FiftyQuid said:
What do you figure it'll cost to replate everything?
Probably under $200. I can't recall what Doug paid recently.
They're called sun plating and I originally found these guys about 6 years ago. Had them do my IJ wireforms and my gun. I did the gun in a 'gunmetal grey' and the wireforms in brass. I think I paid about $100 for that. They turned out pretty good and have worn well since then. The gun had a lot of brush marks on it. Not at all at the same level as Chestnut.
Then, about 3 years later when I did my WH2O, I sent them all of my ugly looking metal from under the playfield and inside the cabinet... plus I threw in a whack of old parts I had lying around. 3 sets of legs, several locdown bar receivers, a bunch of shooter rod housings and similar pieces. I think it was roughly $250 for all of it. There is a minimum charge and then it goes by weight (or sight
) after that.
I'd say wireforms are their strength. Not sure I would want them to do much more. I've had good and bad results with other parts.
The one key thing to remember is that this is a small mom & pop style setup and they do not have the equipment to plate stainless steel... so no siderails or lockbars. Anything else seems to be okay. Also, prep your parts before sending them off. If you send them dirty, rusty junk, don't expect to get something perfect in return.
Since I was travelling to expo last Fall I just opted to have all my other stuff done with Mike Chestnut and pick up at the show. For high end restoration work I prefer him. You pay a bit more, but I also think you get what you pay for.
If I was only doing wireforms or stuff for inside the cabinet, Sun is still a very good option. For things like my TOTAN apron, not so much.
Here's my last batch from Sun (all chrome).
Note that the lockbar pictured was simply re-grained. Not plated.