New chrome or re-chrome?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Alan Potter · 06-28-2005, 09:08 AM

I'm restoring a 67 1/2 ton and want to get it looking good. The question is, should I have the front bumper and door handles re-chromed or would it be better to just buy new parts. If it's the latter, has anyone had any experiences with any they have purchased, good or bad??

smokekiki · 06-28-2005, 10:06 AM

It is almost always cheaper to buy new!

barn9 · 06-28-2005, 10:14 AM

What smokekiki said!

chevyfarmer · 06-28-2005, 10:24 AM

I agree with what they say as well, but it does also depend on how picky you are. I bought a reporduction rear bumper for one of my trucks, and was not really happy with it. I ended up selling it and re chroming a straight original bumper, which did cost more but was much more correct. Just my .02

farside847 · 06-28-2005, 10:31 AM

Im on the fence right now too. My rear bumper would be $400 to rechrome, while a new one is only $170

thecatseye66 · 06-28-2005, 11:14 AM

Yep, buy new unless you can afford it. I bought a painted rear sport bumper at a yard sale for 20 bucks but later got a quote of 460 to get it chromed at my local bumper shop.

I cannot understand how a plating shop can charge that much and get ANY business. Most of the profits must come from bulk work for manufacturers. When I called and said I only had one bumper to chrome they acted like I was holding up traffic on I-90.

70GMC_BOB · 06-28-2005, 11:18 AM

I say go with new if your driving, re-crome for a trailered show car! IMHO

bouncytruck · 06-28-2005, 11:41 AM

Wow, I didn't know that chrome plating was that expensive. I had the front bumper straightened and rechromed on my '70 Challenger for $105. Of course, that was in '86. I guess inflation has really hit that industry.

smokekiki · 06-28-2005, 11:47 AM

The EPA has hit the industry!!

farside847 · 06-28-2005, 12:04 PM

re-chromeing uses some REALLY nasty stuff. Chemicals and such. I think the disposal of all the waste is what has gotten pricey.

chevyfarmer · 06-28-2005, 12:10 PM

Woha! Let me re chime in here. Ya I guess inflation has hit the industry, as it was under $200 when I had it re chromed. But it was quite some time ago. I guess it would really have to be a trailer queen for $400.

thecatseye66 · 06-28-2005, 12:17 PM

I still don't get the pricing. In 1984 I had a bunch of pieces chromed for a '68 Camaro and it was really reasonable.

Is it the chemicals/EPA regulations hurting the plating industry as a whole or do these small shops not want to deal with the nickel and dime work anymore?

krue · 06-28-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatseye66

I still don't get the pricing. In 1984 I had a bunch of pieces chromed for a '68 Camaro and it was really reasonable.

Is it the chemicals/EPA regulations hurting the plating industry as a whole or do these small shops not want to deal with the nickel and dime work anymore?

My friend has a small chrome shop. He has to farm out the bumpers because to stay under the EPA's radar (hobby status) his vats can only be up to a certain size. Most of the cost is the prep work. The base metal has to be just as smooth as the finished product will. If it's done right that means polish the piece, copper plate it, polish it again, nickel plate, polish it again, chrome plate it. It's fairly labor intensive which explains why my buddy charges what he does.

krue · 06-28-2005, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatseye66

I still don't get the pricing. In 1984 I had a bunch of pieces chromed for a '68 Camaro and it was really reasonable.

Is it the chemicals/EPA regulations hurting the plating industry as a whole or do these small shops not want to deal with the nickel and dime work anymore?

My friend has a small chrome shop. He has to farm out the bumpers because to stay under the EPA's radar (hobby status) his vats can only be up to a certain size. Most of the cost is the prep work. The base metal has to be just as smooth as the finished product will. If it's done right that means polish the piece, copper plate it, polish it again, nickel plate, polish it again, chrome plate it. It's fairly labor intensive which explains why my buddy charges what he does.

Sillyoldman · 06-28-2005, 02:48 PM

I bough new handles, I think they are great. I'm debating going cheap on the ebay bumper ($99.00) or spending more. Was told its show quality chromed.

bouncytruck · 06-28-2005, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

I bough new handles, I think they are great. I'm debating going cheap on the ebay bumper ($99.00) or spending more. Was told its show quality chromed.

The chrome may be show quality, but I have heard the metal is thinner and sometimes has a bow.

I'd like to get a new bumer for the back of my '72 to replace the step bumper, but I'm leary to spend the $ and end up with a less than desireable piece.

thecatseye66 · 06-28-2005, 03:04 PM

Hey sillyoldman and bouncytruck,
What kind of bumper chroming quotes are you getting on your side of the state?
We only have a couple options here in Spokane.

Sillyoldman · 06-28-2005, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

The chrome may be show quality, but I have heard the metal is thinner and sometimes has a bow.

I'd like to get a new bumer for the back of my '72 to replace the step bumper, but I'm leary to spend the $ and end up with a less than desireable piece.

Yeah, theres good deals out in computerland, but if I could just see and touch one that would make a difference. I better spend more dough. Thanks

smokekiki · 06-28-2005, 03:26 PM

I bought a new bumper from Pauls 2 years ago at Carlisle.It is a nice bumper.

Big Block · 06-28-2005, 08:00 PM

I bought a cheap repo for my beater truck and when I was tighting the bolts the plating cracked and bent the bumper. The stock bumpers are lot heaver than the repos. I would agree with everone on this one. If it a driver go for the repo. B.B.

J Y Dog · 06-28-2005, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Potter

I'm restoring a 67 1/2 ton and want to get it looking good. The question is, should I have the front bumper and door handles re-chromed or would it be better to just buy new parts. If it's the latter, has anyone had any experiences with any they have purchased, good or bad??

I have used the repo door handles,pm me if you want to know further.

JYd

bobs409 · 06-29-2005, 06:32 AM

The repro door handles I bought were a joke. Mine pitted big time within 6 months!

There may be more than one manufacturer of these but the ones I got were made in Taiwan by a company called "Part Counter part" (going by memory on the name)

byrd · 06-29-2005, 07:08 AM

The door handles are still availible from GM and are about $70 a piece @ gmpartsdirect.com. worth it if you ask me good quality product. Randy

Fred T · 06-29-2005, 12:45 PM

Here's a guy in Texas to avoid.
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-...;f=26;t=000615
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-...;f=26;t=000914

Alan Potter · 06-29-2005, 02:24 PM

Thanks everyone, I think I'll go with the new GM handles that Byrd mentioned and hope I can find a good quality repro bumper somewhere. Has anyone bought a repro bumper that's any good?? Gotta have good chrome!!!

06-28-2005, 09:08 AM	#1
Alan Potter Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 162	New chrome or re-chrome?? I'm restoring a 67 1/2 ton and want to get it looking good. The question is, should I have the front bumper and door handles re-chromed or would it be better to just buy new parts. If it's the latter, has anyone had any experiences with any they have purchased, good or bad?? __________________ '12 Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 '05 Silverado SWB '67 Chevrolet CST 2wd '49 Willys Jeepster

06-28-2005, 10:06 AM	#2
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	It is almost always cheaper to buy new! __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

06-28-2005, 10:14 AM	#3
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	What smokekiki said! __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

06-28-2005, 10:24 AM	#4
chevyfarmer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Owosso, Mi Posts: 242	I agree with what they say as well, but it does also depend on how picky you are. I bought a reporduction rear bumper for one of my trucks, and was not really happy with it. I ended up selling it and re chroming a straight original bumper, which did cost more but was much more correct. Just my .02 __________________ 67 short wide 355ci 3 on tree 69 short wide 250ci 3 on tree 68 long wide 283 3 on tree 72 2wd Blazer project 454 5 speed

06-28-2005, 10:31 AM	#5
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Im on the fence right now too. My rear bumper would be $400 to rechrome, while a new one is only $170 __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

06-28-2005, 11:14 AM	#6
thecatseye66 '68 C-20 396 CST CC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 454	Yep, buy new unless you can afford it. I bought a painted rear sport bumper at a yard sale for 20 bucks but later got a quote of 460 to get it chromed at my local bumper shop. I cannot understand how a plating shop can charge that much and get ANY business. Most of the profits must come from bulk work for manufacturers. When I called and said I only had one bumper to chrome they acted like I was holding up traffic on I-90. __________________ 68 C-20 396/TH400 CST Custom Camper NOW W/DISC BRAKES 01 Jetta Turbo Daily Driver 84 Yamaha Virago 700 - Alaska to Florida Via Maine & Mexico

06-28-2005, 11:18 AM	#7
70GMC_BOB Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lynnwood, washington Posts: 121	I say go with new if your driving, re-crome for a trailered show car! IMHO __________________ 1972 chev c20 2wd lwb 350v8/th350. (dad's)1970 gmc longstep (9ft commercial bed), 1 ton, 2wd, 350/th400. Last edited by 70GMC_BOB; 06-28-2005 at 11:18 AM.

06-28-2005, 11:41 AM	#8
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Wow, I didn't know that chrome plating was that expensive. I had the front bumper straightened and rechromed on my '70 Challenger for $105. Of course, that was in '86. I guess inflation has really hit that industry. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

06-28-2005, 11:47 AM	#9
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	The EPA has hit the industry!! __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

06-28-2005, 12:04 PM	#10
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	re-chromeing uses some REALLY nasty stuff. Chemicals and such. I think the disposal of all the waste is what has gotten pricey. __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

06-28-2005, 12:10 PM	#11
chevyfarmer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Owosso, Mi Posts: 242	Woha! Let me re chime in here. Ya I guess inflation has hit the industry, as it was under $200 when I had it re chromed. But it was quite some time ago. I guess it would really have to be a trailer queen for $400. __________________ 67 short wide 355ci 3 on tree 69 short wide 250ci 3 on tree 68 long wide 283 3 on tree 72 2wd Blazer project 454 5 speed

06-28-2005, 12:17 PM	#12
thecatseye66 '68 C-20 396 CST CC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 454	I still don't get the pricing. In 1984 I had a bunch of pieces chromed for a '68 Camaro and it was really reasonable. Is it the chemicals/EPA regulations hurting the plating industry as a whole or do these small shops not want to deal with the nickel and dime work anymore? __________________ 68 C-20 396/TH400 CST Custom Camper NOW W/DISC BRAKES 01 Jetta Turbo Daily Driver 84 Yamaha Virago 700 - Alaska to Florida Via Maine & Mexico

06-28-2005, 02:48 PM	#15
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	I bough new handles, I think they are great. I'm debating going cheap on the ebay bumper ($99.00) or spending more. Was told its show quality chromed. __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

06-28-2005, 03:04 PM	#17
thecatseye66 '68 C-20 396 CST CC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 454	Hey sillyoldman and bouncytruck, What kind of bumper chroming quotes are you getting on your side of the state? We only have a couple options here in Spokane. __________________ 68 C-20 396/TH400 CST Custom Camper NOW W/DISC BRAKES 01 Jetta Turbo Daily Driver 84 Yamaha Virago 700 - Alaska to Florida Via Maine & Mexico

06-28-2005, 03:26 PM	#19
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	I bought a new bumper from Pauls 2 years ago at Carlisle.It is a nice bumper. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires



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06-28-2005, 08:00 PM	#20
Big Block Big Block Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Durham, N.C. Posts: 1,649	I bought a cheap repo for my beater truck and when I was tighting the bolts the plating cracked and bent the bumper. The stock bumpers are lot heaver than the repos. I would agree with everone on this one. If it a driver go for the repo. B.B.

06-29-2005, 06:32 AM	#22
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	The repro door handles I bought were a joke. Mine pitted big time within 6 months! There may be more than one manufacturer of these but the ones I got were made in Taiwan by a company called "Part Counter part" (going by memory on the name) __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10 Last edited by bobs409; 06-29-2005 at 06:32 AM.

06-29-2005, 12:45 PM	#24
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Here's a guy in Texas to avoid. http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-...;f=26;t=000615 http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-...;f=26;t=000914 __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

06-29-2005, 02:24 PM	#25
Alan Potter Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 162	Thanks everyone, I think I'll go with the new GM handles that Byrd mentioned and hope I can find a good quality repro bumper somewhere. Has anyone bought a repro bumper that's any good?? Gotta have good chrome!!! __________________ '12 Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 '05 Silverado SWB '67 Chevrolet CST 2wd '49 Willys Jeepster

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