Trim-original vs reproduction

[Steven B.]

My '58 has the pot metal moldings on the top and bottom, left and right of the front grill that I'm trying to determine if they are original, replacements and/or rechromed. Any ways to tell-part numbers look to have had each number individually stamped by hand-spacing and level are off-#'s are 3740209 & 3740211 for the left side. Any help would aid me in deciding whether to buy new or spend for rechroming if original.
thanks in advance, steve

[Dennis C.]

Steve: Let me answer by not answering your...

...question. Those 4 outer (bogus) port trim pieces are probably impossible to tell original vs current GM offerings. (I believe I am correct in that these pieces are still GM - If I am incorrect, probably does not matter - As installed, you probably can't tell the difference). OK, enough of that.

The bigger question involves the big picture. If you (show) rechrome the front bumpers and the grille surrounds and the grille bar and the teeth, you pretty much have to rechome the bogus surrounds (new/original or whatever) because if you don't, the miss match of original vs show chrome will stand out like a sore thumb.

Fact is, original GM chrome was production, commercial stuff - but at least, it all matched. Once you introduce a "show chrome" piece, you upset the whole balance of things.

Of course, what is fun, is a '58 has more chrome (probably) than any other Corvette. I love 'em... Anyway, think about the big picture rather than doing the rechrome thinking one piece at a time.

Sorry I'm unable to answer your question...

[Steven B.]

Re: Dennis-great point, now what about...

Dennis--great point-thanks very much. My thought process on the chrome for the entire car is to either rechrome or buy reproduction if the pieces were either more expensive to rechrome vs buying new or were damaged beyond what chroming could do. The next question is can you mix and match rechromed with reproduction? Both will be in show condition but what about the "color" of the chrome? This car needs all the chrome done one way or the other. And yes, the cost really goes up when talking about the '58.

thanks again for your imput. steve