Chrome Plating - where do I find a shop?

[Bob_Skurka]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[PineRidge]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Jagmandave]

Dayton probably makes new wheels that will replace those perfectly. Last time I checked, they were about $350 -400 per wheel for my Jag E-Type, Dunlop still makes wire wheels too, but the Avanti probably came with Daytons anyway........ Link to Dayton

 

[Junkman]

They might also be manufactured by Kelsey-Hayes.....

 

[RobS]

<font color="blue"> Its an Avanti Convertible with the original wire wheels </font>

Hey, it's a product of South Bend! Have you been to any of the Studebaker reunions they have over here? The museum is moving to a nice new spot, I'm sure that will foster another gathering /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Rob . . . I am a member of the Avanti Owners of America, there are some very active chapters of the Association that get together in the area but I've never made one of the events. I always want to get to them, but don't seem to manage it. But just to correct one statement, mine is not from South Bend. All of the production convertibles were built in Ohio, I believe the 4 door stretch versions were all produced in Ohio too. South Bend produced about 98% of the coupes.


Jagmandave . . . my wheels look identical to one of the photos on the Dayton website. I sent them an inquiry so I think I may be on my way to getting this car fixed up over the winter.

 

[sneaky_pete]

Bob, have you considered using polished stainless steel spokes instead of chrome? Looks good, with no flaking or peeling. Maybe not good for a 100-point resto, but they sure are practical for a driver. These guys can probably cut you some. They used to do (or have done) re-chroming also. I've used Buchanan's in the past for some antique motorcycles and been very happy with their work. They are in CA, but I've found them to be worth shipping to.

Pete

 

[RobertN]

Ya beat me to it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif A bike shop would be a great place to ask /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif