Anybody do zinc plating here? Options

[Shaun @ Tru6]

You are correct, every single piece gets wired by hand, it's a ton of work. I have never tumble plated anything and don't expect that to change. It's an inferior process.

And yes, I have done a lot of testing and research to get just the right color though I'm still chasing the perfect MFI lines. Mine are too bright, too much like jewelry. Have a plan for that though.

When you consider how much prep time goes into the parts, I'm downright cheap. Now bright dip+anodizing window frames, that's where I'm working for pennies. Someday I'll raise my prices, maybe in a year or two. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Correct me if I'm wrong Shaun....but don't you individually wire each and every part? You don't tumble plate I'm pretty sure.

I remember getting back a load of plated parts for a Vespa restoration years ago from the local plater. He had wrecked the parts....I just threw them all away.....they were that bad.
[Wished I'd know you could have restored/repaired them at that time...]

There definitely is a dollar value added for someone that does the prep work and individual wiring of the parts.

It tells in your finished product.

In addition, I know you've spent a lot of time with your plater in getting just the right color, luster, etc.
You won't get that by just showing up at your local plater with a box load of dirty parts.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks for the details Shaun! Your work looks awesome!

You're certainly out of my price range, but all of the details on surface preparation is really handy.

Thanks Jim, I have customers send me small batches all the time where I'm very cost effective because I can batch dissimilar parts easily. Just got a set of spring plate hardware in the other day.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I was just on the phone with the shop that does Paul Russell
and Company's plating..

You think they do inferior work per chance ?

Nice people by the way..

Funny, I called Paul Russell Inc, and just asked who did their work..
They were more than happy to tell me..

TDF does fantastic work, don't keep them a secret.

http://www.tdfmetalfinishing.com/

But if you give TDF parts vs. me giving TDF parts, mine will turn out better, there's no debate there.

[wndsnd]

Now I am confused. Easy to do to me BTW.

But, Paul Russell and Company does Pebble Beach winning restorations. So if you want that kind of thing, you will do better than that? Better than what is done on Bugatti's and Ferrari, and Ralph Loren's cars for our 914's?

I guess we need that........

[Cracker]

I didn't read all the replies but "AndyS" did a fair amount on his build...

Gandalf - You got a big bone to pick...

Shaun - Beautiful work...if you were Eric Shea...half the people hear would be fawning over your parts. Keep it up! I also appreciate your "high-road" attitude...good job.

PS: That is NOT a knock on Eric - he's a perfect gentleman! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Tony

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Now I am confused. Easy to do to me BTW.

But, Paul Russell and Company does Pebble Beach winning restorations. So if you want that kind of thing, you will do better than that? Better than what is done on Bugatti's and Ferrari, and Ralph Loren's cars for our 914's?

I guess we need that........

I would match my plating to Paul Russell's any day, yes. I don't know what their pre-plating process is but I imagine it's similar to what I do. And while I'm only a year old, I have done work for many 6 and 7 figure cars.

I was just contacted by a 4-cam 356 Speedster owner to refinish his parts.

If you come to Hershey, you can see my work in person.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

... for our 914's?

Just reread and saw this. This concept is completely foreign to me. Sure, your average 914 doesn't have the same monetary value as an early 911S, or an RS, but I treat the parts exactly the same, because that's just what you do, and a 914 owner loves his car just as much, if not more, than an RS owner. Why should he be treated any less importantly than the owner of a high dollar car? Not in my book.

[bigkensteele]

... for our 914's?

Just reread and saw this. This concept is completely foreign to me. Sure, your average 914 doesn't have the same monetary value as an early 911S, or an RS, but I treat the parts exactly the same, because that's just what you do, and a 914 owner loves his car just as much, if not more, than an RS owner. Why should he be treated any less importantly than the owner of a high dollar car? Not in my book.

I also commend you on taking the high road here, and I commend you on the quality of your work and the effort it requires.

Ten minutes ago, I had never heard of you. Now, I would be sending my parts to you if I were restoring a six. But I have a four that will be converted to a six, so it is just a bit harder to justify that level of quality on my particular car. I think that is what wndsnd (and even gandalf in his own way) were saying. I may still send you some of my stuff, because I am not equipped to/nor do I like to do the work that you do.

Kinda like doing a $20k kitchen remodel that increases the value of your home by $10k.

Again, not taking away from your beautiful work, but I can see where the majority of us might not be your target audience. A lot of us pride ourselves on being CSOBs.

And (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) BTW!

[altitude411]

I'd also like to say welcome and that I appreciate you posting here. Your work is beautiful and I will be contacting you when it comes time in getting my plating done on my six restoration. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thank you Gentlemen, appreciate the kind words.

In the end, I just love what I do and always strive to do my best.

[mepstein]

Thank you Gentlemen, appreciate the kind words.

In the end, I just love what I do and always strive to do my best.

Please stop in and say hi to the 914 crowd at Hershey and we'll do the same. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Deal!