I am sure others will chime in. The best plater I used years ago was Lemon Grove in California. Wish they were still in business.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

The reproductions that I have seen are not satisfactory for a log wagon. Find a good plater to rechrome your original. If you cannot find one locally give me a PM and I'll recommend my chrome plater.

JR

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

I have had extremely good work and good service from Labrandi's Chrome in Harrisburg, PA on bumpers and vent window frames (pot metal like the console). They are usually at the Carlisle show and give a show discount to boot. You can also send them parts for plating. They give a lifetime warrantee, and they redid one of my bumpers for free when we noticed months after it was plated that one of the brackets was bent. Reasonable prices (for the show chrome world) and wonderful people to deal with.

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

Thanks to all for the advice - you have confirmed my initial plan, go with re-plating my console.

For Patrick: LaBrandi's is the firm that I was leaning towards. Glad to hear that you were very pleased with their work. They are one of three companies that I found on the internet that is within 200 miles of my home. I spoke to Mitch (shop foreman) earlier this week and I liked what I heard from him compared to others.

[Mike E.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

The reproductions that I have seen are not satisfactory for a log wagon. Find a good plater to rechrome your original. If you cannot find one locally give me a PM and I'll recommend my chrome plater.

JR

I agree....The repops I've seen aren't even close. There was a NOS at Bloomington Gold for sale for I think about $1000. It started to rain while I walking by I told the vendor better cover that up, he agreed.


Mike

Mike

[Ralph P.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

What's chances of finding a NOS console?

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

Ralph,
Judging from the very low number of original used consoles listing on e-bay, (and the condition of these is atrocious), my guess is that the probability of finding a pristine NOS unit is very - very low. Then, if there was one available my guess is that the cost would be extremely high, perhaps north of a grand. If by chance you or someone else knows of one that is available and at about half the cost please let me know about it. Mine is not all that bad, it is straight and fits perfectly, has just a bit of pitting and surface scratches (more than what can be buffed out though). The console is perhaps the one piece of interior bright work that has to be almost flawless as it sits where a lot of light hits it and is very visible, close to the eye and can be touched. Flaws stand out like a red flag. I pretty much have resigned myself to going the replating route with Labrandi's in Harrisburg, PA.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

In for the last 50 years and I have NEVER seen an NOS 4 speed console but many NOS automatic consoles all painted Saddle Tan.
JR

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

As I suspected.

[John D.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

HI Ed, Try M&P Refinishing. www.mprefinishing.com
They specialize in metals, buffing, plating. They are the best in my area for pot metal. They are also a subcontractor for many of the plating shops. Many.
They don't do large parts though. I mean like large bumpers.
Owned by the Kerlin family in Jeannette, PA for as long as I can remember. Jeannette is 5 miles from my house. I UPS FI parts to them once a month or so. Rather fast turn around although I never bug them.
724-527-6360 Don Kerlin.
M&P has done seminars for the Pittsburgh chapter on how they replate pot metal, etc. Very nice honest people to deal with.
One of their #1 customers is Delkin Motor Sports in LA. Mark is very fussy and is absolutely pleased with M&P's work.
They do not do cad or zinc. John

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

John,
Thanks for the lead - I checked out the M&P Refinishing website; nice, not fancy or over the top - they appear to be straight forward and to the point - typical western PA blue collar mentality - I like it. On your recommendation I will contact them on Monday to discuss replating my console - and I will mention that I heard about them from you via the NCRS tech forum.

[Mike E.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

John,
Thanks for the lead - I checked out the M&P Refinishing website; nice, not fancy or over the top - they appear to be straight forward and to the point - typical western PA blue collar mentality - I like it. On your recommendation I will contact them on Monday to discuss replating my console - and I will mention that I heard about them from you via the NCRS tech forum.

Ed,
Please report back on the results.

Mike

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

Will do - I will report what I find re the call this week but final plating results will take a while as I am out of country until Sept 24th and then it will take a few weeks to get the console back.

[Ralph P.]

Re: C2 Center Console Re-plating

Yeah, I think you are right . The automatic consoles seem to be more available.