C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

[Donald H.]

Another rechrome or replace question.

I need to either replace or have replated the grille surround and eyebrow trim pieces on my 60 project. The quotes I have gotten so far to rechrome/replate is about $700 for all, or I can get what I am told by Paragon and Corvette Speciality of MD GM Reproduced set for about $1,000.

My concern is paying $700 to have these pot metal pieces replated and maybe getting something less that very good quality, or buying replacements for a little more. I know that I can go to someone like Paul's Plating and get the best results, but I suspect that a quote from them will be somewhere North of the $700 I have from another plater, and probably closer to the cost of a new set.

My concern with buying replacements is per Paragon's email said that all six parts are GM parts with this disclaimer "
Has anyone purchased these replacements and what was your impression of the quality?

THanks,

Don

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

I have seen these replacement parts a friend got for his '59. Pay attention to the disclaimer. If it were me I would rechrome the originals and if Paul charged more than the $1,000 I would go with Paul. Proven and knowledgeable plater.

Steve

[Steven N.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

Curently I am paying $350 to have the 6 pc. set done. They have have come out beautiful. Also you can buy the sets from Gm alot cheaper, especiallly if you buy wholesale.................

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

After looking at some of the reproduction chrome parts, I went out of my way to reuse original parts whenever I could.

When I was assembling my radio, I ordered reproduction buttons, wonder bar, & faceplate. I found the quality so poor, I returned them and paid to have my originals rechromed by Paul's. I went so far to have a lot of the parts that I could have easily gotten replaced. They (Paul's) kept telling me, you know these parts are reproduced. I didn't care.

This is going to be my car and I don't plan on selling it.

Paul's does excellent work and if you are looking for the best job, you are not going to find a better rechromer.

Dennis

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

Curently I am paying $350 to have the 6 pc. set done. They have have come out beautiful. Also you can buy the sets from Gm alot cheaper, especiallly if you buy wholesale.................

Steve,

Who did the plating on yours?

[Bruce B.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

I bought repros for a 62 I did and they were junk.
I had the old original GM parts replated and they went right on the car, no problems.

[Roger W.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

I have NOS grill surounds for my 59 and they don't fit as well as my originals. I will have my originals plated.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

Roger,
The upper and lower grill surounds were available from GM up until a few years ago. One piece might be still available.
The newer "NOS" parts were made fron real old tooling which could account for the poor fit.
New Old Stock is many times taken out of context and it does not mean the parts fit like originals.

[Roger W.]

Re: C1 (1960) Grille surround and Eyebrow trim

I have heard that many of the older NOS parts are rejects from the production line. I have a feeling that this may be true.
I have a front license plate holder assembly that I purchased from a Chevy dealer for my 59 in the 70's. Rust came through the plateing after about 6 months of driving.