Has anyone ever had experience with New England Chrome Plating in East Hartford, Connecticut. The reason I am asking is that many years ago, I used Pauls chrome plating in PA and they did a great job. Now they want "about $900-1,000" for the rear bumper on my 66 Skylark GS. The bumper is in excellent condition otherwise but needs a re-chrome. New England is quoting me "around $400-450". Given the huge difference in price, I ws wondering what's the deal. New England says it "is not show chrome" but perfect for show cars. I am not exactly sure what that means. I thought chrome plating was a fixed process. Maybe Paul's somehow performs to a much higher level than I need for my very nice driver. Any comments guys? Tom
Desert Dog says they will chrome any bumper as long as it is solid for $250. I looked into this because I'd like 4 bumpers done. $$$ Some guys here on the board said they do great work. I recently emailed Desert Dog and got a reply right away. http://www.desertdogautoparts.com/ If you do a search under 'Buyers/Sellers Feedback' you can find the threads. Hope things work out. Ray
i would go to someone close to you so if they need to warranty it then you dont have to ship it out!!!
I have used TriCity Plating in Elizabeth TN. They did a great job on the bumpers of my car. Two years ago they charged me 325.00 for each bumper. I will look for their number and post it later.
Thanks Thanks for the Tri-City recommendation. It's always best to go where someone has gone before. Their current price is $385 + shipping. Very good, thanks guys
How perfect a bumper are you looking for? I may be able to help you out. I had a set done for my '66 last year and paid a ton of money to get them perfect since I show my '66 nationally at AACA shows. The original set is in my attic and the only thing wrong with them is that there is a double scratch on the edge of the rear bumper where it wraps around the side of the car on the drivers side. I got run off the road in it years ago by a chair that fell off a truck, and the chair scratched it when it hit it. I never noticed it until after I put the car back together after the wreck because the scratch is down low. I came across an awsome set of cores last year that had no surface rust/pitting on the back and decided I had to have them on my car and had them rechormed and the ones I took off are just taking up space now. I will sell you the rear one for $200 if you want it. I think you would be very pleased with it--I won AACA senior with it on the car and no one ever noticed the scratch! I will sell the front one for $300. They were both plated about 12 years ago and haven't spent a single night outdoors.
We have always used North Star Plating in Brainerd, MN. They were charging about $260 or $280 for show chrome with our bodyshop discount. One thing with them is they are located in the rust belt and have an excellent recipe for doing the backside properly so you don't have a peeling problem.
Final Outcome Thanks everyone for all your input. I ended up buying Brian's bumper. This forum is great! Tom
I just got back my "desertdog" plated bumpers and they look great :TU: . For the $300 you cant go wrong . An "8" on a 1 to 10 scale .Not as good as a $800 plate job but without sticking you face a foot away from the bumper you cant tell the differance.
Sounds like a great deal. :TU: Could I ask what shape the bumpers were in before they got them and and how were they shipped both ways? Thanks. Ray
Desert Dog! I used Desert Dog also. I shipped the bumpers unwrapped, just slapped a shipping label on them(Fed Ex). As for condition, bends, dents and splits do not matter. As long as they do not have rust all the way through. Desert Dog Will rechrome any bumper for $250 + ship. Contact Bob Cline at 815-337-9594, Fax 815-337-9597 Good Luck Bert
