Chrome Prices

Stretch Cab

Stretch Cab

Well-known member
I live in S Florida and prices tend to be higher on some items. I recently picked up a gear shift and brake handle for my 36 from the Chrome shop and wonder what you think of the price. The work was very good. The two parts cost $300.00. I want more parts done but wonder if I need to shop around?
 
If it's quality work then I would say the price is about normal for today. I recently paid more than that to chrome a '38 hood handle and base.
 
When you factor in hourly labor rates,the cost of nickel,copper,chemical,disposal fees,EPA etc. and the other hoops these chrome shops have to jump through that is what is driving prices up. It has also shut the door on many shops. In the 60's and 70's I had my chrome done on Oakland Ca. where there was probably 15 shops. Today I would be surprised if there are any there. Over in Spokane Wa. there are two and much of there business is from out of state due to the lack of shops or the quality of work.
 
Like Sid posted its the b/s epa fees and such that drive the cost up, also now they have water based spray on chrome, seems to be the new trend so the more people that shy away from the real process, that also drives their cost up too. Back in the day it was cheap but like everything, those days are gone. YMMV
 
If it’s good quality triple plating, that price is not out of line. One of the larger chromers in the country just recently posted on social media a multi part pictorial following two grille halves all the way through the plating process from start to finish. It was very in depth with photos and descriptions of each step. Granted, they were aluminum grilles with some minor damage which made them much more difficult than your pieces, but it made you appreciate all the effort that goes into top quality plating. Even the simplest of parts take a good amount of time to do right.
 
We are now dealing with stuff that kill us we didn't know about it that then.


Think about bacteria in the 1920's.


The small amount that we introduce into the atmosphere is no big deal.


But the industrialists?
 
cajunfirehawk said:
Like Sid posted its the b/s epa fees and such that drive the cost up, also now they have water based spray on chrome, seems to be the new trend so the more people that shy away from the real process, that also drives their cost up too. Back in the day it was cheap but like everything, those days are gone. YMMV
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Sure, chrome plating was cheap back in the day because back in the day some plating shop operators thought nothing of draining their Chromium VI tanks and their other carcinogenic materials out the back door of the shop into storm drains or wherever it decided to go.


The present day cost of chrome plating would seem to be a bargain compared to the cost of radiation and chemotherapy, and I'm not talking just money. Ask me how I know.
 
There is much less demand for chrome plating, too.

Most trim on cars is plastic or stainless. Bumpers are plastic. The demand for the service has disappeared. Be thankful for the shops that are still around.
 
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