Grill Chrome

[trooper61]

Is there a thread about re-chroming ? The who, where, good and bad?

I have a 61 that's ready for the grill. Makes me nervous to just send it off and hope it comes back at all let alone shinny.

[corvettejim1968]

Originally Posted by trooper61

Is there a thread about re-chroming ? The who, where, good and bad?

I have a 61 that's ready for the grill. Makes me nervous to just send it off and hope it comes back at all let alone shinny.

Ive used Kerr West in Phoenix. been around since 1980 623-937-8676

[C/10 King]

Whatever you do stay away from Bumper Boyz from Los Angeles California for rechroming, they are a bunch of crooks, I know they travel and advertise across the US.

[trooper61]

Thanks guys, not the first time I've heard to avoid bumper boys. Was also told about Meclec in fresno, CA. Anyone used them?

[markeb01]

I've seen several good threads on YouTube explaining how the process works. I would suggest watching this thread as a good place to start in understanding the process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGH5zPiFEjw

And you really need to visit the shop you're considering using, to see how the catalog and track your part(s). Many parts never make it back to the owner depending on how the shop is run. Chroming is a very labor intensive operation, and most chrome shops have been run out of the states over chemical and safety issues.

You also need to understand that true triple chrome plating means it is plated with copper to build up and smooth the surface, nickel turns is silver, and chrome seals the nickel. Many shops now refer to their "triple nickel process" which isn't the same thing at all, as there is no copper used underneath. Just educate yourself first, and don't be surprised when you choke on the dollar numbers you're quoted. It generally cost much more to have an original part plated than to buy a new chromed item as many new plated items don't have copper under the nickel and it is plain to see when compared to quality show plating.

[Vincenthdfan]

Originally Posted by markeb01

It generally cost much more to have an original part plated than to buy a new chromed item as many new plated items don't have copper under the nickel and it is plain to see when compared to quality show plating.

Being a fellow Washingtonian, do you happen to know of any chroming places within driving distance that could do the grill on my '62 C10?

I have the original painted one that I'm gonna keep painted and a spare painted one I bought on eBay that I'd like to have chromed.

[markeb01]

The only shop I have any experience with is on the East side of the state over here is Spokane. Triple Plate Chrome 2302 E Trent Ave Spokane 99202 509.535.3589. 20 years ago when we first moved up here they straightened my front bumper (it was painted and remained painted). They did a great job and the bumper looked like new, but they didn't do any plating.

More recently I had them plate the base for my hood ornament after I modified it to fit the hood, and the 1957 GMC fender emblem that now resides on my glovebox door. Both items turned out beautifully, and the pieces I've seen waiting for pick up by other customers looked fantastic. I believe they have moved away from bumpers as their main business and are now focusing more on restoration work. I believe they do all the work for the Packard restoration business in Post Falls Idaho.

Sorry but that's my only experience with chrome shops since moving to the Northwest.

[1963c-10]

Depending if it steel or aluminum......anodization is another option.

[66farmer]

I used D&G Chrome for 2 bumpers and a grill. The bumpers turned out good the grill turned out great. I had no problems I would use them again.

[Vincenthdfan]

Mine is a steel grill.

I was kind of hoping for a place I could deliver to in person, thus avoiding the pitfalls of damage in shipment, etc...

I don't mind making a road trip out of it as long as it's somewhat in the region of the Northwest.