Don:
I live about 15 miles from Librandi's. For those who have never seen their
operation, all I can say is it is top notch. They far exceed all EPA
standards and have complete machine/fabrication shop in addition to the
plating. I have had all of my TR6 and TR3 chrome done by them and you will
never regret doing this since their quality is that good. What you get from
MOSS and the others is factory applied chroming, not triple plating, and
yes, you can tell a world of difference.
All that said, some of the items on your list I would recommend buying
aftermarket since the smaller items that have allot of curves/bends/etc. are
really expensive, as you have found. Todd L., who is the only one at the
shop who will give quotes, on several occasions told me to buy the
aftermarket piece rather than get it rechromed since it is extremely
expensive (door handles, hinges, rear tail light trims, etc.). Therefore, I
would recommend that you buy from MOSS/TRF the following items: headlamp
rims, trunk handle, exterior door handles, trunk hinge and exterior mirror.
The items I excluded are reasonably priced and the difference in the end
product is no comparison. I was able to get Todd to come down on a number
of items, but I truly think this was due to his just getting back from
vacation and my local affiliation with the Triumph Club (he knows I have
sent him business).
Scott Suhring
Elizabethtown, PA
'70 TR6
'59 TR3
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On
Behalf Of Don Malling
Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2003 3:25 PM
To: mgs@autox.team.net; triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: [Fwd: Chrome costs -- ouch]
List,
I have the following estimate from Librandi's plating in Harrisburg PA.
They were recommend from some list members as well as from some of the
local street rod guys.
I think the estimates may be normal for quality plating, but they are
high, and I thought I would pass along the info to the list, and invite
some comments. Maybe there are other platers with similar quality in my
area -- eastern NY, eastern PA, NJ, western MA, western CT. My kids are
in the DC area, so that would be OK too.
I've shown the costs of new items from Moss where available or cost
effective. To buy new, where cost effective, would save $1066 over
having everything plated. It would cost $1699 rather than $2765
I've heard that the new items are of lesser quality, but you have to ask
with such a significant cost difference, just how bad are they? Is it
worth such a cost difference to warrant replating the old?
Another question is are these plating costs out of line? Should I look
elsewhere for more reasonable plating costs?
This car has 60K original miles and the chrome is pretty good from 10 ft
away. Bumpers are not dented or rusty etc. The valve cover has some
rust, but that is all. The rest are just the normal pits that you see at
2-3 feet away.
FWIW, this will be a sunny day 3000 mi/year car.
Advise and comments are welcome.
Thanks
Don Malling
TR250
=====
Plate New (Moss)
Taillight housings(2) 220.00 400.00
Front Bumper 250.00 139.00 -111.00
Rear Bumper 300.00 420.00
Amco luggage Rack 300.00 190.00 -110.00
Headlight rims(2) 160.00 40.00 -120.00
Trunk handle 95.00 23.00 -72.00
Front Bumper Overriders(2) 160.00 58.00 -102.00
Rear Bumper Overriders(2) 220.00 86.00 -134.00
Front Fender and door trim(4) 100.00 22.00 (door only)
Front fender Side Lights(2) 250.00 400.00
Ext Door handles (2) 260.00 58.00 -202.00
Trunk himge (2) 180.00 40.00 -140.00
Door side mirror 120.00 45.00 -75.00
Valve Cover 150.00 150.00
======= ====== =======
2765.00 1066.00
/// triumphs@autox.team.net mailing list
/// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive
|