How much does restoration cost?

This is a solo operation. I charge $100 per hour. When the parts are shipped to me, I charge a 35% deposit. The deposit goes to consumables, as well as other costs which I need to pay in order to get your job done. For instance, If you ask for an estimate, and I quote 10 hours, the total estimate is $1,000. When/If you accept, prior to shipping the parts to me, a $350 deposit is required.

Is the estimate subject to change?

Technically, yes. I have gotten pretty dang good at estimating the costs involved in the chrome restoration process. 9 times out of 10, the estimate is what I charge. However, the process of restoration relies heavily on the condition of the base metal. If you look at some of the projects on my website, you can see indicators, such as blistering/bubbling, dark spots, heavy tarnish, ect. While it is true that in most cases, if the plating seems okay, the base metal is typically simple to restore, those indicators can sometimes be misleading. For instance, on 50+ year old zinc diecast parts, it is possible that it came with a HEAVY layer of nickel plating from the factory. Nickel plating is strong, so its entirely possible that the rot underneath doesn’t affect the top layer of plating. I have had parts with minimal blistering indicators, that end up taking a few hours longer than anticipated. However, if that were to happen you will be informed immediately, with photographic evidence. I take photos and videos of EVERY job, start to finish.

What if it ends up taking more time than the estimate?

This is always a possibility, however my experience allows me to estimate REALLY close. IF for some reason a specific part takes more time, I will email/text you photos. Typically, if I exceed the estimate by an hour or so, this is usually within the window where I will not charge the customer. If its going to take an extra 10 hours? At that point I will present you with the options of fixing it, or leaving the area as is. Sometimes the rot on zinc diecast is SO bad, that the entire area needs to be cut out, and replaced. This is the most cost intensive part, as solder is NOT cheap. That is pretty much the only reason the estimate would change.

What is the full process?

Typically you send me a message via my contact form. I will respond within the day usually asking for photos of the parts you want estimated. Its important that you take DETAILED photos, the more the better. If you agree with my estimate, which is usually extremely detailed, we move on to the next step. This involves a formal estimate being sent to you, with a down payment request which is typically 35% of the estimate. Once the down payment is received and the parts arrive, I will get to work. I photograph and video all parts upon receiving them. This usually begins with chrome and nickel stripping the parts. If the part is bent or mangled, I will straighten them. This usually involves hammering, bending or in some rare cases completely cutting and removing the affected area. Then comes rough grinding to remove as much of the problem area as possible. If there are areas that are more affected than others, such as rot that goes too deep, or parts that are too rusted or pitted, they are cut , cyanide copper plated, and solder filled. After the rough grind and possible solder filling, the parts are polished up to 180 or 400 grit depending on the job. Sometimes prior to copper plating the part is hand block sanded to flatten everything out. Copper plating comes next, and in most cases hand blocked for a first or second time. This means ultra flat. I wont give you a part that has waves so bad you can surf on them. After a round or two of copper and blocking, the parts are coppered for a final time and then buffed. After buffing, they get a layer of semi bright nickel for leveling, a layer of bright nickel for brightness, and then finally chrome. After this the parts are cleaned, photos are taken, and they are sent back to you. At this point, the final invoice will be sent, and upon payment the parts are then shipped back to you!