Can someone tell me...who does chrome work anymore?
I need to get some parts for my 59 chromed and I am having trouble finding a place to do them. I live in SC but I don't mind driving to a location within reason.

 

Well, I guess Tijuana is out of the question! (I'm joking guys - for those close enough, don't go there).
Chroming is fast becoming an elliminated art. Most of it is due to EPA regulations and OSHA, and the fact that there's not that much plated metal out there any more.

Here in San Diego, there is only one shop left - and he tells me the EPA comes in regularly to "provide input." They want to see him close. (At least that's one of the excuses used when it took him a year to do my chrome - yes it's finally finished).

This is a good place to find out this stuff - you might end up packing it up and shipping it somewhere to get it done right, by a reputable shop. I would plan on it taking quite some time (like up to a year) for a good shop to do it. AND, it's going to be expensive.

Many of the chrome parts on the trucks can be bought aftermarket for about the same price as replating the originals. But there is some debate as to the quality of the parts and the plating.

I'm sure some of your Southern Compatriots will be along with specific names of places closer to you.

Good luck

Julie

 

Advanced Plating in Nashville but expect high prices. I've also seen ads for Graves Plating in Florence, AL but I know nothing about them.

 

These are the outfits that did the chrome and polish on my truck.

Smittys Chrome Plating, 77 Sunset Strip, Oshkosh, NE 69154 308-772-4301<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
The Polishing is Proflections, 131 30<SUP>th</SUP> St N.E. #20A, Auburn WA 98002 253-735-6111<o></o>

 

Here's an adress and phone number for a place that may be closer to you.

Chrome Illusions
Ph: 864-223-2515
Fax: 864-223-2515
PO Box 2086
Greenwood, SC 29646

Contray to popular belief, the chrome plating business is not going extinct. There is a lack of Mom and Pop shops though. EPA regs are so stringent that small businesses cannot compete. Also, contrary to popular belief, the plastic chrome parts are not killing nthe chrome business. Those parts are also plated in the ame way. they juast have to apply a conductive layer on material to the plastic to plate the chrome on it.

Due to the fact that in order to survive they need high production volume, it is difficult to survive on small volume custom work. One scheme for survival in the current business climate is to produce some unique and marketable product as does the place I have listed above. Of course now with economy in the dumper and the automotive industry being one of the worst hit, in may in fact be easier to find a place to get work done now. However there may still be a wait because they are not likely to set up for just a few pieces. they may well be inclined to wait until thay have a large batch to do. Hope the place above can help you or direct you to another place. I think there is also a big outfit in Nashville, TN.

Later...

 

Awesome man, I will definately check it out.
Thanks alot Dave!

 

here is the Omaha shop for people around here:

Industrial Plating Inc
1149 Florence Blvd
Omaha, NE

(402) 344-4684

 

About 1 year ago I was talking to the owner of a high end restoration shop. He did a post war Chrysler Town and Country convertible. Chrome cost exceeded $40k! It has a ton of chrome.

 

Is that South Carolina or Southern California? I have a friend who was doing chrome plating but have not seen him in about a year. I live below Columbia, SC and could call him if you are interested. I was going to call him before long to get my hood pieces redone. I am sure he would know someone if he no longer does this. Larry.

 

Here is who did the plating on my stuff

Centex Plating Company Inc

511 E. St. Elmo
Austin, TX 78745



very nice, and reasonable prices.



Sam