Parts of my instrument cluster looks like <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/martin.edelius/BuickGS1972/photo#4955967851817795602">this</a> and I'm wondering if it's even worth the trouble trying to repaint it on my own. The controls for the AC is going to be an especially big PITA and I'm sure getting the rest of the cluster/dash looking good won't be a walk in the park either. What are the chances of getting hold of good looking parts, new or old?
Instrument Cluster Bezel Try www.mrgusa.com ( Rechromed Plastic ), and see what is available for your car. :TU:
Hi Randy. Thanks for the link - I think I spotted a part (Chrome & Detail (Paint) Dash Bezel (Black Wall)) that will work. At $204 it's not exactly cheap, and I have to send them my part if I understand it correctly, but it's nice to know that I have the option to replace it when I have the cash to do it. Anyone else used Mr G's? Do the part come with lettering?
No. After you get the bezel redone you will have to buy the decal kit from Greg Setter. (Can't remember his username here, but do a search and you will find his contact info. I also think it's on George's site buickperformance.com
Mr.Gs does not return your part. They have an exchange process. I used to use them, but mediocre quality and really bad customer service drove me away. Check Hemmings - there are much better suppliers out there for vacuum metallizing.
Thanks for the feedback guys. This kind of info is invaluable to me as I really need to do my research before shipping stuff halfway across the world. :Comp:
Another source Another place that does vacuum plating is in British Columbia Canada, CV Vacuum Platers, but if you thought $200 was a lot, wait till you see their prices! Very good quality work, but I sent them my dash bezel and it took 12 weeks. Good follow-up, they called me mid-point to verify something with me. But very expensive. http://www.cvvacuumplaters.com/. Here are some pics of what I got back - accessory switchplate, radio bezel, and dash bezel.
Plastic Rechrome Chuck at CV does quality work, but there not cheap ! They did some of my Riv pieces (twice !), and they covered shipping both ways the second time round - . . . that gives you a good idea of Chuck's customer service ! :beer :TU:
Well, I might not be reading their price list right but they don't seem to be that much more expensive. Thanks for the links guys, I'll most likely leave this be for the summer and leave the interior for next winter.
Mine came to around $400 Canadian, including tax and shipping. So, US$340 at current exchange rates. That included the vacxuum plating plus painting the black parts, and filling one screw hole (that was $40.00 or so, if I remember right). And that was for the three parts shown.
Jim Wiese at Tri Shield Performance does these as well. He did mine. I would highly recommend Jim's work and he's great to deal with.
Ian, That price seems very fair to me, especially with all you had done. I don't remember what JW charges, but he might be a little cheaper.
Darren - Does Jim actually do them or does he farm it out ? You need special equipment to vacuum plate plastic parts.o No:
I guess maybe in retrospect it was OK, the quality was excellent for sure. Maybe I'm just suffering from all the $300-for-this, $400-for-that things I've been running into lately! ou: :eek2:
I know the feeling! If you got your moneys worth quality wise, it makes it much easier to shell out the funds. I believe JW sends these out to be plated, then does the masking and paint work in house.
