Re-chrome or reproduction emblems

Curt in AZ

Senior Member
The emblems on the side of my F100 hood have rough corrosion spots. Reading B-O-B's post about having his 34 grill rechromed brought this question to mind.

Reproductions are about $250 but i have no idea on the cost of rechrome.

Suggestions on the best way to proceed?
 

Attachments

  • 20170513_170731.jpg
    20170513_170731.jpg
    52.3 KB · Views: 43
Good chrome is not cheap, but the quality of the repops is never as good as the originals.
 
I just got a price to rechrome a set (2) head light trim pieces for a 36 ford truck and they were $100 each. Needless to say I think I'm going to keep looking.

I bought an emblem from drake for 36 pickup to go on the radiator shroud and I think it looks great.
 
Put the emblems in the best shape on the Drivers side of the vehicle. That is what I did. I put the Good bumper on the front of the vehicle.
 
Take them to a chrome shop and get an cost on rechroming. Since you have pits in yours it may cost more. Like others have said chroming is not cheap but you still have the original part and not a repop. What about looking for and NOS and the cost of those.
 
Put the emblems in the best shape on the Drivers side of the vehicle. That is what I did. I put the Good bumper on the front of the vehicle.
You mean put the best passenger side emblem on the drivers side like this???:confused:
 

Attachments

  • emb.jpg
    emb.jpg
    214.6 KB · Views: 17
Pot metal is hard to get a quality job as sharp edges can get polished round. The pits are next to impossible to remove. Once you get an estimate for a quality you'll consider the repos a bargain.
 
Pot metal is hard to get a quality job as sharp edges can get polished round. The pits are next to impossible to remove. Once you get an estimate for a quality you'll consider the repos a bargain.

I agree, pot metal is very porous and hard to get a quality job. Much more expensive and no guarantee. Go with reproductions unless your trying to win a Ridler award.
 
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Like so many things it comes down to the cost. The truck is undergoing a partial restoration so I can drive and enjoy if for a year or two. Then we'll really get our hands dirty with a frame off.
 
If you want to rechrome original pot metal trim look around for pieces without pits. I just went through this on my 54 Merc. My dash pieces were pitted and pot metal with pits does not chrome well. I found some great used pieces with not pits on e-Bay. The price was right and I had them rechromed. These Merc pieces are not reproduced. If you check around you will probably find that the repo items are probably your best bet. Chroming old pot metal can get real expensive and may not look as good as the repos.
 
Back
Top