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Hey everyone,

Just looking for feedback for anyone recently chrome plating some things...
I sent out the two bezels for a Vendo Coin Changer, 2 crank handles, Seeburg teardrop speaker logo, 2 (small and large) slide weights from a doctor scale, and small door coin return cup... The price came to $585.00
Is this in line with everyone's current re-chroming pricing...?
To be honest, I was a little shocked as I was thinking in the $300-$400...
Any input is welcome or am I just a little out of it...?

Iin 2008, I spent $200 with Speed & Sport for just the two VCC bezels (and they were rough) - other than that, I have not had much chrome work done.

Well right now I have a Crank handle a a bezel for a Vendo 81 that are getting done  $135.00 .
And later this week I'm sending off parts for a Westinghouse 60  and there are over 20 pieces
and half is nickel plating  and the quote was $280.00

I think Eric at global compressor is less expensive than that. Eric you should make a chart and publish your prices as a ballpark pricing tool and then give exact pricing on a case by case basis.

Still trying to work out pricing... however, Pat wins.
if you can find someone who will grind, polish, and plate
items for $12-14 each...go for it... I can't touch it.

So far, my pricing is running about $25 ea for small parts,
return levers, coin cups, trim polishing, etc.  Larger coin bezels
and crank handels, $35-45. There is going to be
a minimum price later, when I want to start making minimum wage :tounge:

So, for Pat's job, bezel and crank handle, I'd charge $85-95 plus postage.

 I'm not looking at as winning, I usually  media blast my items and grind and sand so there ready for repair's or go straight to plating .                                    
  but this time I had smoked my compressor but did get it up and running on a new rubberband  :upside:.
I just like to keep a good working relationship with people I  work with.

  And you all have seen my machines and Johnie G has seen them up close and personal .

Well, there's your problem! Try upgrading to a gerbal and a hampster wheel next time... :Oo:

I've been shopping around platers, and found some good ones and bad ones..
CUrrently I have a bunch of stuff with Eric at Global Compressors and can't wait to see how that turns out.! Thanks Eric.

Other prices realized have been 135-150 for a coin bezel
30-40 for coin cups
40-60 for crank handles

it all really depends on what condition the peice is in when it is sent off.. and yes prep at home helps the cost usually..

I can't wait to see Erics stuff when it's sent back...

I paid $121 to have these VMC 81 parts plated. 2 of them are trial pieces in clear zinc and one in yellow zinc, the rest are chrome plated.

      The last batch of chrome I sent to Speed & Sport was 3 small door coin bezels, 6 crank handles, 6 bottle openers and 3 coin return bezels. I used to think there was a price break for multiple items done all at the same time.     
      Then after 6 weeks,Craig called me and said my order had already been shipped and he wanted $1300.00. No check, money order only even though I had been sending my work there for over 10 years. He said his prices went up because of his new "tripple copper plating process" but did not bother to call and explain this to me before starting the job.
      Needless to say, I have found it less painfull to send smaller quantities out locally as I need them.

I too have used speed and sport and I think the work was top notch.. but they should change the name to Speed , SPort and Spendy!... they charged me 240 to chrome the trim that goes around the glass on a U select it machine!! wow... I about fell off my chair,, but again he did it and told me the amount later. wow..

I'm hoping we Erics process is just as great as i've heard , and if so.. Eric.. we'll make you a rich man,, granted hopefully in smaller increments, but still get you some good business!!!

WOW !!   :jawdrop:   

Thanks for the input everyone ! ! !

I get the pieces tomorrow and then I can see how the workmanship is on the lettering...

I definitely would have sent the pieces to Eric had I paid attention about his new process...
The large Vendo Coin Changer bezel needed a minor repair so I would have just sent these two parts to Speed & Sport...
Oh well, live and learn...

Ha, If I wanted to be a rich man...I would have just won the lottery instead... :Oo:

Guys, look....

I can't stress enough...I'M NEW AT THIS!!!!!  I can't be compared to Speed and Sport or anyone else,
who does plating. You want to compare compressor work??? I'll go up against ANYONE...but, this
is different and new, so it will take time. All I can guarantee, I'll do the best I can, and NOT take you
to the "cleaners".  I didn't learn compressors overnight...I didn't learn to be a sheet metal mechanic in
a week...welding, plasma cutting, in a month... and this won't be instant either. I like learning new things, and
I will strive to be the best I can be, at this too. I've got the "basics" and has taken over a year now, it's just experience from here on.

So, I hope this makes some sense. If you want "perfect" show chrome, don't give up on Speed and Sport. I'm aware of their reputation...they do great work. But, if you want a decent job, knowing that every single piece I do, is helping others who will benefit down the road, keep sending the work my way. As long as everyone is interested
in this new venture...I'll keep working hard and doing the best I can...it's an education!

Spoken with honesty and sincerity Eric!
A lot of expenses seem to be rising nowadays....shipping has gone up.....groceries have gone up....gas is up....services are not much different, especially when the EPA is involved.

Eric, Just checking to see how the gumball machine parts are coming along, Thanks Randy

Thanks for making the effort Eric!! EPA and fed. regs have shutdown 3 companies I used for my biz.
Hope all goes well.
Creighton
 

I can say that after recieving my order back from Eric, I am very pleased.  He is very honest and straight forward, and I think he understates his ability, but I certainly respect that.  I haven't used any other plater so I have no basis for comparison, but I think it is safe to say that if you are doing a machine for your own use, you cannot go wrong with Eric.  I would love to hear feedback from some of the guys who restore machines professionally for resale.

We send bike parts off pretty regular.  We have been using Browns Plating in Kentucky.  They did a coin changer bezel for me a while back and it was perfect.  The best thing about them is the turn around time 7 - 10 days.  

I do plan on using Eric's services for some stuff I need on some other projects.  

I have used other platers all over the country and Speed and Sport is mentioned often.  I can't get over why they won't take credit cards.  It is 2011.  My 7 year old could set up a credit card merchant if he needed to.
  

No Marvin its May of 2011 LOL

Joey

Marvin,
I can think of a couple of reasons.
1 - the fees are crazy. Yes you can shop around, but for a retailer that doesn't have the volume of a Walmart or Target,  the cut sent to  the bank  can make it not worth it.

2- more credit cards are offering  buyer insurance, so after the chorme is sent, the buyer  files a complaint with MasterCard over poor work, the funds are frozen  pending investigation,  if the funds are returned to the buyer, the chrome shop is out the money.  Heck, Paypal is a gboon  for scammers, file a claim, get your money returned,  don't return the mercghandise ( no I don't do that, or suggest any one steal.
Good luck tryying to call your bank and tell them to return the funds from a check written because you weren't happy with  service provided.


The opinions expressed are mine, and not necassarily the way things are.

I'll make this short to not highjack the thread. Taking credit cards cuts profits. We use Costco, 3 percent if swiped, 5 percent if entered with CVCC. 7 percent otherwise. Also charged each time you rerun a declined card. AMEX and Discover are higher. The swipe machine is $500. I have to take cards to stay in biz.
Creighton
 

Hi All,
   Just have a couple of questions.  I am new to collecting soda machines and have always loved bringing the old back to life, whether restored or just refurbished.  I've usually only worked on cars as far as bodywork and painting, but figure it's about the same.  With these machines though, there are many small mechanical parts made of many different metals.  How does one know what to chrome, zinc, powdercoat, etc.??  Also, what exactly is zinc plating?  What does it look like I mean?  The VMC-149 I am currently working on has the crank handle and bottle chute/bezel that looks like a lead color, but the parts machine I got has a chrome handle and bottle chute/bezel.  Which one is older?
   Also, do you guys all live near one another or something?  Haha, seems like you guys all visit one another.  Just curious as I'd love to see some of the work you've done.  I enjoy reading and learning from you all!  Thanks.

Ken

Ken,
From one newbie to another, there are a lot of choices you can make and some time using the search engine on this site will give you some insight.  Some of it will depend on whether you are looking to refurbish or restore.  I am doing my first machines and it is going pretty slow as i try to research what I want to do step by step.  In general, internal moving parts (think bottle stack components) I am getting zinc plated.  Internal static parts (shelves and internal tub) I am getting powder coated.  External metal gets chromed unless it is already stainless steel then it just gets polished.  Of course there are other options too.  Some have used hammertone on hte internal parts and have had good luck.  Others will chime in, but do some searching and go with what fits your desired end result.  Part of the process will depend on what services are available in your area.  The hardest thing for me to find was a zinc plater.  None in my immediate area.  Do your research and you can always go to Hobby Lobby and pick up a roll of stickyback vinyl simulated woodgrain.  Its a very popular look among many here on hte board.  :biggrin:   On a side note, I have personally never met a single member of the board, but look forward to the day I get the opportunity to attend an event.  They are without a doubt the best group of individuals I have never met.

Ken,
Zinc plated metal have (usually) that yellowish hue to it, but it can be done in clear as well as a few other colors. If you look at your coin mech, you'll see a lot of yellow zinced pieces. The metal must be magnetic to be zinc plated. Pot metal and aluminum will get eaten up in the acid baths used to clean the metal, so be careful what you might send in to get zinc plated. Pot metal and aluminum can be annodized though.

I always enjoy talking with you guys as it seems we all share a same interest!!  I understand what you mean now about the zinc stuff.  Reference the crank handle on the 149 I'm working on then, it looks like a lead color, is that something that was originially that color or should it be polished, chromed, etc..???  I thought it was intersting that the parts machine I got, the handled and bottle chute were originally chromed, but I see no sign of chrome on the one I have.  Thoughts??

All of the VMC crank handles that I have seen were chromed. They did not do high quality chroming back then, so I have seen lots of pieces that have no trace of chrome on them. As with any crank handle, be sure to remove the guts (Clutch Pawl, etc.) before sending in to be chromed. In addition, you will also need to remove that knob on the VMC handle.
Good Luck!

What other parts should be chromed on that particular machine?  From the looks of it, I'm guessing that was it?

Am doing some searching on folks around Austin that do chrome plating, is there anything in particular that I should look for in order to find a reputable business?  Quals, certifications, or anything of that sort?  Thanks.

Ken

ask to see their work,  search on their name,  hot rod clubs. radio collectors, jukebox people, etc all use chromers, if they suck, you will find  it on the 'net.
If they don't want to give referrals, I'd be wary.

Great ideas!  Thanks!

For my Vertical 6 case, I was thinking of chroming my bottle opener, kick plate, door handle and bezel bottle opener. Would chrome be the correct finish to these parts?

      Chrome is OK for the bottle opener and handle. Polish the bezel and replace the kickplate with a new stainless steel one from Funtronics, then have it polished too.