Topic: Found my original fender Emblem-Differences vs NOS (Pictures)

[jtfx6552]

I expected that the NOS part would be different, but the level of detail difference is astounding, at least to me.

So, question, could the original be re-chromed without losing the detail? Can the pins on the back be fixed?

[Bob Gaines]

I expected that the NOS part would be different, but the level of detail difference is astounding, at least to me.

So, question, could the original be re-chromed without losing the detail? Can the pins on the back be fixed?

From your picture one is a C4 assemblyline part with the thin pins and the other a C8 service part with the thicker pins.They are two different parts. The NOS service C4 marked emblems and the assemblyline versions are the same part with the same definition typically. The C8 marked service part is a completely different part ,mold etc.  First off it will be expensive to have rechromed .I'm guessing 200-300.00 for the emblem. The pins will be very a problematic effort to fix. You can find used C4 emblems with pins intact but then you still have the re chrome price to contend with.
 On top of that when chrome plating old diecast many times but not always pits bubble up to the surface as a result of the process and you would be stuck with a less then perfect part at the end of the day. That is besides losing definition from the polishing process prior to plating.  NOS C4 versions are still out there and command 250-400.00 price tag each. I thought I would give you some observations for you to consider .

[J_Speegle]

I've had luck finding original with really nice chrome, needing only the paint details redone.

Just wanted to mention another possible option. They made plenty of them

[jtfx6552]

From your picture one is a C4 assemblyline part with the thin pins and the other a C8 service part with the thicker pins.They are two different parts. The NOS service C4 marked emblems and the assemblyline versions are the same part with the same definition typically. The C8 marked service part is a completely different part ,mold etc.  First off it will be expensive to have rechromed .I'm guessing 200-300.00 for the emblem. The pins will be very a problematic effort to fix. You can find used C4 emblems with pins intact but then you still have the re chrome price to contend with.
 On top of that when chrome plating old diecast many times but not always pits bubble up to the surface as a result of the process and you would be stuck with a less then perfect part at the end of the day. That is besides losing definition from the polishing process prior to plating.  NOS C4 versions are still out there and command 250-400.00 price tag each. I thought I would give you some observations for you to consider .

I?ve seen some used C4 versions on EBAY but no NOS ones.

If I picked up used and they?re not pitted, can they be rechromed without losing the subtle details?

I?m not familiar with the rechrome process (obviously).

[RoyceP]

The problem with re - chroming is the factory used a special die when chroming the emblems that the re - chromers do not have. As a result re - chroming the emblem will not be satisfactory.   

[Bob Gaines]

I?ve seen some used C4 versions on EBAY but no NOS ones.

If I picked up used and they?re not pitted, can they be rechromed without losing the subtle details?

I?m not familiar with the rechrome process (obviously).

NOS C4 thin pin ones come up for sale from time to time on ebay. If one isn't on there now then I suppose you will just have to wait until one shows up if you want NOS C4 emblems. To recap with a short answer to what I already have previously posted is that you will not get good results rechroming the emblem. Unless you can find a used emblem good enough to use as is with the exception of having to repaint (which is difficult ) don't buy used.