Pauls Chorme???

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Has anyone had any dealings with Pauls chroming? I need a radiator shroud chromed and want it done right. One of the mechanics who works for me was going to take it to Mexico with him as there was a chrome shop near his families house but it no longer does plating, all they do there now is polish aluminum. So I'm looking for an american shop now that still does it right. California isn't the place to get chroming done now.



Harry

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Vern's Chrome in Gardena has been around for many, many years. They will do it right.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Pauls chrome will do a great job - no doubt - however, they are expensive!!!
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Gosh, Harry, there are still a lot of plating companies out there, and I'd be astounded if there weren't some in California. You are correct in asking your Hudson colleagues their advice, though. Plenty of lousy companies out there, that's for sure, and pot metal (if that's what you want chromed) required particular expertise. Word of mouth beats advertising, any day.



    Paul's has a good reputation, though they're not cheap. I myself took the fender lights from my '37 to a company called Nu-Chrome in Fall River, Mass. They did what I consider to be a very good job (with some very pitted light housings) but took much longer than they promised (and I think others had the same problem). Still, I was happy with the results.



    In the Washington-Baltimore area we have Librandi's http://www.carchrome.com/beta/librandi/about.htm which seems to enjoy a good reputation amongst our local Hudsonites. But again, you're wise to ask around before patronizing any particular company. There have been some horror stories out there!
  • frank spring
    frank spring Expert Adviser
    I suppose if I can't answer the question driectly, I shouldn't answer, but I will put a plug in for a plater also. I have used Custom Crhome for the Italia, and the 32 Brougham, and currently they hve all the parts for the Jet Convert. The job they do is fantastic and I will use no other. Most of Eldon Hostetler's cars were also done by them. If you want quality consdier them. They are about 3 1/2 months out at this point. They are pretty good at holding to the projected date.





    http://www.customchromeplating.com/Home/tabid/144/Default.aspx



    Ed Souers
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    One of the reasons I didn't ask about California shops is the rules in CA have just about shut down the ability to do proper job. No one can get past the EPA rules regarding chemicals. We used to have a great shop right here locally but I've seen the work they've been doing lately and it is terrible, the chrome is flaking off in less than a year. Neil, have you seen Verns work lately? I don't know the shop so I don't know his work. I would have sent the shroud to Mexico because they don't have our over regulated industries and can still use the good chemicals it takes to turn out a great chrome job. I think there are still some good shops in Arizona. I am almost thinking about just powder coating the shroud and being done with it.



    Harry
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Ray K here in Las Vegas has been recommending these guys - http://www.americanpolishingplating.com/

    Ray talks a bit about them in this thread - http://www.classiccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15621
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Harry Hill wrote:
    One of the reasons I didn't ask about California shops is the rules in CA have just about shut down the ability to do proper job. No one can get past the EPA rules regarding chemicals. We used to have a great shop right here locally but I've seen the work they've been doing lately and it is terrible, the chrome is flaking off in less than a year. Neil, have you seen Verns work lately? I don't know the shop so I don't know his work. I would have sent the shroud to Mexico because they don't have our over regulated industries and can still use the good chemicals it takes to turn out a great chrome job. I think there are still some good shops in Arizona. I am almost thinking about just powder coating the shroud and being done with it.



    Harry



    Vern's did the rear bumper for my 51 Coupe. Nice work. If you live close by, check them out. They do alot of show cars.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    What prices are you guys looking at for say a complete bumper or for small items like door handles and fender rockets? how about radio antenna I want to redo one of mine and I wonder what kind of job you can do on a radio antenna.
  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    I have been using Ogden Chrome Plating here in Ogden, Utah for the past 40years. The EPA regulations you speak of are the interpretation of the law makers in the state of California, and you are right. The chemicals used for the process have been banned by the State. I highly recommend Ogden Chrome Plating and the parts that I took in for the 39 Martz roadster were finished in just over a week. I am an agent (now for the advertisement part of the email) for Ogden Chrome Plating and would we willing to help you as you need or you can contact them yourself. Three of Matt Brownings first place Pebble Beach "Best of Show" winners (80's and early 90's) used Ogden Chrome Plating--Quality, do I need say more? If I can help out, drop me a note.

    Petersen Historical Automotive
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    Hi Brownie, How do Ogden's prices rate in compairison?
  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    I am not sure because I do not shop around. Most of the word of mouth around here is that their quality is worth the price. I would expect that their prices would be on the high end, but then again, I do not know what price other shops charge. Also, when they bring in a part, let's say it is a hood piece that needs pits filled. They brass plate (or what is needed) and sand before they plate the chrome so that it ends up show quality. If a part requires additional welding, buffing, hole repair, bolt repair then the price goes up. I know it sounds bad, but I never ask them for a price. I take it to them, they call me with the estimate of the cost of the work, I give them a check--they do the work, I inspect and send it out...



    I can take photo's of some of the work they have done for me and send it to anyone who would like picture. Email me at brownie.petersen@atk.com
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Bownie, the problem I have is I don't want to ship my radiator shroud around the country trying to get an idea on cost. I would at least need an estimate on what it would cost if no repairs are needed. I've already sandblasted all the old chrome off and it just needs cleaning and polishing, there is no pitting or holes to repair. Can they give an estimate based on that kind of information?



    Harry
  • RonS
    RonS Senior Contributor
    Harry, it might be difficult to get a guarantee on a price without seeing the part(s). Many of us in Tucson use Ideal Platting. They do decent work at a fair price.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Ron, I don't expect a guarantee but I do want an idea before I spend the money on shipping for something I may feel is too expensive.



    Harry
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