I have to rush to Moss's defense on this one.......
The reason for the poor quality chrome is very simple: competition. If
you've noticed, there are a few people on this list who occasionally
complain about "high" prices and, from time to time, offer suggestions about
how and where to buy for less. These same people, albeit inadvertently, help
keep the quality of reproduced parts down.
You suggest having original MGA bumpers re-chromed if you want good quality.
I couldn't agree more, (and whenever possible that's what we do on
restorations). However, the cost of re-chroming a 3-piece bumper averages
$300. A new bumper, which includes a layer of steel, carefully stamped and
drilled, under the new chrome (not to mention warehousing, packing and
shipping costs, and some business overhead), sells for around $100.
Moss would love to make and sell a really good quality bumper with
excellent, triple-plated finish, but it would have to sell for a lot more
than the cost of quality plating ($300) plus the steel underneath. How would
our few bargain-hunting listers react if Moss tried to sell a bumper for,
say, $395 when VB, Scarboro Faire, et al, continue to offer the readily
available, domestic-made product for $100? There might be more than an
occasional complaint that Moss is "over-priced" and "trying to gouge their
customers"!
So, competition drives Moss to keep selling the inferior product. And we,
being aware of that, should indeed follow your suggestion and try to
re-chrome original parts as often as possible if we really want "Show"
quality.
Lawrie
British Sportscar Center
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Ahrendt <ahrendt@agfa.com>
To: MG Mailing List <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: Wednesday, May 06, 1998 5:18 AM
Subject: Re: Rechroming
>Hi all,
>
>When this thread was alive a few years ago I posted the following
>comment. I think it still applies:
>
>The quality of chrome available from Moss, et al. is pathetic. When I
>redid my MGA I used Moss replacement bumpers, front grill, etc.
>Less than a year later they had more rust and pits than the 25 year
>old stuff I replaced. Besides that, the Moss parts were noticeably
>thinner and weaker than the originals.
>
>If you have straight serviceable parts you will probably be ahead
>having them re-chromed. Or be prepared to get pissed every time
>you see your "new" rusting chrome.
>
>Perhaps the vendors have improved in the last few years but I doubt
>it. YMMV
>
>Dave
>
>'46 MG-TC
>'61 MGA
>'59 MGA (maybe - under negotiation)
>
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