Best chrome value
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Spring Lake, Mi.
Best chrome value
Hi,
Just waiting for my '50 F1's new coat to dry..I need to buy (or replate) the chrome..I think it's probably more economical to replace the pitted chrome with new than to replate...am I right? If new is the way out, can anyone recommend which supplier has the best quality for the price? I don't expect concours quality, but I'd like something better than some of the imported inferior stuff. I've seen comments about one vendors weatherstripping and window repair kits quality versus another"s..does anyone have a good/poor experience rating by vendor for chrome trim quality?
Thanks,
Tony
Just waiting for my '50 F1's new coat to dry..I need to buy (or replate) the chrome..I think it's probably more economical to replace the pitted chrome with new than to replate...am I right? If new is the way out, can anyone recommend which supplier has the best quality for the price? I don't expect concours quality, but I'd like something better than some of the imported inferior stuff. I've seen comments about one vendors weatherstripping and window repair kits quality versus another"s..does anyone have a good/poor experience rating by vendor for chrome trim quality?
Thanks,
Tony
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 653
From: Brentwood, TN
I don't know what the shops are like in your area but here in SoCal it's ridiculous...so many environmental regs that an honest business can't afford to operate. The guy I used to use (when he was still in business) would prep pitted metal with a heavy copper dip prior to the nickel/chrome. This would fill the pits and make the finished piece perfect. If I were you I would take a few pieces to your local shops and see what they can tell you.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Spring Lake, Mi.
Hi Charlie, Thanks for the reply, you were very helpful to me before regarding bear claw latches...loved your pics (and your workmanship). I have the same problem in Mi., with the tough waste laws,,,very few plating shops left, and very pricey. I was pleasantly surprised when I brought my stainless trim in to get a price for de-dinging and polishing versus replacement...the whole mess (including grille bars) for $125? Whatta deal! Thanks for the tips..
Tony
Tony
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,380
Likes: 5,388
From: Central PA
What about the V8 grille emblems and f100 emblems we can buy from Carpenters or MidFifty? Is that made by Carpenter or is it imported?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,380
Likes: 5,388
From: Central PA
I am taking my 55 F350 to the body shop on Sunday. I took off the emblems in preparation. There is a rechrome shop in Middletown, PA about 2 hours away from me. I called and spoke to a guy and then emailed him pictures of the V-8 grille emblem, and the F350 hood side emblems. I am waiting for his estimate. When I get it I will post it here.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 545
Likes: 15
From: Columbus, IN
Abe, ALL of the after market reproduction chromed pieces are made "over there", even Carpenter's. And the quality, quite frankly, sucks.
I am going to fish around when the time comes, and have the pieces on Gertie re-chromed. I know it will cost me a packet due to the severe pitting, but it will be done right, and permanent.
I am going to fish around when the time comes, and have the pieces on Gertie re-chromed. I know it will cost me a packet due to the severe pitting, but it will be done right, and permanent.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I think some stuff is still plated in Mexico, their laws are still slack and labor cheap. There used to be an outfit from SoCal that came around to shows in the SW, picking up bumpers and such for rechroming. They just ran them over the border. I got a small-ish rear bumper straightened and rechromed for $100 about 15 yrs ago, including shipping back to me. Very nicely done, too.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 81
From: Northville, MI
I had a similar problem. There is a newer process called Cosmichrome. I used Dan Gokey (gokesinsanepaint@gmail.com) in Menominee, MI who did a great job on the pieces that I sent to him. Here is his website with pictures.
Dan Gokey - Insane Paint
Cosmichrome FB page
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Dan Gokey - Insane Paint
Cosmichrome FB page
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 696
Likes: 48
From: Central Connecticut
I wanted to avoid buying the cheap imported stuff so I gave in and tried to get things re-plated locally. It wasn't worth the money. The hood latch came out pretty good but they weren't able to correct the pitting on the pot metal headlight bezels. I ended up buying some original stainless steel bezels. They buffed out nicely. So did the rest of the S.S. pieces including the parking light lens covers, hood trim pieces and the F-1 emblems. I did give in and buy the reproduction F O R D letters and exterior door handles from Mac's. The plating one those items wasn't bad although a coupling on the door handle shafts wouldn't fit through the hole on the door outside sheetmetal.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,380
Likes: 5,388
From: Central PA
I am taking my 55 F350 to the body shop on Sunday. I took off the emblems in preparation. There is a rechrome shop in Middletown, PA about 2 hours away from me. I called and spoke to a guy and then emailed him pictures of the V-8 grille emblem, and the F350 hood side emblems. I am waiting for his estimate. When I get it I will post it here.
Here are pics of the pieces I wanted an estimate on:
Here is a portion of his email:
"The F350 emblems will be in the $200 range each, possibly less. The v-8 emblem will be in the $135 range and the dealer emblem will be in the $115 range. Our turnaround time is pushing 12 weeks."
Well it looks like I will just have to put up with some pitted F350 emblems! I knew it would not be cheap but, Wow!
Yesterday I bought a new Seconds '55 V-8 grille emblem from Carpenter on ebay for 29.95.... half the price of the good ones Carpenter sells. I figured it is good enough for a work truck. I will show pics of it when I get it. Here is the ebay link with pics: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-FORD-T...72.m2749.l2649
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
I had a similar problem. There is a newer process called Cosmichrome. I used Dan Gokey (gokesinsanepaint@gmail.com) in Menominee, MI who did a great job on the pieces that I sent to him. Here is his website with pictures.
Dan Gokey - Insane Paint
Cosmichrome FB page
.
Dan Gokey - Insane Paint
Cosmichrome FB page
.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 81
From: Northville, MI
Like chrome a lot depends on the prep work.
Here is another website with more info: http://cosmichrome.com
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