Rechrome or new grill GMC

[mikewarme]

Everybody knows the GMC grills are steel. I have a 69 and have removed the upper division bar from the grill and now want to send it out for re-chrome. Has anybody done this? or does it turn out bad like pot metal when it is re-chromed?


Does anybody have commemnts or suggestions on the aftermarket grills.

I don't want to put anymore chinese crap on my truck. Keepining it all american with NOS or usa parts where possible!

[cdowns]

if you can get a repop grill the cost will b a fraction of what it costs to get rechromed

[kelsfine69]

Had mine rechromed...came out nice I thought, Dont remember what it cost...Was a few years ago...heres a pic

[aintmisbehavinn]

I picked up a nice one on EBAY for 3 bills. Then I order the top molding from LMC for 89. Looks great.

[Tim Christian]

I put a aftermarket on my son's truck for around $400.00 bucks or Just had one with two headlight buckets at Advance Plating for $1600.00 Just depends on what you want.

[mikewarme]

I was quoted $600 to replate grille, top bar, and headlight buckets. I respect that some people are on a budget. Money is tight for me too. Besides usually after a few years the chinese parts rust.

However, by supporting the chinese we are putting more americans out of work. So Im willing to pay more for USA everytime. Even if it means double. Oh well..... I'll have to save up than if I couldn't afford something right away.

Buy AMERICAN! The jobs will come back slowly. Manufacturing is what made America people. Not flipping burgers and selling cell phones.

[71meangreenc10]

"However, by supporting the chinese we are putting more americans out of work. So Im willing to pay more for USA everytime. Even if it means double. Oh well..... I'll have to save up than if I couldn't afford something right away."

I dont know, I think were just putting more money into CEO's pockets....Out sourcing should be banned.......But we should not expect all jobs to produce $20 bucks an hour either....

Smitty

[mikewarme]

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

"However, by supporting the chinese we are putting more americans out of work. So Im willing to pay more for USA everytime. Even if it means double. Oh well..... I'll have to save up than if I couldn't afford something right away."

I dont know, I think were just putting more money into CEO's pockets....Out sourcing should be banned.......But we should not expect all jobs to produce $20 bucks an hour either....

Smitty

Its the unions Snotty! Retire with 80 percent of your pay because you installed lug nuts for 30 years?? Tax the hell out of Chinese imports.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Rochlow]

I bought a grill, upper bar, eyebrows and headlight buckets from GMCPauls. When I got it I wanted the earlier style grille. I got the older still grill, but it was painted like a newer style (71-72). Called them and was told that a shipment was sent like that. I had to take acetone and about 3hrs of my time to get it right..

Seems to be o.k. now, but I haven't hung the front sheetmetal yet.

[mikewarme]

Originally Posted by mikewarme

Its the unions Snotty! Retire with 80 percent of your pay because you installed lug nuts for 30 years?? Tax the hell out of Chinese imports.
Posted via Mobile Device

Stupid auto spell. Smitty! not Snotty. I didnt realize that till now

[mikewarme]

Think ive made up my mind. SCREW the chinese. Im not buying a china grille period. It won't last! Gonna cost $1000 for rechrome and repair all pieces. Grill, division bar, headlight buckets and eye browes. Chinese replacments would cost a total of $750! Another $250 and ive got a quality made in america product!

[Cisco714]

Thats some pretty good advice mike, thanks.
I was actually considering buying the darn grill (chinese) but you have a very valid point, Thanks. Re-chrome it is

[mikewarme]

You can get the triple Nickel plate done for less as well. But im choosing the best. Remove the division bar from grill. Like 6 or 8 rivets.

[Tom Vogel]

Originally Posted by mikewarme

Think ive made up my mind. SCREW the chinese. Im not buying a china grille period. It won't last! Gonna cost $1000 for rechrome and repair all pieces. Grill, division bar, headlight buckets and eye browes. Chinese replacments would cost a total of $750! Another $250 and ive got a quality made in america product!

Nobodys mentioned the fact that the original grills actually fit.... ask me how I know

[WIDESIDE72]

All of the grill pieces on my dad's truck in my avatar are rechromed originals. All of it and the bumper set hit back around $600, but at least we knew it would fit. Repros were going to be about the same price, and a crap shoot on quality

[67-72trucks]

Anyone vendors on here re-chrome? Have a 72 grille my self that needs chroming.

[gearys 5600]

I am gonna get my factory bumpers re-chromed in the USA. Seen too many re-pops surface rust after a year or two.

[68350]

The repop grilles are not that great. We had to drill new holes in the grill itself for the headlight buckets because they were not even close to fitting...

[Thealien]

If anyone gets their grill rechromed reasonably and are happy with the results please pass the information along. There are a few of us that would jump at the chance to get their originals rechromed, myself included.

I have been quoted $1500+

[Tim Christian]

The grill and headlight bezels that is on my truck now were rechromed by Knox Custom Chrome in 2003 for $650.00 and now it is a grand higher for the same pieces at Advance Plating

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by gearys 5600

I am gonna get my factory bumpers re-chromed in the USA. Seen too many re-pops surface rust after a year or two.

Other than fit, they may not necessarily be any better. I have read and other's have mentioned that EPA has cracked down on chroming shops and put a lot of restrictions on them.

I've also heard some people that live in border states say that Mexico can be a good place to have rechroming done.

[67-72trucks]

Anyone vendors on here re-chrome? Have a 72 grille my self that needs chroming.

[Spoof]

A few things I've noticed, re-pop will surface rust sitting in the garage, mine did after a year. It actually cleaned up like new but it scared me, I'll probably try protecting it with clear coat or wax...dunno. Fit was poor but the bodyman seemed to be able to get the entire re pop front grill, buckets, top bar and eyebrows not too bad at all, the juries still out because it's apart again. All in all I'd go repop again given the cost and difficulty in finding a straight core.
As far as rechrome, met a gent who had his done at great expense and is in a protracted dispute with the shop that did the work because it was rusting within the year. Can't blame the Chinese for that one!

[superchevy]

I thought about recroming my '72's original grille, but it had several dings in it...the pointed nose especially. I wound up getting a repop. It looks great, but I had to slot a few mounting holes to get it to fit right...the same with the repop upper bar. Of course, I'm using aftermarket fenders and an aftermarket cowl hood, so getting everything to line up decent is a juggling act in itself.
I had the original fender eyebrows and headlight buckets recromed by a local bumper shop...they look good and they fit perfect of course...cost me $200 for just those four pieces.
I am constantly amazed at how poor the fit and finish is of reproduction parts. If you can reuse/replate the originals, you are way ahead in my book.

[mikewarme]

You would be amazed at how much they can't straighten your parts. Small dents dings etc. Like bumpers..... I have bumpers bent to hell rechromed and they looked like new!