Chrome Plating - where do I find a shop?

Bob_Skurka · Jul 20, 2005

I have a convertible in storage that I want to restore. The car is in very good original condition, but it needs some help to be a show winner again. It was a trailer queen a few years ago, but I drove it for a couple summers and it needs to be primped up a bit. New carpets, new rear window, new headliner, all due to sun fading. Some minor paint work. All that is easy.

BUT, it needs to have the original wire wheels rechromed. I can't find a local source for chroming wheels. The local body/custom car shop that I trust does not even have a source. Anyone know of any quality shops in the Indiana/Illinois area, even up into southern Wisconsin or southern Michigan? To do it right the wheels have to be taken apart, all the spokes taken out, everything stripped down in acid, polished, then plated and reassembled.

hillslider · Jul 20, 2005

Bob,

I talked with some guys in the shop and one of them has used this place. They said the work was great. Kind of close you......The Plate Shop
106 W. 58th St.
Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
(440) 228-3250
They do have a web page.....but I have yet figured out to post a link.

Rob

Bob_Skurka · Jul 20, 2005

Rob,

I did a web search (actually took a couple of different tries) and found their site. Everything looked just about perfect until I found this one tidbit on their site: <font color="red"> The only parts that we cannot do are:
* Wheels/Rims . . . </font> Unfortunately those are the parts I need done

By the way, the way to post a website is to click on the "URL" located just below the posting box, it is on the top line under "Instant Markup" next to the top row of smiley faces. Then either type in the exact URL location or paste it in using your cut and paste features on your computer.

After you enter the URL and hit your enter/return key you will be given the option to describe the URL. So if the URL is a really long name, you can simply type in something like "Link to my picture" or Link to such & such website"

Junkman · Jul 20, 2005

Bob......... try Dayton Wheel in Ohio. I had them do the wire wheels on my Corvair Spyder many years ago, and they have held up well with proper care. I also know of people that had them done by them and they rusted and pitted shortly thereafter because of poor care. I keep mine clean, waxed, and sprayed with a light oil whenever the car is stored. The chrome of today isn't the quality of years ago. I also know of a great chrome shop in PA for other parts if you need it. There is also a place in Auburn MA that does wire wheels, but they are extremely expensive and I don't believe that their work is any better than Dayton. Just remember that you get what you pay for, and a quality job on wire wheels is going to be very expensive. The spokes are never reused and the new spokes might not be the same appearance as the originals. What is the car?????

Bob_Skurka · Jul 20, 2005

Its an Avanti Convertible with the original wire wheels. Mine is one of the old style versions, which are not very common, most had ground effects air scoops. Paint is silver, top is black, interior is dark charcoal. The car has about 33,000 original miles. It is the only one I've ever seen/heard of that has burl wood interior door panels. It is showing signs of age, the sun has faded the carpets & head liner on the convertible top. The leather is in excellent shape. I need the tachometer rebuilt. Engine is pristene. Frame excellent. It just needs some TLC to make it stunning, but it is still a head turner on the roadways.

Junkman · Jul 20, 2005

picture of my wheels....... The wheels and car are perfect.... the picture has lots of defects from dust on the lens..

PineRidge · Jul 20, 2005

Kind of the pits isn't it Bob? Years ago when I was chopping a Harley there were many chrome shops here in the Akron, Ohio area. My favorite at the time was City Electroplating located on Bank Street. Unfortunately because of the caustic and poisonous nature of the majority of the chemicals that they used politics helped to put many of them out of business.

Now the survivors get an arm and a leg for the same services.

Spiffy · Jul 21, 2005

Not sure if they can do what you're looking for, but these guys are experts: tell them what coating and how thick, that's what you get:

Electroplating of Iowa

Good luck!! Nothing like making a great car even better! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

KENSFM · Jul 21, 2005

Bob,
Check with a few custom motorcycle shops in your area. They may be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction. How about a picture of your car?
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

hillslider · Jul 21, 2005

Bob,

You are right. The plate shop does not do the rims.....after talking to the guy that used them he just had some small trim pieces done. Sorry for the dead end.

Thanks for the info on posting links.

Rob