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Affordable chrome plating


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Greetings everyone,

 

I'm a new member but an old Datsun guy (that means that I am both old and like old Datsuns). I drive a 1970 Datsun 240z, and am always on the lookout for a clean 620 and a decent b210 for when gas prices get out of control (as if they weren't already). I live in southern California and have recently began a chrome plating service for other old car guys and gals. 

 

We specialize in chrome plating of metal and PLASTIC parts, including emblems, tail light bezels, grills, and interior and exterior chrome trim parts. I use a contract facility in southeast Asia and typically receive great quality work at very affordable prices......often times at savings in excess of 60% off of locally quoted prices. As I ship all parts by air, I am not currently doing bumpers, due to the high cost of freight. However, most any other part that you may need to have done can be done.....and we guarantee customer satisfaction. For your reference, I am attaching a couple of pics of a project that is just being completed now.

 

Should anyone have a need to have any of their Datsun parts re-chromed, feel free to send me a pm and I'll be happy to get a quote to you. Sorry for the gratuitous plug in my member introduction......but I couldn't figure out where else on the forum to place the gratuitous plug:)

 

Mike 

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I'm still waiting for the pictures. A little nervous sending parts to "South East Asia". Where specifically do they get sent to and what is the name of your business?

 

I know there are a few people on here that are starting to do reproduction badges and emblems that could benifit from this service.. and I know I'd like to have a few things done, if it truly is affordable.. But I am a bit hesitant to send my money and my parts to a 10 year old kid in communist China just to save 3 bux on my job.

 

None the less... I'm interested to get some details.

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Oops.....sorry about the lack of pictures. I haven't yet been able to locate the "attachments" button on this thread format. If anyone could be so kind as to direct me to the right button (or procedure, if there is no button).....it would be greatly appreciated.

 

The name of the business is Retro-Resto Works. It was started in response to many requests from fellow Z car enthusiasts to have their tail light bezels re-plated. In this country, it is difficult to find platers that will electroplate plastic. When you do find that rare gem, the cost of having it done is prohibitively expensive for most. The first few shipments consisted of mostly tail light bezels, emblems, mag wheel center caps, heater faceplate assemblies, a/c vent bezels, etc. I have the next shipment scheduled for January 7th, and will be shipping most every part except for bumpers at that time. Our plating facility is located in Vietnam, and I've been assured that there are no 10 year old Chinese (or Vietnamese) employed there. They have been engaged in this industry for many years and have seasoned pros on their payroll.

 

Hopefully, I answered everyone's questions to-date.

 

Mike

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Pictures have to be hosted on a different site and linked here using IMG tags or by using the Image button on the editor. Either that or just paste a link to the pictures and we can sort it out.

 

Are you doing only plastic pieces at this time?

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Draker,

 

Thanks for the tips. After I digest them, I'll give posting pics another try.

 

No, we can (and do) plate most plastics and nearly all conductive metals. The only reason that we aren't doing bumpers at this time is simply because the cost to air freight heavy metal is very high, resulting in little net savings after freight. We have done seat belt buckles/attachments, emblems, hubcaps, etc. in metal as the freight costs are still reasonable for those lighter parts. Thanks again for your tip.....will see about getting those pics up:)

 

Mike

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Chrome platting is expensive here because of the severe and necessary environmental regulations in place to protect the public from the carcinogenic emissions and pollution. I imagine there are no rules enforced in Vietnam. On top of the obvious moral dilemma of polluting someone else's back yard there is the sending of jobs overseas. We have had problems dealing 'at arms length' across the Pacific before with car parts. Money, and time delays and worse, customer complaints that are extremely hard to address and resolve. Additionally, you are an unknown new member here.

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I'm sorry, but this seems like an all around bad idea. I've worked for a chrome plating shop right here in Utah, and we did everything in house. I'd rather pay for quality and knowing that my business stays right here. However good luck with your endeavor

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