Recycling chromed parts-worth it? | FerrariChat
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Recycling chromed parts-worth it?

Discussion in '206/246' started by HMB-Dino, Mar 24, 2011.

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  1. HMB-Dino

    HMB-Dino Formula 3
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    RonG
    #1 HMB-Dino, Mar 24, 2011
    I'm accumulating a few small chromed parts that have lost their luster and have decided to replace them with new ones. My question is this...is it worth getting the old parts re-chromed (for resale or as backups) or is it cost prohibitive for just a couple items;
    - DinoGT script emblem
    - tail light chrome rings
    - wheel bolts
    - etc

    If worth it, any suggestions for northern California?
     
  2. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
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    Rob C.
    #2 Nuvolari, Mar 25, 2011
    Most new parts have pretty terrible chrome and you will find that re-chromed will look much nicer. BTW there are no concours deductions if your chrome is too nice.

    As for the economies of re-plate vs replace it varies. According to your list:

    Script and most small parts are best to re-chrome. Cheaper than new and your old parts have little value.

    Wheel bolts. Buy new Hill Engineering ones from Ricambi. You will get quotes of about $12-15 per bolt to re-chrome. The Hill parts are fantastic and you will be left with a full set of used bolts that can bring a pretty penny.

    As for the tail-light rings, check to see if yours are stainless or steel (a magnet will not stick if stainless). If SS you can polish them to a mirror finish.
     
  3. HMB-Dino

    HMB-Dino Formula 3
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    #3 HMB-Dino, Mar 25, 2011
    My wheel bolts suffer from longtime lug wrench abuse with areas where chrome has been gouged/stripped off making a breeding ground for rust. I guess they call that `patina'? Now that I only use a wheel bolt friendly lug socket, I know that new/re-chromed bolts will never be so scarred. I assume there's no simple, cost effective way to restore the original bolts, correct?

    BTW, the Hill Engineering bolts thru Ricambi are $19ea.
    http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=224428{12}311
     
  4. swift53

    swift53 F1 Veteran
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    #4 swift53, Mar 25, 2011
    Send all your stuff to Precision Wheel in Quincy IL. Talk to Cork Adams. Great guy, not inexpensive, but great results. Call, it does not cost anything, just a ...whatever it costs nowadays.
     
  5. i-velocita

    i-velocita F1 Rookie
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    #5 i-velocita, Mar 28, 2011
    Very cheap - chromeplatingusa.com. $4/lug bolt.
     
  6. HMB-Dino

    HMB-Dino Formula 3
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    #6 HMB-Dino, Mar 28, 2011
    $4 per bolt is very cheap, but if they are gouged up in the corners (from the lug wrench), doesn't that need to be fixed (ie, ground down?) before chrome plating?
     
  7. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
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    #7 Nuvolari, Mar 28, 2011
    That pricing is old. I was quoted $15/bolt. They are wise to them being Ferrari parts.
     
  8. HMB-Dino

    HMB-Dino Formula 3
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    #8 HMB-Dino, Mar 28, 2011
    So at $15ea, it seems it would be better to go for the $19ea Hill Engineering bolts. Any reason to hold onto the worn originals?
     
  9. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

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    #9 dignini, Mar 28, 2011
    It is probably a good idea to keep anything original on the car.
    I threw away a bad dinopled and a couple of dead relays way back when. It would be nice to have them in my spares box now.
     

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