[oscodagp63]

If you have considered sending your precious pitted pot metal to Steve of "Quality Pot Metal Works" of Lakeland Florida, I suggest you re think the thought. I am now searching for the 4 Pot metal pieces to replace the ones he destroyed in his "professional" plating business. And you know that sort of feeling you get when a little voice is trying to tell you, don't do it, well I should have listened. Both of my tail light surrounds, the trunk trim and the lower trim piece around the key hole on my 63 Grand Prix need to be replaced, not re chromed but replaced. He used a torch or some other form of heat to help strip the metal and left many blisters after which he preformed a horrible chrome job. The main piece on the trunk its self may be salvageable but the rest is now junk, and for $800! I wish I had.............

[jww]

Sorry to hear about your plating experience from FL.

Same goes for Lakeside Plating in Conneaut, Ohio!! Absolutely ruined a really nice '57 Chev. hood bar core I gave them to plate. First time I got it from them I cut my finger on the chrome that was peeling when I unwrapped the bar. I called and sent it back to be "fixed" and replated knowing it would be junk when I got it the second time. It was and is !!. Only cost me $250.00 to find out ........sigh!

Jerry Well

[Cammer-6]

sounds kind like the story I have for potmetal restorations of Florida in Tallahassee. They ruined my pieces then bitched me out for calling about it.In the end I did get a refund for the work done(they sent pieces back with plating removed with a grinder),after I filed a complaint with Hemmings,who they advertised thru.But I got nothing for the pieces they ruined. Is there some sort of connection between the 2 of them?

[Gator67]

I've had a good experience with pot metal restoration in FL at Space Coast Plating in Melbourne. I should note that the piece they did for me was pretty straightforward and in good shape when I sent it (steering wheel collar), so I can't vouch for the quality of their work on pieces that are more complex or need extensive repair.

[oscodagp63]

I made many contacts with plating companys most wont do pot metal, most who would wanted upwards of $1600. Way to much. The old "get what you pay for" has some merit hear. He only charged $810. Still in my mind, a bunch.

[Cammer-6]

this place was named "potmetal restorations of Florida" I did not capitalize their name,dont wish to give them ANY type of advertising except to say how bad they treated me.I have had good luck with a plater in Holly Hill Fl but cant remember the name.

[vetteman 63]

Oscodag...perhaps you should tell the readers what condition your preciuos parts were in when you sent them to the chrome shop. You guys send in parts that are heavily pitted, and expect the part to be returned in NOS condition, come on..the part is Pot Metal and in your case 47 yrs old. Present the full story before you get on a public forum and throw this vendor under the bus. I don't know these guys, maybe they do good work, maybe not, but the fact is you are trashing this business without telling the complete story. I would suggest that you try working this issue out with the chrome shop, pick up the phone and call them or better yet get in your car and visit with the owner. Did you hear that little voice again....Stop Whinning!

[TinjunTribe]

I've used Advanced Plating in TN three times now. I've had minor issues with their potmetal pieces. You can look at their process at their website.

They offer to correct any problems immediately, at no charge. I paid $650 for restoration of 69 GTO tail light bezels. One bezel developed a small "blister" (maybe 3-16" round), where chrome separated from underlying copper layer I guess, you could notice it raised, push it in and it would pop back up. They offered to fix it no charge. It was in an area that would be painted black and covered by bumper.....so I let it go.

My 68 Hurst gate shifter bezel came out nice. But the person who ground down imperfections in the area under the sticker inlay ground excessively near the rear edge. I went with the swirled inserts over the wood, and there is a void between the inlay and the bezel.......not overly noticeable, in fact, you'd have to know it was there and look for it to see it, as the inlay doesn't quite go all the way to the edge to hide it.....

Point being.........seems like that stuff is tricky to work out. Look at Advanced's process, lot of work brazing pits, grinding, buffing, replating.

I can say Advanced is very friendly, and will re-do and fix their work no questions asked. Overall I was happy with them, if my tail bezel fails (pushed paint up etc.), it will only be my fault for not sending back in.

Just offering as an alternative......