Originally Posted by 52 Merc

There's a lot of great info here and recommendations of platers, but I'm not sure if you really got your 'what to do or not do' questions answered. I'll offer these bits of advise.

1) Don't do anything to the parts that you think might "help" the platers, ie; sanding, polishing, blasting, etc. Many times things we think might be helpful adds a ton of additional prep work for the platers. That equals money to you.

2) Do make a complete written and photo inventory of everything you send. Give them a copy and keep one for yourself. Especially if you have a lot of little trim or emblem parts. They're easily lost or misplaced. Go over the list when you pick your pieces up after they're done and make sure it's all there.

3) You can ask about their process and what it is they do that's special or better than the other guy. Ask to see some finished pieces and have them explain what you're looking at, in regards to the finish. The good stuff is a triple plate process, copper-nickel-chrome.