Speedometer Bezel - rechrome or not?

[Ian G.]

When restoring the dash gauges, do folks typically just buy a new speedometer bezel from Trim Parts vs rechroming originals on a C1? I have a 59. For example, the going wisdom is to get good reproductions of the hubcap spinners vs rechroming them, since you lose the concentric brush marks... often you lose the sharp edge on the bottom of the door handle, etc. What other parts do folks recommend NOT rechroming and instead buy reproductions?

[Troy P.]

Re: Speedometer Bezel - rechrome or not?

I would go to every effort working with a quality chromer to have your grill teeth refinished. The reproductions do not have the correct sharp 4 sided point and verticle parting line due to wear in the molds and poor sanding and buffing work. Reproductions are easy to spot. Having said that every now and then you will see a tooth or two that is acceptible but still not perfect.

The key is to ensure your chromer and the shop employees fully understand how careful they need to be in the prep work. Make arrangements to inspect them before and after the copper strike. If the sharp edge and point are not maintained at those stages it would be a waste of money to proceed with the nickle and chrome.

[Ian G.]

Re: Speedometer Bezel - rechrome or not?

Any ideas about the speedo bezel?

[Troy P.]

Re: Speedometer Bezel - rechrome or not?

I'd go with a reproduction. Also if your car has a horn ring, which I don't think it does, thin parts like those are very hard to get done well. So very expensive repros are a safer bet there.

[Ian G.]

Re: Speedometer Bezel - rechrome or not?

Thanks! yeah, no horn ring. What about the individual gauge can chrome trim? Those ones seem more simple and OK to rechrome?