Chroming a '57 Grille
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I know it is not on the same size and scale but I just had a valve cover chromed on my 223 and it was $180. I thought that was high but they had to blast it clean too. Chrome has gotten expensive. I wouldn't doubt it being $1000. I just saw a 1957 grill on Craigslist a month ago in Sacramento. It was chrome. The guy wanted a $150 for it.
Better off sometimes finding one and then selling the old one!
Better off sometimes finding one and then selling the old one!
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I use Precision Plating in Quincy, Illinois. I've had a car bumper and a few small things done. They do really nice work. On one visit I got to chatting with the guy and he gave me a tour. He stopped next to a big box of wheel hubs and told me about them. He said there's a guy in eastern MO that has their company do the chrome work on the Ferrari Borrani wire wheels he restores. Apparently this midwestern small town guy has developed himself a world wide reputation for the restoration of these high dollar exotic wheels. And Precision Plating does the chrome work on them. Wonder what it costs to restore a set of Ferrari Borrani wire wheels?!!! Stu
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I would like to offer a suggestion. These grilles are of thinner metal and longer expanse than many other parts that get chromed. An overzealous polisher can overheat those long surfaces and cause waves (ask me how I know!). Wherever you take it, talk to them about their polishing experience in this area.
Steve
Steve
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When I was building my '56, I took all of my chrome to a plater that had been in business for at least 40 years. Most of what they did came out fine, except the grille which they assured me that they could do without distorting it. When I brought it to their attention they did it over but essentially just moved to waves around. I finally searched out another grille (a cherry unpainted one) and took it to another shop. Before leaving it, I showed them the first grille and explained to them what I would accept. They got it right.
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When I was building my '56, I took all of my chrome to a plater that had been in business for at least 40 years. Most of what they did came out fine, except the grille which they assured me that they could do without distorting it. When I brought it to their attention they did it over but essentially just moved to waves around. I finally searched out another grille (a cherry unpainted one) and took it to another shop. Before leaving it, I showed them the first grille and explained to them what I would accept. They got it right.
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When I was building my '56, I took all of my chrome to a plater that had been in business for at least 40 years. Most of what they did came out fine, except the grille which they assured me that they could do without distorting it. When I brought it to their attention they did it over but essentially just moved to waves around. I finally searched out another grille (a cherry unpainted one) and took it to another shop. Before leaving it, I showed them the first grille and explained to them what I would accept. They got it right.
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