What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

[Richard G.]

I am building a 57 into a restro rod. Not the typical topic here I know. LOL.
My question is I have an original grille for my 57. It is not cracked or broken.
They are expensive to re-chrome because of the pot metal repair where they bubble.
The Brass replacement would be fine for my application.

I could sell my original as is and purchase a brass replacement.
I could sell it re-chromed and purchase a brass replacement.
I could re-chrome it and use it on my car.

The chrome plating shop I use has the ability to fix the one I have. so talent isn't the issue.
I believe the brass ones are around $1500.
I will not be able to get a bid till next week on plating mine.

I am interested in what others might do in my situation?
Thanks everyone.

[Mike E.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

I am building a 57 into a restro rod. Not the typical topic here I know. LOL.
My question is I have an original grille for my 57. It is not cracked or broken.
They are expensive to re-chrome because of the pot metal repair where they bubble.
The Brass replacement would be fine for my application.

I could sell my original as is and purchase a brass replacement.
I could sell it re-chromed and purchase a brass replacement.
I could re-chrome it and use it on my car.

The chrome plating shop I use has the ability to fix the one I have. so talent isn't the issue.
I believe the brass ones are around $1500.
I will not be able to get a bid till next week on plating mine.

I am interested in what others might do in my situation?
Thanks everyone.

I'm lost. You said your original grille is not cracked or broken. Then you say your chrome shop has the ability to repair the one you have.
what are they fixing???

[Richard G.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

Sorry for the confusing post.
Short story.
Option 1. Fix the original one (unknown cost to repair at this point)
Option 2. Sell the original and purchase new.

Guess it's kind of a silly question without knowing the cost to repair.
Or what an original might be worth?

Hidden motivation, giving up an original part so it could be used on an original car?

[David H.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

Sorry for the confusing post.
Short story.
Option 1. Fix the original one (unknown cost to repair at this point)
Option 2. Sell the original and purchase new.

Guess it's kind of a silly question without knowing the cost to repair.
Or what an original might be worth?

Hidden motivation, giving up an original part so it could be used on an original car?

Richard

Not knowing damage, estimate cost of repair and re-chrome to be at least 100% of a new replacement. Also expect original to be out-of-pocket for MONTHS (my friend's experience with his 1957 parts needing repair and re-chrome).

His vendor only did repair (lower surround broken in two) because he is a very long term customer - that said, it was months.

How extensive is damage? If extensive, replacement probably better for resto-rod.

Shop around for pot-metal repair/re-chrome costs.

Dave

[Gary C.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

Richard,

Paul's Chrome https://www.paulschrome.com/index.php/get-an-estimate is best for '57 grilles and taillights rechroming.

They should provide a quote with good photos.

Their rechroming lasts forever without any problems.

Gary
....

[Steven B.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

100% agree with Gary.

[Patrick S.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

If it were me I'd rechrome the original. It only original once and a brass replacement is just that, a replacement.

[Richard G.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

I am in the process of getting a bid on the chrome.
Thanks for all the responses.
I will update this thread when I get the bid.

[Richard G.]

Re: What's it worth. 1957 Grille surround.

The bid came in at $600 to re-chrome the original surround.
That's THE ROUTE I plan on going.

The plating shop owner remarked purchasing the teeth new is is less money than what he can plate a set of teeth in the typical NW condition.
I will be ordering a set of teeth also.
I did leave the door posts and rear bumpers there for chroming also.
Cheers