Chroming a '57 Grille
 

Does anybody have a rough idea of how much it will cost to get a '57 grille chromed? Also there are a few tiny dings, how much extra should it cost to get those fixed as well? Thanks.

I would guess it would cost around $800-$1000? Atleast that is what I kept seeing when I had different places quote my grill for my '58. I had one place quote around $500 but it turned out my grill was to long for his tank so he couldn't do it, bummer.

I know it is not on the same size and scale but I just had a valve cover chromed on my 223 and it was $180. I thought that was high but they had to blast it clean too. Chrome has gotten expensive. I wouldn't doubt it being $1000. I just saw a 1957 grill on Craigslist a month ago in Sacramento. It was chrome. The guy wanted a $150 for it.

Better off sometimes finding one and then selling the old one! :)

A buddy of mine had his '57 grille chromed and it cost him $1300. He went for the "show chrome" option. Some call it "triple chromed" I think. Some cheap places don't do the copper base coating, or otherwise do a cheesy job of it, and the finish quickly dulls. Stu

I've been told to find out where the harley guys go. They can be pretty fussy and for many of them their favorite color is chrome. Of course they aren't paying for anything as big as a grille either. Just something I heard on here a while back.......

I use Precision Plating in Quincy, Illinois. I've had a car bumper and a few small things done. They do really nice work. On one visit I got to chatting with the guy and he gave me a tour. He stopped next to a big box of wheel hubs and told me about them. He said there's a guy in eastern MO that has their company do the chrome work on the Ferrari Borrani wire wheels he restores. Apparently this midwestern small town guy has developed himself a world wide reputation for the restoration of these high dollar exotic wheels. And Precision Plating does the chrome work on them. Wonder what it costs to restore a set of Ferrari Borrani wire wheels?!!! Stu

Those prices are a little higher than I had expected. I was expecting around $500, but then again I want a good job that will last forever. I guess I will just have to prepare to save some $$$$$! Tanks for the input guys!

I would like to offer a suggestion. These grilles are of thinner metal and longer expanse than many other parts that get chromed. An overzealous polisher can overheat those long surfaces and cause waves (ask me how I know!). Wherever you take it, talk to them about their polishing experience in this area.

Steve

I gotta ask... How do you know?

When I was building my '56, I took all of my chrome to a plater that had been in business for at least 40 years. Most of what they did came out fine, except the grille which they assured me that they could do without distorting it. When I brought it to their attention they did it over but essentially just moved to waves around. I finally searched out another grille (a cherry unpainted one) and took it to another shop. Before leaving it, I showed them the first grille and explained to them what I would accept. They got it right.

I am glad you have gotten to where you can talk about it! :D That must have been tough to keep your chin up!

Sounds like the first one just ruined your grille. How much did it cost to get one of the grilles chromed?

This all took place in 2002 and the second one cost $350 for chroming.

That's not too bad. I'm just not wanting to spend $1500 like some of the other guys said they did.

The best place is Brown;s but they only do Harley part's, you can't slip a car part in on them.