Picked up parts from the plater today, Didn't get what I expected Options

[Doug Leggins]

This is my first parts re-plating experience. Unfortunately, I'm very unsatisfied with the finished product. But, maybe my expectations are a little high. I am quite meticulous, bordering on striving for perfection all too often. But, hey that's me (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) . All too frequently I get reminded that many other people do not take the care and strive for the level of detail that I do.

I'll share a few photos and details of the parts I got back.

-Let me know what you think about the finish.

The first pic is how the parts were presented to me. Bulk packed in dirty boxes. I picked up a few parts and very quickly stated that the parts did not have the appearance that I expected. The owner tried to convince me that they looked like yellow cad/zinc dichromate parts should look. I don't buy the fact that they should look like this. Would appreciate any opinions from those of you that have plating experience.

The parts are dull in many areas. Is this due to sandblasting? And after I got home and looked them over better in good lighting, I can see that they are nicked and scratched all over due to the poor handling. Are nicks and scratches typical? inevitable for this type of plating? Or just due to poor care and handling?

[skline]

The last set of sheetmetal I had I took to a place that Joe Buckle took his to since it came out looking nice. I dropped it off and told them what I wanted and they said about 4 days. I thought, hmmm, Joe's only took 2 days but figured WTF. I got busy working and a week went by. I go to pick them up only to find out they have not even touched them yet. I guess I am a jerk, I got pissed and told them to just give me my parts back and walked out. I did say a few choice words about how they run their business. Anyway, I went to another place which was not far from there and they did it in 3 days for almost half what the other place wanted and they took all the little dings and dents out of the sheetmetal. Outstanding job. They do all my work for me now. There is a wheel polisher right next door too that will polish any thing you want to bring them. Great soure.