Chrome Shop Recommendation

[428PHIL]

Any good Chrome shops in the Phila. area. Looking to get my remote mirror done!

[straycat]

try martins of phila. used them years ago for some hurst trim rings. came back gorgeous but pricey.

[mwritter]

Pauls Chrome is also in PA - great reputation, but like the others, pricey. Quoted me $750 to do my '65 rear tailpanel.

[ks gto (Cap)]

Matt- Was the 750 to also paint it or rechrome it only? Cap

[mwritter]

$750 was rechrome only, if memory serves. It was more than a year ago, having trouble remembering. But the $750 sticks with me, because the repro piece (that has since been scrapped) was going to be $499.

[Mark Simiele]

Had a number of chrome pieces done by Pauls over the years and yes pricey, but chrome comes back perfect. With things like this you almost have to swallow the high price and your parts will be perfect.

[PRC]

Librandi's in Middletown, Pa (near Harrisburg airport). Pricey but good.

[428PHIL]

Thanks for the information. By the way if anyone out there needs bumpers re-chromed try North Star (Keystone) in MN. Had both front & rear bumpers done for $850. plus shipping. They came back absolutely perfect. Most shops want that for just one bumper!

PS They only do bumpers!!!

[ELKHORNAOG7]

You can try a place called frankford plating on orthodox st right off aramingo ave just as you go under I-95 on left hand side i;m having some things done there right now and his prices seem real good and the work looks very good also he is doing a 68 firebird front bumper for me for 360.00------BOB

[428PHIL]

Bob
Thanks for the info. I've heard good and bad about Frankford, hope you are the good!
Phil

[stags]

Phil, I think we met at E-town earlier this year. I need to get my remote done also. Maybe Paul's will give us a "twofer" price. I was going to call there after I pull it out next month. They did some work for a buddy of mine recently - real nice. Call if you want 215 249 0295.

[69f bird]

Guys, I have a few things I would consider having rechromed as well. Let me know what you plan and maybe we can get a group purchase together! I have a rear '69 bird bumper, 2 fronts, maybe a couple 70-72 A body rears and possibly a 72 bird rear bumper. Plus some misc. stuff. I live in Horsham. thanks!

[428PHIL]

If you guys want to try a group deal with Paul's I would be interested. I did call them about a month ago and they quoted me a minimum of $250. to do my mirror which is not in real bad shape and does'nt need much metal work.

I was going to hold off as my pocketbook is almost empty! Had to replace my engine, and am in the middle of a complete frame-off$$$$$. Had original engine (428) rebuilt by a guy in our area who screwed it up big time. Cracked block,crank, etc. Had Paul Spotts build me up a 464/500 HP.

[TJH]

I wish you guys luck, but I doubt if any good rechromer will give you a break for a group buy. With plating (as in bodywork and paint), the cost is in the intense labor involved to do it right. It's not like a manufacturer selling you in quantity, because at the end of the day, it still is the same ton of man-hours to do the work. Ever hear of a body shop giving a group discount?
And, good shops are generally busy.
Let us know how you guys make out, but my bet is that they won't cut any breaks...

[stags]

TJH is probably right - still I would think it can't hurt to get multiples done when its an odd part like remotes. I'm not sure what's involved in removing the glass and cables but I suppose I could find out and do that myself. Phil, did that price include R&R? Let me know when you want to go - I'm in no big hurry. Thanks, Mark O.

[stags]

BTW, sorry to hear about your motor. I've been down that road myself. I've used Jim Taylor for the last couple jobs and I've been very happy with him but I know Paul is doing real well also. We're lucky to have guys like that so close. Good luck.

[428PHIL]

Stags
The price I got was for the head and stem apart. It's not real hard to take apart, you just need to be careful. The head is attached to the base with a screw. On the remote control end you need to open up the crimped ends that hold the cables in,be real careful not to break-off as I beleive this is white metal. once you get the three cables disconected the mirror and cable can be remove as a unit from the head. Note:The cables and remote are color coded. Am not sure when I'll be ready to have mine chromed so I can't give you a good answer. Am going to use another remote I have once I get the car back together.

I wasn't able to go to e-town this year,no car, but I was there the previous 3-years, actually got lucky and placed in modified all three times. We may have met at Kellersville. Had my car (Burgundy 66 LeMans) there a number of times! Are you going to Atco?

[stags]

Right - thats it. I have the Mayfair Maize '69 vert. Yeah I plan on going to ATCO but just to watch. My buddy will bring his '69 with a Spotts 428 and he hopes to try the spray - a 150 shot I think. He's run low 12's without it so that should get him close to the limit for a no-bar car. I have raced mine but my latest project, a tubbed '68 bird, is almost done so I don't want to push the goat any more for now. Thanks for the tip on the mirror. I have an old control end to practice on so I'll let you know how I make out. BTW, on Saturday, Nov. 12: Vargo Dragway reunion. A lot of cool old racers show up with their cars, pictures, whatever. Its a farm now and the owners use the track for a landing strip (isn't that backwards). Its on Elephant Road, about a mile down from Keelersville. Talk to you soon. Mark O.

[mrrat1]

Thanks for the information. By the way if anyone out there needs bumpers re-chromed try North Star (Keystone) in MN. Had both front & rear bumpers done for $850. plus shipping. They came back absolutely perfect. Most shops want that for just one bumper!

PS They only do bumpers!!!
I had my 70 SS bumpers done by them in 02 was $800 then, super quality. Getting my 67 GTO's ready to send out from NJ.

[mrrat1]

Thanks for the information. By the way if anyone out there needs bumpers re-chromed try North Star (Keystone) in MN. Had both front & rear bumpers done for $850. plus shipping. They came back absolutely perfect. Most shops want that for just one bumper!

PS They only do bumpers!!!
I had my 70 SS bumpers done by them in 02 was $800 then, super quality. Getting my 67 GTO's ready to send out from NJ. Dave K.

[428PHIL]

Mark o
I used to race at Vargo back in the late 60's with my 65 2+2 ran 14.4 with that big heavy weight!

[stags]

Cool - I didn't grow up around here and was not familiar with the track. Now I live about a mile away and I had been buying Xmas trees there. One time I asked them why they had a paved runway for just one small plane and I got the whole story. Wish it was still active.

[68MeanVerdoroGreen]

I've had good luck with Frankford Plating. There not fast or cheap, but do quality work. They did the valance chrome pieces for my 68 GTO. Nicer than New!

Frankford Plating, Inc.
2505 Orthodox Street
Phila., PA 19137
Phone: 215-288-4518

[428PHIL]

Called Frankford Plating, they quote me a ballpark of $125. to do my mirror. Paul's quoted $250. I may take a chance on Frankford and have them do my mirror.

[mrrat1]

I am goin to make a trip to Frankford, and drop off some small items from my SS Chevelle, hoods studs, plates, and valve covers to check Quality , price ,and turnaround. I will post results when they return. Dave K.

[mrrat1]

I am goin to make a trip to Frankford, and drop off some small items from my SS Chevelle, hoods studs, plates, and valve covers to check Quality , price ,and turnaround. I will post results when they return. Dave K.
I went to Frankford Plating the guys name is John, said Martins is no longer in the biz he was purchasing some of their equipment....anyway from my 70 SS I dropped off a set of finned valve covers for BBC, set of under head light mouldings, 2-studs & 2-plates for hood hold down, $500 for the covers, $100 for the mouldings, $50 for studs & plates. 4-5 week turn around. Quoted me $150 for outside rear view mirror, $50 to get mirror replaced. It's all 1 pc. He will polish all my stainless trim at per hour rate and will have some one in the shop come in on a Sat/Sun. Someone (Bill/Phil) dropped off some 65 GTO stuff, rear corners, wipers, mirror, headlight bezels, ect. I will let you guys know how they turn out. Dave K.

[428PHIL]

Dave
I dropped off my remote mirror on Monday needs very little metal work. Got a price of $125.said it should be done in a couple of weeks. Hope it doesn't change when I pick it up. Frankford looks to be doing well from all the stuff I saw. I'll keep you guys posted on how the mirror turns out.

[mrrat1]

Looks like a pretty good operation. I had a chance to walk around as nobody was at the desk when I came in. It's a plus when people look like they enjoy what they are doing!! Chromework is really getting pricey!!!!!! I hope my stuff comes out nice! Dave K.

[69f bird]

Phil,

Let me know next time you are driving down there. I'd like to join you if I can.

Thanks,

Shelly

[428PHIL]

Mirror should be done in the next couple of weeks. I will most likely go in the AM after the rush, I'll let you know when.

[mrrat1]

Phil, I wouldn't mind meeting you guys to! Let me know when you plan to go cause I have a few more things to drop off. Hope to see ya there Dave K.

[428PHIL]

Dave
I'll let you and Shelly know when am going to pick-up my mirror, which should be in a couple of weeks. I'll leave you both a PM when I got the word from Frankford.

[69f bird]

thanks!

[mrrat1]

sounds good to me!

[mrrat1]

I went to Frankford Plating the guys name is John, said Martins is no longer in the biz he was purchasing some of their equipment....anyway from my 70 SS I dropped off a set of finned valve covers for BBC, set of under head light mouldings, 2-studs & 2-plates for hood hold down, $500 for the covers, $100 for the mouldings, $50 for studs & plates. 4-5 week turn around. Quoted me $150 for outside rear view mirror, $50 to get mirror replaced. It's all 1 pc. He will polish all my stainless trim at per hour rate and will have some one in the shop come in on a Sat/Sun. Someone (Bill/Phil) dropped off some 65 GTO stuff, rear corners, wipers, mirror, headlight bezels, ect. I will let you guys know how they turn out. Dave K.
Hello, & Happy Holidays to everyone. Phil it was good to meet you. Well the stuff is done!! The valve covers came out real nice, the mouldings not so good! Lots of pits, said cause it was Aluminum?? He said he would redo another set for nothing. I think he is pretty fair, he said over 10 hours of copper work alone on those 2 mouldings. The studs and hood plates came out very nice along with the hardware. I can say the quality of work was very good to excellent. I did drop off the windshield, back glass stainless, wipers & a couple small items to chrome, 8 weeks turn around this time. Dave K.

[428PHIL]

Dave
It was good to meet you and talk a little Pontiac! My mirror turned out real good and I will take other parts to Frankford down the road. That is after I get over the shock of the $$$$$ am spending on my 66. Have a great Holiday Season.

[johnsclassicwheelart]

I have never directly delt with the chrome shop, but have seen much of thier work. I must say that once you get past the price, you relize you are getting what you are paying for. Thier work is top notch, Have seen many before and after pieces and they do amazing work. It really makes a difference putting a repo piece next to an original that was restored correctly, keep up the good work.

[delhiski]

Thanks for the information. By the way if anyone out there needs bumpers re-chromed try North Star (Keystone) in MN. Had both front & rear bumpers done for $850. plus shipping. They came back absolutely perfect. Most shops want that for just one bumper!

PS They only do bumpers!!!

Where are they located in MN, or do you have a phone number? Thanks

[Stuart]

Northstar/Keystone has an office in Minneapolis where you can drop off bumpers if you are local, but the chrome shop itself is in Brainerd. The Minneapolis phone number is 612-789-5051, the Brainerd phone number is 218-829-6324

[delhiski]

Thanks a bunch

[428PHIL]

Had my front & rear bumpers done by Northstar, they look better than new. Cost to do both was $850. plus shipping.

[Tim john]

Any warranty towards long term quality and what year bumpers, any rust issues or repairs fixed (dents and or rust or twists). A contact phone number would be appriciated too. Thank You.

[428PHIL]

I went through K&K Classic Car in Lansdale PA (215-412-9313) they packed and sent to Northstar. My car is a 66 LeMans, my bumpers were in good condition,no dents or rust. Price was quoted over the phone prior to them seeing the bumpers. I was quoted a lifetime warranty. Price from K&K was $421. ea plus $140 for shipping and handling . Northstar has a web site, and I guess you send yours direct, which sould save you some money, as am sure K&K added to Northstar's price.

[mrrat1]

Well my second round of stuff has been at Frankford since Dec 19, and not ready yet. I have a plate and hardware getting rechromed + a mirror & the glasse replaced. Wipers, frt & back stainless getting polished. anybody else have stuff over there??? Dave K.

[428PHIL]

Dave
I remember picking up my mirror the day you dropped off your stuff. Can't beleive you haven't gotten it back. John seems like a pertty good guy, have you bugged him to finish it up ?

[mrrat1]

That was the first round, I picked them up before Christmas. i dropped these then. I have been on him, and he says they will be done Mon/Tuesday. Thats 4-months. Only two pcs were to be chromed the rest was just polish work!! Hows things for you Phil, burnin rubber?? Dave K.

[428PHIL]

Almost there,I kind of bit off more then I was able to do. Thankfully I have two real good buddies who as long as I feed them beer bale me out. Should have the car ready to go in a week or two. Am hoping to be at Englishtown the end of May for HPP day. Car looks great, and with the Paul Spotts 464 should run like hell.

[mrrat1]

Hope to see you there!! Dave K.

[mrrat1]

Stuff still not ready from Frankford Chrome, almost 6-months! Hope nobody else has stuff there!! I am getting my stuff ready or not on 5-9. I'm sure he said 6-8 weeks not months. Anywhere else around that does chrome in NJ/Phila area??? Dave K.

[necdb3]

I sent my chrome work to Paul's chrome 4/21/06. I am being told approx. 8 weeks before I get it back. I'll let you know how I make out.

Dave

[mrrat1]

Where's Pauls located? What have you sent & how much was the quoted prices?? Thanks Dave K.