Classic Car Chrome Plating
Chrome plating and rechroming for classic and vintage vehicles, carried out in our own workshop by a family firm that has been plating since 1981. Bumpers, grilles, overriders, window surrounds, badges, lamp bodies and interior trim.
Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co has some of the largest plating tanks in the South West, so full-length bumpers and one-piece grilles are handled whole rather than cut and rejoined. Every item is triple plated as standard: copper, then nickel, then chrome.
Restorers send parts to us from across the UK. Our only premises where work gets undertaken is in Weston-super-Mare. Call 01934 820 454 or send photographs for a quote.
Why Classic Cars Still Need Hexavalent Chrome
Trivalent chrome, the modern alternative, has a slightly different colour and does not match original brightwork. For a car being restored to period condition that difference shows the moment a new part sits next to an original one.
Hexavalent chrome plating is still legal in the UK for authorised companies, and we hold that authorisation. If you have read otherwise, our guide to whether chrome plating is illegal in the UK sets out what the REACH rules actually say, and our note on the Chromium 6 authorisation explains what it means for customers. We are Fit4Chrome accredited.
The Classic Car Chrome Plating Process
Old brightwork almost never needs plating alone. Most of the work is in what happens before the chrome goes on.
- Strip. Old chrome, nickel and copper are removed by chemical stripping or reverse electrolysis, back to bare base metal.
- Inspect. This is the honest moment. Stripping reveals pitting, filler, previous repairs and thin spots. We photograph anything significant and talk to you before going further.
- Repair and prepare. Dents are worked out and pitting is polished down where the metal allows.
- Copper. A copper layer fills fine surface imperfections and gives the following layers something to key to. It is polished before the next stage.
- Nickel. The nickel layer provides the corrosion protection and the depth of shine.
- Chrome. A thin final chrome layer gives the colour and the hardness.
- Final inspection and packing. Checked, wrapped and returned by insured courier.
The full method is described on our chrome plating page and the standards we work to are set out in our quality assurance process.
Classic Car Parts We Rechrome
Bumpers and overriders
Front and rear bumpers, blades, overriders and bumper irons. Long one-piece bumpers are no problem given our tank size. Weighing up your originals against a reproduction set? Read our guide to re-chroming or replacing classic car bumpers.
Grilles and surrounds
Radiator grilles, grille surrounds, mesh inserts and badge bars. Assembled grilles are stripped to component parts where they need it.
Trim and brightwork
Window surrounds, waist strips, drip rails, wheel arch trims, door handles, mirror bodies, boot and bonnet furniture.
Lamps and fittings
Engine bay and interior
Motorcycles and bicycles
What We Will Tell You Before You Commit
Chrome plating shows everything underneath it. Rust that has eaten through the metal, heavy pitting, and previous repairs done with filler will all be visible in the finished surface, and no amount of plating hides them.
Zinc based die-castings, often called Mazak, are common on 1950s and 1960s trim and are the most difficult items we handle. They can be plated, but the base metal frequently blisters and pits with age and the finish achievable depends entirely on the condition of the casting. We will always give you an honest assessment after stripping rather than a promise before it.
Can you rechrome a bumper that is pitted?
Usually yes. Light and moderate pitting is polished out during preparation. Deep pitting removes metal as it is worked, so on a thin or previously repaired bumper there is a limit. We strip first, then tell you honestly what the finish will look like.
How long does classic car chrome plating take?
It depends on the condition of the parts and the size of the batch. Preparation, not plating, sets the timescale. We give a realistic turnaround with your quote and keep you posted if stripping reveals something unexpected.
Do you take on whole vehicle sets?
Yes. Full bumper, grille and trim sets are welcome and are usually quoted as a set. Send photographs of everything together and we will price it as one job.
Is chrome plating for classic cars still legal in the UK?
Yes. Hexavalent chrome plating remains legal for companies holding REACH authorisation, and we hold it. There is more detail in our guide on chrome plating and the law.
Is the work guaranteed?
Our electroplating carries a 12 month guarantee, subject to the exclusions set out on our quality assurance page.
Get in touch
Send photographs of your parts and we will come back with a quote and a realistic timeframe. Call 01934 820 454, email us, or start an enquiry. Finished work is in our gallery, and we cover the whole UK from Weston-super-Mare; see locations.