CHROME PLATING

[dusty]

Price quote from Bumper Boyz(Solutions@bumperboyz.com)(323)587-8976 ,(800)815-9009-----1953 Kaiser front bumper #480.00, $600.00 outright , Grill Guard $270.00 Bullets $140.00, Wing Guards $210.00 Front and Rear Center $300.00,Bumper Ends #300.00, all are exchange prices or rechroming your core, They also do small parts.

[kaiserkid]

I wouldn't let the bumper boys do anything! Their chrome is junk!

[G.B. (All Vinyl Dragon)]

Dusty,

Thanks for all Your help on restoring Our K.F.Vehicles.
Your work on the Dragon's research & findings someone to produce Our Vinyl & other parts of have been wonderful.

I will try to call soon.
Best G.B.

[darrin145]

Most reports are Bumper Boyz use 2 year chrome, unless you drive your car in which case you'll be lucky to get a season out of it! The prices quoted are about what a QUALITY shop would charge. Buyer beware! Gary.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Don't forget to ask the right questions of any plater you are considering using:

1.  IS A COPPER STRIKE (BASE) APPLIED?

2.  WHAT TYPE CHROME MATERIAL IS USED, TRIVALENT OR HEXAVALENT?

3.  References - customers they did work for

The best suggestion I could offer is to stop in at a hot rod show or motor cycle show and ask owners if they have chrome work done for their rides & see if their vehicles look good.

It is also important that you remember outgassing is a normal component of the base pot metal alloy (best for this sort of chroming is ZA3, a Zinc based metal with 3% Aluminum alloy) due to temperature and time.  When air, gasses, or other voids inside the material start to work their way to the surface there is not much you can do about it.  In time this stuff will reach the surface and will break through the chrome.  That's how pitting is created.  Any shop that says they can "suck" all of this out is a place to stay away from as it cannot be done especially on older materials.

Ken-Dec in KY did not do work for individuals; they were referred to the big place in Nashville; a bit pricy but the work was show quality.

[kaiserkid]

In Wisconsin I have been using Keystone Automotive for many many years now with no complaints. They even have a lifetime warranty on there chrome.

[joefrazer]

In Ohio, I've used Custom Chrome. They do good work and their prices are on par with the Bumper Boyz. I've had the replated parts on my 53 for about 7 years and they still look great.

http://www.customchromeplating.com/index.html

[JoeKeys2010]

Just re-plated a 1949. Here is how it broke out:

Front and rear bumpers $375 each
5 bumper guards $125
1 grill upper bar w repair $280
1 grill center bar $240
1 grill lower bar $280
Driver side light bezel $75
Driver side light bezel trim $35
Driver side light bezel end $35
Hood trim $210
Hood buffalo $65
Deck lid trim $180
Deck lid handle $$75
Deck lid tag bezel $30
Hood ornament $180

20 pieces total $3,000

[dusty]

Thanks Guys for the feed back!!! Someone had ask not too long ago what should be a fair price for chrome plating. I used Bumperboyz as a example only and it will be apperciated if MORE MEMBERS PUBLISH THE PRICES AND QUALITY FOR THEIR AREA.To aid people like myself that live in the boonies and don't have the resources to check every thing out.Im still learning at 84.

[JoeKeys2010]

Dusty, I'm new at this and appreciate sharing anything I know. I used a group in Atlanta, they were in driving distance and I had used the before on my Ford.   I've never used bumper boyz and have heard some good things and a lot of bad. I see them at swap meets in Moultry GA every year. Makes you wonder how they stay in business if all the negative stuff you hear is true.

On bumpers I know you can give them yours and they will give you a plated one right then, no waiting if they have one already done...and they seem to have a lot already plated. Even though I have to wait a few months, I like getting my own part back so I know what I have.

I hope when I'm 84 I still am interested in Kaisers. Nice to meet you.

[BigDave LM6174]

I have a friend that used Bumper Boyz in los Angeles, and the bumpers he put on his 65 Ford Falcon were starting to rust in about 18 months.  Very poor quality.  You can get better quality for less then Bumper Boyz.