Can you guys tell me more about chroming costs? I'm looking to get a few parts chromed and my bumpers redone in the near future, but I don't know what to budget...
Price can vary a LOT depending on the present condition of the parts, the quality of the work done, the shop's overhead, and what the shop can get people to pay.
Chroming varies just by where they are too, on top of the EPA hoops they have to jump through, there are some state and municipality regulations. I believe you also get what you pay for, I strongly suggest you request to see some of their work or get references. A shop that has good reputation will not hesitate to get these in your hands. I would not just budget for the cheapest price in this situation. I deal with a shop that does outstanding work, but you shipping to PA would cost more than it would cost to find good usable parts locally...
If you are familiar with 64 fairlane bumpers as to size, I paid around a grand to get mine done with only small surface rust and no large dings. That was three years ago in Indy.
It not only depends on size but also the condition of the bumper(s) at the start of the process and what type of plating you are after. getting show chrome on a rusted dented bumper is a whole lot more expensive than getting driver quality chrome on a bumper that is in great shape to start with. Check out Chromeplaterjosh here on the HAMB http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/member.php?u=75160 He can give you an idea of what it would cost to do your bumpers. Always check out a chrome shop thoroughly before you give them any parts or money. Lots of guys have gotten burned over the years by shady operators. Ask for references and then check the references out. Also search online too, there are several threads here on the HAMB about bad platers.
I took some small parts ;grille bar,timing cover,horn button;copper plated some hubcap emblems.800.00.10 years ago did bumpers that needed no repairs 3000.00.still growing a new left nut back after that. but it looks good.
I agree with the others; chrome plating is outrageously expensive. Depending on what you need done, it may be cheaper to just buy new parts if they're available.
As a reference, I got a quote on the interior garnish mouldings for a 56 Chevy 2 dr sedan at $600.Same thing in 1975 was less than $50. That shows where it has gone.
Don't make the same mistake I did! Make sure you do business with a REPUTABLE shop. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=596161
Contact Ogden Chrome in Ogden, Utah, talk to Charlie Thornblad there...he can get you a price ...and they'll pay for shipping both way... www.Ogdenchrome.com
I recently got a quote to have two decent '32 Ford original bumpers re-chromed by one the very good shops in the northeast. I sent multiple detailed pictures and waited a week. I went down on one knee when the guy told me $1,800, and then almost passed out when he said EACH. Oh and by the way, we cannot guarantee that we can get the slight bow (1/2") out of the one bumper. Good luck.
edit: J. Fitzhugh, that sounds really high, unless the bumpers were really rough and needed to be made perfect. The straightening comes before any refinishing, so they would know if the bow would come out well before getting too invested into the work on that bumper. When I think really rough, I think of cracks, welds, heavy rust, etc. According to the information you presented, I would estimate no more than $1000 for the pair on the high side. Thanks for the recommendations above guys. It makes me feel good inside. The key here is research, research , research. The internet makes this easier than ever. I can just tell you to send everything to me and I will treat you right, but you don't know me, so research is your friend. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=398906 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=388232 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324748 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350995 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337877 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369391 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367728 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368445 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=378755 These are but a few chrome plating related posts I have chimed in on. These posts have many others' opinions and comments other than mine, so have fun and learn lots. Search for posts made by me and you can easily find the rest. BTW, you can call us and get bumper estimates over the phone at our shop. All of our contact info is listed on our website, which is listed as my signature below.
After reading all the great reviews about Josh I am bringing him every piece of exterior and interior chrome and stainless from my 57 Eldorado Brougham. If you saw the pile of parts you wouldn't believe it could all be from the same car!
High compared to what? There are ways to get nice plating done for less than half the cost of having the plater do everything; just by doing your own prep. The problem is that very few are willing to do it, because is it dirty, dangerous, difficult, and time consuming to prep parts properly for replating. I'm more than willing to tell anyone on this board exactly what needs to be done to get their specific parts ready for me to do a plate-only job on them. Some parts cannot be prepped for plate-only, but can still have the price drastically reduced. For example, a random part from my price list: 1949 Buick front bumper with 2 guards full process: about $860 plate-only: about $350-400 depending on touchups needed. I don't mean to pick on 61 Chevy, I completely understand the "sticker shock" as I witness it regularly. I'm just pointing out that for the hardcore DIYer's, there is a better way.
I am in the same boat, and my huge bumpers on my 1951 Imperial will give two men hernias to pick them up. The BumperBoys had both on hand, and quoted 600 and 650 each, exchange, and I think that is cheap. I have a fairly local big shop that does motorcycle chroming, and they said to bring my grill and trim over and they would take a look and give me an estimate. My son says I probably cannot afford it, as the motorcycle people are crazy about chrome and don't care what things cost.
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