The cost of re-chroming is?

[KLUTZ]

Trying to take my mind off my confusing TR7 problems, I am asking a question for a friend of mine. He bought a, sorry about this, 1950 MG TD Kit Car, on a '76 mustang frame and engine; it actually looks quite nice. It came with wood bumpers which he would like to replace with origional bumpers. His brother in law knows a guy near London who has a set from a 1950 along with a lot of other MG parts, and would give him the front and back for $50.00. The only thing is that they have to be re-chromed. I told him that he could probably have them beaded or sand blasted then painted, but he wants to know the cost of having them re-chromed. Anyone have a rough idea? What would they look like painted if he goes that way.

Thanks

Paul

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha Paul,

I image Canada is similar to the US with several environmental protection regulations in place. Chrome plating requires a lot of chemical solutions that are expensive to properly dispose off. The cost of chroming older parts often exceeds the cost of buying new chrome parts, that is assuming you can find a shop that does chrome plating. The plating process itself is a three part process, a cleaned item is first copper plated, then nickle plated and finally chrome plated. I had all the chrome trim on my TF plated in '75 for about $150 US at a shop in Providence, Rhode Island (a major costume jewelry manufacturing center). A few years ago it was less expensive to buy new bumper face bars from Moss than get them re-plated.

Safety Fast,
Dave