I have a question about chroming 1966 seat trim

[Cor66Vette]

I want to replace the 4 chrome trim pieces on my seats @ a cost of $175.00. What, if any opinions are out here on the forum about having my trim pieces chromed? and what might something like that cost? The pieces are solid but the chrome is peeling off at the bottom-most portion on each piece. They might not be worth chroming but I was hoping to get some input. Thanks a lot.

[Rich427]

My preference would be to re-chrome the originals, even if it costs a little bit more. That way you don't have to worry about the quality of the reproductions, or how well they fit.

But there are issues associated with getting your originals re-chromed. First you have to find a plater that you are comfortable with their work. Also, some of these guys are very busy and you might have to wait longer than you would like to get your originals back from plating. While they are at the plater's, you car is basically down until you get them returned, because without these pieces your back rest will not be in place.

So, it really is your choice. I don't know of chrome plater's in the Florida region, but the guy I have always used in the past for plating on my '69 stuff is Librandi's Plating in PA. All they basically do is classic car plating. If you go to Corvettes at Carlisle, or Spring or Fall Carlisle, Librandi's is always there and they do a big business at those shows. Here is a link to their website.

http://www.carchrome.com/

If you are not comfortable sending your pieces to PA, maybe some one on this site has a recommendation for a plater closer to you.

I hope this helps!

Rich

[navy2kcoupe]

I've heard that Brown's Plating in Kentucky http://www.brownsplating.com/ is VERY good,
and a bunch of friends that own motorcycles swear by them. They also do small parts
from automobiles as well. If you don't have any luck finding a place in Florida,
you might want to contact them and ask some questions.
Andy

[Cor66Vette]

Thanks for the input. I did in fact shop around and found ...

Virginia Vettes
Dick Barron
105 Lindrick
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
1-757-229-0011

http://www.virginiavettes.com/restore.htm

Dick said plating time would be 2 weeks ... and it was actually quicker.

Instead of $175.00 + s/h for made in China replicas, chroming my originals cost $125.00 + $14.00 s/h plus my $14.00 shipping getting them there. Not such a money saver but I maintained my originals and I gotta say, they look magnificent.

[navy2kcoupe]

Good deal! Not only are you satisfied with the cost, quality of work, and looks, but
you kept the money right here in the good ole USA!
That sounds like a win-win deal.
Andy