Rechroming a classic car - need help

[Ffffaster]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 15 January 2021 at 13:17

[hilly10]

Try A.C.F. Howells in Walsall 01922 635589

[NigelStn]

Derby Plating Services are one of the best, though longish lead times and not cheap

[Lotobear]

Another vote for Derby - superb work, yes not cheap but then again chroming is never cheap.

One thing about Derby Plating is they quote you and stick to it. I've gone to others who shall remain nameless and what you were quoted suddenly becomes double when you go to pick the item up.

[hilly10]

Ffffaster said:

Thank you both. If you have had any personal experience, please do let me know.

They did my MG quite a few years ago, but I always recommend them to others and they still do a good job, also Drew Pritchard (Salvage Hunters) used them on one of his projects and he was really impressed.

[mph]

Ffffaster said:

Thank you both. If you have had any personal experience, please do let me know.

I've had very recent experience with ACF Howells. They delayed the restoration of my car by at least six months, lost a rare part, badly distorted another and numerous items had to be redone.

They did have a good reputation, but I can only comment on my own experience.

[Morris12s3]

I can highly recommend Castle Chrome in Walsall.
Also had experience of ACF Howell and I wouldn't use them again sadly.

[droopsnoot]

Niphos in Crewe are good, though a bit pricey. I've been using Chrome Restoration Services in Coventry recently, who have lower prices.

I had Niphos do the door handles, boot lock and gear lever trim on my Firenza when I restored it in 1998. All of them are still spotless, though I must admit I've never fitted the door handles because they took longer than they expected to get them done, and I wanted to put the car together. One of these days I'll get around to fitting them - they still look good, they've been wrapped in newspaper in my shed since then.

[hilly10]

Bloody hell did not know about Howells. That’s a shame as they were the best around
.

[mbwoy84]

S&T Electroplate in Bristol. They’re a long way from me, but they’re the only place I’d use now (professionally). Top quality at a reasonable price.

ACF Howell are relatively local to me and use to be THE place for chroming, but nowadays they’re absolutely shocking.

[NigelStn]

Ffffaster said:

Very helpful stuff. Sounds like Derby is the way to go if it can be afforded.

Derby Plating will also do some minor 'fettling' if required.

[Lotobear]

Yes, Derby reprofiled the battered and bent centre lock wheel spinners for my Lotus before plating them.

They can also plate Mazac parts and made a lovely job of my Mazac front and rear lamp housings.

[RONV]

ask Chris at LOTUS OUTLAWS Wolverhampton he gets it done all the time

[V8covin]

Ffffaster said:

Hi All

Could I have some tips and suggestions on where to get chroming work done within a reasonable distance of Stoke on Trent?

I don't have a huge budget, so quite happy not to deal with a "name" and go to a smallscale place intead.

Thank you.

There's a couple nearby, 1 in Sandyford and another behind Freeport Talke

[BlueBob]

PW @ Talke don't do chroming - just zinc plating, powdercoating (but not blasting) and anodising

Used them alot for black, clear, yellow zinc plating/passivation and also anodising

Found Nyphos in Crewe to be expensive although they did a great job. Have used ACF Howells a good few times and had no problems.

[droopsnoot]

BlueBob said:

PW @ Talke don't do chroming - just zinc plating, powdercoating (but not blasting) and anodising

Used them alot for black, clear, yellow zinc plating/passivation and also anodising

That's interesting to know, thanks. I bought a kit to do yellow passivating myself, and it's handy to not have lead times and so on, but I'm a bit limited on what size of item I can plate.

[buddyspire]

We've used Derby plating for a number of years (1980) and the parts are still in great condition. Quality of work is little very good, had some parts done last year.

[P5BNij]

Morris12s3 said:

I can highly recommend Castle Chrome in Walsall.
Also had experience of ACF Howell and I wouldn't use them again sadly.

What are the lead times like at Castle...? Got some rare Mini bits that need refinishing

[Ffffaster]

Has anyone heard or used DouglasMF in London? http://www.douglasmf.com/