How much to have grille chromed?

[shaunatk]

Specifically, I am needing a 1946 GMC grille chromed, but figured the cost isn't much different than a 47~59.

There is a lot more traffic to this section of the board than the pre-47 section.

Reason I am asking is because I just lost an auction for a perfectly straight grille on ebay, and it sold for $565! The grille that I have is all bent up, and I don't see how we could get it all straight without having to use filler.

I need to know if going with a chrome grille is going to end up costing me $1500 or not.

[steve23116]

I was going to have my 1949 chevy grill chromed, they quoted me a price of 150.00 per bar. I bought a new one

[solidaxel]

Have you looked at Chev's of the 40's, do they even sell aftermarket ones?

[steve23116]

chevys of the 40s have them chrome and steel. $695.00 to $895.00

[shaunatk]

$150 per bar, ouch...

Chevs of the 40s doesn't have reproduction GMC grilles, unless you know something I don't (it'd be awesome if they did)

I just lost an auction on ebay for an original, perfectly straight GMC grille that needed to be re-chromed. Ended up selling for $565, after re-chroming I may have ended up spending $1500 for it (same price I paid for the truck!).

I really don't want to have to go with a body color grille, after seeing the attached truck on ebay.

[bretcopsey]

I am considering ceramic powder coating, however I have not gotten a quote yet so I don't know if it would be any cheaper than chrome. It also isn't exactly the same look as chrome.

This place is a little north of us in Piqua:

http://www.afipowder.com/

[shaunatk]

Originally Posted by bretcopsey

I am considering ceramic powder coating, however I have not gotten a quote yet so I don't know if it would be any cheaper than chrome. It also isn't exactly the same look as chrome.

This place is a little north of us in Piqua:

http://www.afipowder.com/

Yeah, I don't think that would give me the look I'm hoping for.

Good to know they're somewhat local though for other things

[Laid_Out_50]

I think it would be cheaper to just buy a new one

[bretcopsey]

Originally Posted by Laid_Out_50

I think it would be cheaper to just buy a new one

I think that's the problem, only Chevy grilles are reproduced and they are different.
GMC-lower section horizontal slats, GMC logo


Chevy-lower section vertical slats, Chevrolet logo


Shaunatk-do you actually have a grille currently, just needing chrome? If so, there are several places in Dayton where you could take it to get a quote. I think that would be the most reliable way of getting a price. Otherwise, this place has been featured on Spike TV powerblok a few times:
http://www.advancedplating.com/resto...rill_resto.htm

[shaunatk]

Originally Posted by bretcopsey

I think that's the problem, only Chevy grilles are reproduced and they are different.
GMC-lower section horizontal slats, GMC logo


Chevy-lower section vertical slats, Chevrolet logo


Shaunatk-do you actually have a grille currently, just needing chrome? If so, there are several places in Dayton where you could take it to get a quote. I think that would be the most reliable way of getting a price. Otherwise, this place has been featured on Spike TV powerblok a few times:
http://www.advancedplating.com/resto...rill_resto.htm

I do have one, but it's got a lot of bent slats and we don't think we'd be able to get it straight enough without having to at least use a little bit of filler.

I did get an idea to cut a straight slat out of the grill, and take it to a sheet metal shop and have them duplicate the bends and the curvature. Then we'd just have to cut it to size and weld it in place of a bent one.

Of course there's still the issue of potentially paying a lot of money to get it chromed.

Here's what mine currently looks like, from the back (easier to see the bends)

[shaunatk]

there are several places in Dayton where you could take it to get a quote. I think that would be the most reliable way of getting a price.

You're definitely correct there. Any recommendations?

Thanks everyone for your help!

[bretcopsey]

Originally Posted by shaunatk

You're definitely correct there. Any recommendations?

Thanks everyone for your help!

I have heard this place in Cincinnati is good:

http://dgcustomchrome.com/estimates/

I'll have to look for the name of the place in Dayton when I get home.

[shaunatk]

Originally Posted by bretcopsey

I have heard this place in Cincinnati is good:

http://dgcustomchrome.com/estimates/

I'll have to look for the name of the place in Dayton when I get home.

The place in cincy quoted me $500-$650 in case anyone was wondering. Thanks again for the infor bretcopsey

[bretcopsey]

You're welcome.

Curious-was that restoration and plating? Or just the cost to plate?

I found the contact for the guy in Dayton, but it turns out he passed away and the family may be running the business now. I have not yet been able to confirm though.

[shaunatk]

Originally Posted by bretcopsey

You're welcome.

Curious-was that restoration and plating? Or just the cost to plate?

I found the contact for the guy in Dayton, but it turns out he passed away and the family may be running the business now. I have not yet been able to confirm though.

That's a good question. I just sent them another email asking them.

If you find out anything about the Dayton company, let me know. It's definitely closer (I work in Centerville)

[shaunatk]

Thanks again for your help.

I emailed them for an estimate, I'll let everyone know what they say.

[shaunatk]

Response to my question regarding the price quote including prep work:

YES IT DOES YOU JUST TAKE IT OFF THE CAR BRING IT IN WE DO THE REST.
THANK YOu

I have a feeling they don't know about the bent fins. Maybe I should just bring it to them as is, and hold them to their quote