I have a 1965 Dash thats not to bad, but would like to know if anybody's ever sent their Dash out for replating, etc. The only company I know of is American Plastic Chrome. Is this a big cost item? Do the gages come out easy or is it a hassle?
Thanks for any suggestions.
John

John,

Dash plastic replating has been a topic of discussion here recently, but darned if I can find any of the previous posts.

(edit) here's one: http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum23/HTML/004337.html

I think it is safe to say that there are people on this site (myself included) who have had problems with both of the two largest providers of this service. I'm sure there are many more who have had good service from both of them also, but bottom line is, I don't think there is anyone who stands out head and shoulders above the crowd. No matter who you might use, it is not an inexpensive proposition.

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Bill Pritchard
69 SS396 Convertible
"Life is short; eat dessert first." - Ogden Nash
My low tech web page (http://home.att.net/~bpritchard/index.html)

[This message has been edited by Bill Pritchard (edited 10-01-2001).]

John,

You might want to consider buying a new reproduction dash panel, which would probably be cheaper in the long run and much quicker than having your's replated. The best deal I found was for a high quality dash from True Connections in Riverside, CA for under $180. Call 909-688-6040 or go to their website at http://www.true-connections.com . Dick and his wife Linda a quality people to deal with and offer some of the best deals around for early Chevelle parts. I'll e-mail you a picture of my '65 dash I got from them if you contact me.

Rod

I have seen some of the rechromed dash bezels and don't like their apearance. They're all chrome!! Not that way from the factory!! My $.02

Cam

Try CV Vacuum Platers at www.cvvacuumplaters.com (http://www.cvvacuumplaters.com)

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Dan Orgill
Tc #466

I've seen the all chrome repro dash panels and I agree they don't look factory and in my opinion are too gaudy in appearance. The one I got from True Connections has a chrome gauge panel but is painted a matt silver color on the inside of the upper panel like factory and has all the lettering in black. Some refinishers and repros just chrome the entire dash unit.

Rod

I sent my 64 chevelle dash bezel to American Plastic Chrome and it turned out great. They rechromed it and detailed it. It took about 8 weeks but that is what they estimated. I also just bought a radio delete plate from them that looks great.

I have contacted a plater in the midwest who has been working very closely with me to do 70-72 dashes. These being different for them due to the overall length. So far this has been a 9 month project while he tests everything.

When I get the finished product back I will let everyone know his name and location once I know the quality. He has done other car brands for years with great results and is highly recommended but this was his first venture with Chevrolet stuff.

His other dashes are delivered back to his customers 100% finished but at this time, the Chevelle dashes will be all chrome and it will be up to the individual to repaint the black. He stated if there were enough interest, he would make the templates to do the painted so as to deliver a finished product.

I will keep all at TC up to date.

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"Details Make the Difference"
Musclecar Restoration and Design

Unless replating plastic has gotten a whole lot more expenisve since I had it done I would think that would be cheaper than a reproduction. I've not seen the repos but I've heard they aren't that accurate.

I had my '65 dash replated years ago and it turned out great. The price included painting the surround flat silver, the gauge pockets satin black and all the lettering black. It looks NOS.

The important thing is to have a very good piece to begin with since the chrome will accentuate every flaw, scratch, crack or chip and that the piece is properly detailed with the silver and black paint. Any rechrome shop worth it's salt should be able to offer this paint detailing.

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