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MG MGA - Quality Chrome-plating in Aus. US/UK quality?


Just back from a trip around the chrome platers- prices are SO depressing and one can't help but wonder as to the quality of each platers' claims of "triple-plating"

(well, I visited two within a short drive and had no luck on the blower to the others- several had no idea what an MGA 1500 was)

Has anyone a recommendation in Oz?

The inter state freight costs are a minor factor , given the prices quoted so far.

Another option is to import-
........... has anyone a good opinion of the imported bumpers, the USA and UK items (plus freight) are so much cheaper than the prices I've been given.

M THOMPSON

Mark...I used to use a plater on Bridge Road ,melbourne but I know he is out of business now so no current advice...except some words of wisdom I once received.."Find out where the Harley owners go to get their plating done"
Neil
Neil Ferguson

Mark, forget the Asian copies, and have yours replated, whatever the cost. Here in Brisbane, we use Pine Rivers Electroplating P/L, Lawnton (Ph.07.3881 2018)...they are not cheap, but seem to be the best in Brisbane, and are recommended by all the car & bike clubs. They receive and send all over Oz.
Gary Lock

In the UK I have been recommended to Derby Plating: http://www.derbyplating.co.uk/

I have not used them yet so would be interested in comments. I understand that they provide excellent quality but it comes with price attached.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I can't understand Mark why you would expect them to know what a 1500 MGA was?

You have hit the nail on the head otherwise as quality plating is very expensive. The far east and Asia are capable of doing it but they would not sell their product. The parts houses demand a low price as do owners and restorers so they give them the best quality product for the price they and we are willing to pay. It is not their fault and it is unfair to criticise them for poor products.

By the way my wife's new Merc wanted a rear bumper fitting after someone hit the rear of her car. It is only plastic and a paint job, how much? £900 and we think a lovely chrome bumper is expensive?

However if you want quality then the advise above is good but you will pay a high price.
Bob Turbo Midget England

Mark,
I bought both front and rear bumpers from Scarborough Faire. While somewhat lighter gauge than the originals overall I've been very happy with them. the price was excellent. While the plating may not be "show" quality they look really nice and have held up well for 4 years or so. Although I may get an original front bumper plated I am perfectly happy with the rear face bar. True, I don't (haven't yet) driven the car in snow on salted roads.
Cheers,
Gerry
G T Foster

Hi Mark,
Try Master Electroplating Co, 12 Fulton Rd. Oakleigh South.
http://www.masterelectroplating.com.au/
They have been around for over 30 years and definitely know what an MGA 1500 is. Our MGCC Restorers Group had a factory visit to their premises about 2 months ago (45 members attended) and we were given a demonstation of the multiple steps in chrome plating. Top quality work but again you get what you pay for.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

"A" Class Metal Finishers are at Lonsdale (outer suburb of Adelaide) They do superb work, quite a bit from other states. Not cheap but possibly more economical in the long run (if you keep your cars, like I do!) because I have had cheaper work done which often doesn't last (I can speak from about 40 years experience)! They are currently doing some nickel for me (1910 Humber) which is really top class, no detail rubbed off, etc.
Barry Bahnisch

Mark, high costs are due to the "Green" levies that such industries incur in Australia...hey I didn't vote for em so don't blame me!! Wait next they will be mandating cars over a few years old be banned from the roads..bunch of #$!*s
regards
Mark
Mark Mathiesen

Steve

I used Derby plating for all my plating. They can restore mazak parts brilliantly with no pits showing. Finish is excellent although I didn't check the fit on my grill after they had stripped it and beaten out the dents before re-chroming. Its much easier to bend the brass core to fit the body and the nosepiece before the chrome goes on. Luckily mine was a pretty good fit to the body but the nosepiece fit isn't as good as I hoped. Pics enclosed. Price is at least double other platers, grill was £300 alone, but the service is great, delivery timing spot on and really good to deal with.
I have used other platers for small parts and always having to chase. One just north of Coventry was a nightmare. Incidentally my original MG badge was re-enamlled and rechromed by a company in Birmingham who make Aston Martin badges. Crazy price but I just like the challenge of getting it done and the badge fits perfectly, unlike the repros. John

John Francis

Whole grill picture.

John Francis

One of the owners of "A" Class Metal Finishers told me that it costs them more (in some, if not all cases) to dispose of their chemicals than to buy them new!
Barry Bahnisch

Barry I rest my case...someone should put the greenies on the same boats as the refugees and send them some place else!
Mark Mathiesen

We can look forward to some real narrow and controlling edicts about what we can do and where we can do iit....Bob Brown now has Julia in his pocket and he will pursue all the cranky anti-industry ,ant- farming anti-etc etc.He is the original grim reaper You guys in Queensland did your best to keep them out but elswhere!!.....Did you know one of these senior green guys made a speech about a year ago saying Australia cound only support a population one half of present ( rest of us go on Xmas island or Monte Bello!!--start an MGA club?)
Neil Ferguson

This thread was discussed between 02/09/2010 and 08/09/2010

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