Topic: Plastic Chrome

[ruppstang]

I am looking for a reliable company to replate some 67 plastic chrome dash pieces.
Thanks Marty

[196667Bob]

Marty : Several years ago, I had the horse on my original 67 Illuminated Grill Ornament replated. If you have ever seen one taken apart, I think you'd agree that it doesn't look too easy to do - it's a "reverse 3D" (or concave) horse. The company I had do it, did, what I feel, was a superb job, and packed it extremely well when they shipped it back to me. The Company is M & M Metalizing Sales in Westminster, CA. They have a website that shows some examples, etc. of their work.
You might want to check with them.

Bob

[67gta289]

Marty,

I'm hearing good things about Vacuum Orna-Metal near me in Romulus, Michigan.  http://www.vacuumorna-metal.com/

I have not used them yet, but figured a face to face discussion before and after would help me to be in the position of recommending them or not, as well as discussing the process and how details may or may not be lost.

I've got 67 dash pieces to do as well.  So I can offer two things.  First is I can do one of my pieces and share the results.  Second would be to take in one of yours as well and be the middle man.  After that you can decide whether or not to use them for more.

So check out the website and let me know if you want me to do anything specific.   As a normal course of action I would probably be taking a test piece in within a month or so.  But if it helps you I can accelerate that process.

John

[D0ZZ70MACH]

Hi Marty. 

About 2 years ago, Instrument Specialties http://www.instrument-specialties.com in Rhode Island did my '70 clock panel and console parts.  They do excellent work however they're not cheap and it took several months to get my parts back.  Best of luck to you!!

Aaron

[ruppstang]

Thanks guys for the leads. I talked with Tony of Tony's Auto Classics and he said he is no longer doing the plastic plating but did a number of them before he quit and could offer me a exchange. I like that idea because he did good work and there would be no wait.

One of the problems with a lot of the platers is they do not repaint the black in the instrument cluster bezels. That can be a tedious job that I am happy to pay for.
John I would like to know how your parts come out. I will need to find someone in the future.

[nham3407]

Timing of this post was great. I have been wanting to get my dash panels rechromed ever since I started the restoration.  They were not bad as the car has been stored indoors since I acquired it in the early 80s.  Time though takes its toll on everything and the chrome was delaminating.  I called both M&M and Vaccum Orna-metal last week and obtained quotes from both.  About a year ago Instrument Specialist quoted me $1200 for the 3 dash panels in a 72 Deluxe interior.  M&M offered the lower quote but also indicated the parts would come back just in chrome plating and I would need to refinish the black.  Vaccum Orna-Metal out of MI sounded very knowledgeable over the phone.  He sent me a quote higher than M&M but stated the parts would come back ready to install.  They would first strip all parts in a plastic safe solvent to retain the original grain in the material.  They would then plate and refinish with the proper paints over the chrome.  He indicated that the rattle can paints a DIY'er may use would not properly adhere to the metallized surface an peel after a short period of time.  I was convinced.  He should receive my parts today via my tracking number. Anticipate 5-6 weeks turnaround to be back to me.  I will update when they are returned

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks guys for the leads. I talked with Tony of Tony's Auto Classics and he said he is no longer doing the plastic plating but did a number of them before he quit and could offer me a exchange. I like that idea because he did good work and there would be no wait.

One of the problems with a lot of the platers is they do not repaint the black in the instrument cluster bezels. That can be a tedious job that I am happy to pay for.
John I would like to know how your parts come out. I will need to find someone in the future.

Marty,I would caution buying a core from Tony without inspecting it. I have heard many people praise him but all of the work I have seen (samples at shows,etc.) were less then desirable. So much so that I was puzzled why he wasn't embarrassed by his samples. I am not trying to be harsh on purpose but he ether was unaware of the defects or didn't think they were that bad /didn't care. Ether way is not good.For a while after he stopped plating he was trying to sell some cores at shows PAINTED with chrome paint . It may be all good but I would hate to see you get stuck.

[CharlesTurner]

Marty,I would caution buying a core from Tony without inspecting it. I have heard many people praise him but all of the work I have seen (samples at shows,etc.) were less then desirable. So much so that I was puzzled why he wasn't embarrassed by his samples. I am not trying to be harsh on purpose but he ether was unaware of the defects or didn't think they were that bad /didn't care. Ether way is not good.For a while after he stopped plating he was trying to sell some cores at shows PAINTED with chrome paint . It may be all good but I would hate to see you get stuck.

+1, I only ever had him do a couple pieces for me once and have to say I was disappointed in the quality.

[ruppstang]

Thanks for the heads up on Tony. I had him do some work for me a long time ago and it was ok. He must have let his standards slip.

[nham3407]

Received my dash trim back from Vacuum Orna-Metal out of Romulus, MI yesterday.  I can safely say I am very please with the results.  My original parts were in good shape, but as we all know the chrome does not stand the test of time.  Frank Chester at Vacuum Orna-Metal was very responsive to my emails and provided a very fair quote.  I researched the company throughout the internet and found several very positive reviews on other car sites.  I would not hesitate in recommending Vacuum Orna-Metal to others based upon my experience with them and the quality of the product I received back.   

[Bob Gaines]

Did he paint them too. Can you give use a idea of price for the items you had done?

[nham3407]

Did he paint them too. Can you give use a idea of price for the items you had done?

Yes he returned them fully prepared for installation.  He quoted me $326 and I paid the shipping both ways.  Very happy with the results.  If you will be in St. Augustine in April.  You can see them in person.

[CharlesTurner]

Thanks for the rec, I've contacted them regarding a couple pieces I need done.

[1967 eight barrel]

Well, I can confirm that Vacuum Orna-metal does a stellar job. They completed all of the 1967 Shelby original deluxe dash parts. The finish is concise, and the black out was done well.  Unfortunately, like many others here I have sent items out and was less than happy with the work. You don't want to have something done two or three times before you get the result you're looking for.
I also found his prices fair, as well as the turn around time. Three weeks. Four pieces and good work. 325.00.
They are in Romulus Michigan. Their number is: 734.941.9100

                                                                                       -Keith

[georgenmel]

Hello Guys!- This has been a while since the posting re. Plastic Chroming, but if anybody needs help with this definitely try Frank at Vacuum OrnaMetal Plating. He did my 69' R-code Mach guage, 3 pods & clock bezels. Work was awesome & very reasonably priced. With some plastic tab repairs, black out painting & chrome- around $ 360.00 w/ shipping & ins. - Spoke with Frank yesterday & he is now doing the wood-grain decals also in both walnut & teak - Anybody with teak will need this cause it's almost impossible to find teak decals. They're in Mich. & on Google. Good Luck !!