Are there any platers near KC that actually call back? I called several nearly two years ago about quotes on some stuff for my 53 Bel Air and have yet to hear from any of them. Now that I'm doing two cars on top of the fact I'm getting closer to actually needing chrome work done on the 53 id really like to get some estimates lol
Hour away. And I normally work during business hours. So I'd have to take time off to hope they gave me an answer
I think everybody uses de tray in independence that I know having stuff done. They’re probably busy like everybody but that’s who I’d give a call, another call? To
I’ve polished stuff before, and I can say there’s no way I’d give a realistic quote based on photos or a phone description. I would need to see the actual parts.
I didn't even get a call back asking me to bring anything in for a real estimate. It's been close to two years lol
Maybe request a quote via DeTray's website. https://detray-plating.com/contact/ List your stuff, leave your number and ask them to contact you with an appointment time to bring it in for an estimate. Like Alchemy said, ultimately they're going to have to have it in their hands to give you an out the door price. Same as bodywork & paint, they'll have to see it. If they work the same hours as you, then you'll have to take a PTO day. Or toss the parts in your car, work half day and head over mid-day. Keep in mind, some shops are really sought after and have wait times of a year or more.
I can handle using a vacation day to go to one if I know I'll actually get waited on. I'm just itchy as like I said I called several nearly two years ago and left my information and haven't gotten so much as a call telling me how long backlog is
I use the chrome shop in Cuba, Missouri, very nice guy to talk to. Sorry I don't have the number handy.
This looks like the chrome shop in Cuba, MO. https://www.theoldcarguys.com/resources/listings/highline-plating-inc/ https://highlineplating.webs.com/contactus.htm
DeTray is the only chrome shop in the KC area still in business. Last time I checked, a little over a year ago they couldn't do anything longer than about 40" so somewhat limited unless they have upgraded. I ended up using Smitty's Chrome in Oshkosh, Nebraska. He makes regular trips to Olathe, KS (suburb of KC) to do plating for Rawhide Harley Davidson, so might work for you.
DeTray just did a batch of bicycle things for me. They are very good at answering emails but have been months behind on chroming. Good to be busy! We used to have Kauffman Plating in Olathe; not been there for many years though.
I tried Smitty just to strip some chrome off some 32 Ford headlight bars. Reply was (only way I'll do them is if you do an agreement to have me replate them) What if I want to paint them? Still looking for a shop to do the striping, Apparently something they don't want to screw with?
My experience has been that most chrome plating shops can't give you a quote over the phone because they have to see the part in person to give an accurate price. Hence they don't call back. Try emailing them with photos attached.
When I called I think I actually asked to make an appointment for an estimate. It's been so long I can't remember lol. But called like five shops
You will never get an estimate over the phone. About the best you can expect is that " a 194__, bumper will run between ZY and XX dollars to do depending on condition. Feel lucky if you now have a chrome shop within an hour's drive that you can actually go to. I've got to drive 180 miles to either Spokane, Seattle or Portland to get to a chrome shop.
I am guessing if you called 5 shops and didn't get a call back from any of them you probably said something that red flagged you with them all like "I am going to need chrome work done in a couple of years and am looking for a quote." Waste of their time if you are not looking at getting it done right away which you clearly were not if it's been two years and you have done nothing to follow up with them.
Actually no. Made it very plain that I'd have brought my stuff in the next day if if they had an opening. When I called I was looking at getting stuff done ASAP. Reason it's been almost two years is I rethought my build order after not getting a call back for a month or so. Shifted from cosmetics to mechanical. Honestly a business not returning a call from a polite customer for whatever reason after making a point to get all of my contact information (I believe they even got my email) is a red flag.
Krylon 32, I had DeTray strip chrome from my six bike parts. It only took them a day or so and the parts came out with a nice nickel color (and chrome free). It was about $25 per part, math wise.
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