Cost for chroming

[gangstakr]

Now we have members all over the U.S. What I'm looking for is cost.
How many of you have checked into getting a grill chromed?
Now I know the size of the grills are pretty much the same 75" X 13" roughly.
That would cover the 61 through 66 grills. We all have are preference to which grill we like. So what would a "Chrome shop" charge for chroming? I know prices vary, that's why I'm gathering information.
I once paid $350.00 to have a 66 grill chromed. What's the most and what's the least?

Thanks guy's and gal's.

[cobraguy]

I'm close to the border and know a chrome shop in Tiajauna. You'll typically pay around 1/2 the US price. $350 seems pretty average from when I looked into chroming my grill. I could get it done in TJ for $175. I ened up getting one on Upay for $100. I met a guy from LA at the Big Three Swap that quoted me $450 exchange for a reconditioned/reanodized grill for my 63 ranchero.

[daveengelson]

Not an authority, believe there are different levels of nickle and chrome applications in the process, perhaps more knowledgeable member can advise. I have rechromed a number of items, initially went the cheaper route and found it only lasted couple yrs., shop used very thin coat of nichol and chrome. As result, went to a quality shop and after several yrs. rechrome still holding up. Had a grille on early vintage car rechromed for $175 and 3 yrs. later had to have it redone and at a cost of $350. Just had bumpers rechromed at $350 ea., Also, plating shop advised it best to rechome a steel grille rather than an alum grille because soft metal tends to show any flaws in relatively short period of time due to road debre, etc. Anyhow, thought I would add my $.02.

[NumberDummy]

Chrome plating.

Copper goes on first, then nickel, then chrome.

The more coats of copper, the more durable the plating is, and the price goes up accordingly.

Regardless, it all comes down to the prep work...polishing is the most important thing.

"The Bumper Shop" has displays at most SoCal swap meets.

Since most of their customers are body shops, you can guess how good the plating job is (or isn't!).

Caveat Emptor: Some of the Mexican chrome shops plate nickel only onto bare steel...then spray clear lacquer on to protect it.

The lacquer also serves as a way of getting the nickel to shine like chrome.

This nickel/lacquer process is the same method that was used 1951/53 during the Korean War.

This type of plating was known in-famously as "Korean War Chrome."

Chrome from this era is very hard to find without major pitting, because once the lacquer wears off, the pitting begins.

[jecsd1]

I used the bumper shop for my frt and rear bumpers and WILL NOT use them again and DO NOT reccomend them. Atrocious customer service and product was mediocre at best. Pay for a good chrome shop unless you want to do it every 5 years. I am using Advanced Plating. Chrome Plating and Powder Coating for my unibody chrome. good luck