Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't open your PDF pages?
1. You may not have the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader which is required to view PDF files.
2. You may have a number of computer problems.

Is Adobe Acrobat Reader the only way to view your pages on line?
Yes.
The pages are saved in PDF file format, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

Why are some words underlined on your pages?
That means it is a button connecting that page to a linked page. If you click on it, you will go to the linked page.

What is the difference in the Chrome and the Detail listings?
The chrome listing is for chroming the entire part, only.
Sorry we no longer detail (paint) the plastic parts.

Do you detail (paint) any color?
No, we no longer detail (paint) the plastic parts.

What is vacuum metallizing?
That is the process used on a lot of cars in the 60-80's. That is the same process we use to restore dashes and armrest bases. First we chemically strip the old vacuum metallizing (chrome look) and paint off the original part. Then we repair (weld) cracks, chips, or other minor modifications. Next we sand and polish the deteriorated/ exposed plastic down to a smooth finish. And we wash and clean the surface before we vacuum metallize the part. We paint the plastic with a base coat of paint. We then melt an aluminum bar into a vapor state and suck a vacuum on the chamber the part is in. That gives the part a chrome look. We put a light top coat of clear so the aluminum does not oxidize.

How long will the vacuum metallized finish last?
The aluminum (vacuum metallizing) is only .00005 millimeters thick. So if you use anything abrasive to clean the surface, that scratches the top coat or rubs it off then the aluminum (chrome look) will rub off. We recommend parts that are all chrome and handled a lot, like armrests, to be clear coated with some light coats of enamel. Heavy coats could cause runs. Do not use Lacquer to clear coat. It will dry spray and dull the chrome look. Clear coating is not recommended on dash parts that have semi gloss black or silver on them. The clear will make the part glossy and not look right.

Can you chrome just the raised portions of a dash?
No.
Parts that were done that way originally were done with a "hot stamped" process. That process is cost prohibitive. So we have to vacuum metalize the whole part.

Why can I see scratches in the finish on my chromed armrest?
Your parts are old and the surface has deteriorated. We have to sand and then polish the plastic to as smooth a finish as we can. The surface will not be as slick as new molded plastic. We have found if we put a second process on the polished part most 0000 steel wool scratches disappear, if viewed from the normal installed distance of 1-1/2 to 2 feet away. With close examination minor scratches, dust particles, or minor runs is common. You can't feel the scratches but the mirror finish makes them look much bigger than they are.

Why doesn't the chrome shop put another coat of protective clear?
1. Another coat will dull the brightness some.
2. It may cause runs that may be more noticeable than the minor scratches.
3. Dust particles build up the more coats applied.
The chrome shop will not be responsible if these problems occur. We do recommend you putting a couple of light coats of clear enamel on parts that are all chrome like armrest. I feel it is better to have a small run or small amount of dust particles than for the finish to rub off in a short amount of time. The chrome look is vaporized aluminum and is only .00005 millimeters thick. It is really only a colorization applied to the base coat of paint.

What if one of my mounts is broken off or cracked?
We can weld plastic and usually rebuild the mount. There will be an extra charge for the repair.

What if someone cut my radio out bigger?
We can weld plastic if the repair is minor. We can fix the knob holes if enlarged. We cannot rebuild the raised lips and grooves or pattern in the finish.

Will the chrome finish peel off?
Our finish is not really chrome. It is vacuum metallizing. It could rub off, especially if you use a cleaner like 409 or soap. Electroplating which we don't do, would possibly peel, if it turns loose for the plastic.

Will the chrome finish last as long as the original?
New plastic is smooth and slick, used plastic isn't, so the process will not adhere as well as on new surface. Our finish is not really chrome. It is vacuum metallizing. It could rub off, especially if you use a cleaner like 409 or soap.

Why don't you do lens that had chrome on part of the lens anymore?
There are several reasons.
1. You can't use masking tape to mask off the clear lens area.
2. If a customer ever used armour oil on the part. You can't see it, but the masking media we were using may turn loose and the paint will get under the mask.
3. It is hard to explain to customers just how they have to scribe the shape with an exacto knife before they peel the mask off after vacuum metallizing the part. If they don't scribe deep enough they peel some of the vacuum metallizing off where they don't want to. If they scribe too deep they scratch their part.
4. We didn't need the responsibility of scribing the part for the customer and gamble on scratching their part.
5. It was not a profitable service.
6. We were getting too many complaints.

What if the raised letters on my dash are messed up?
We can weld plastic if the repair is minor. We cannot usually rebuild raised letters.

Would it be cheaper if I sent in the broken off piece of my broken dash for you to fix?
Yes.
We can weld plastic if the repair is minor and it probably would be less work to fix your part if we have the original pieces.

What if the cracks are in an area that isn't visible? Do I have to have them repaired?
1. We cannot track individual minor modified parts with our volume of 2000 to 4000 parts per month.
2. Most customers want the parts to be finished as well as we can.
3. If I tell my repairman not to fix the part. It is very possible the part could get rerouted back to the repair department by another employee seeing the part is damaged and doesn't know that part was not to be fixed. Our policy is we fix all parts that are fixable. If you don't want you parts fixed in non view able areas, then we can just return your part unprocessed. Parts modified in viewable areas but not repairable will be processed as modified.

Can I trade a non air dash for one with air?
Usually not, however that would depend on my inventory. If I had more of one part than another, I might would consider a trade to balance my inventory.
We have to maintain our inventory to be able to continue to trade with our customers. 

Can I send you my non chrome plastic pieces and get them painted to match my dash bezel?
No, we no longer detail (paint) the plastic parts.

How do you know how to paint the different dash parts?
We no longer detail (paint) the plastic parts.

Do I need to disassemble my gauges etc., before I send my dash in?
Yes.
We do not need to store miscellaneous parts for hundreds of customers and gamble misplacing them or losing them. We do not reassemble parts anyway.

My A/C vent assembly is pop riveted together and I don't know how to take it a part?
We can drill the rivets out for you. But we do not reassemble multi part parts.  You can fuse the pieces together with a sortering iron or use a hot wax gun to connect the pieces.

Do you have the original rivets?
Probably not. We have a few rivets listed in our fastener catalog. We do not have the tool to rivet your part back together.

My dash lens looks welded to the dash?
Many Mopar dash lens have heat melted studs connecting the lens to the dash. They will have to be ground off to remove the lens. You can fuse them back together after we chrome your dash with a sortering iron or you can use a hot wax gun to reattach them.

I don't know how to get my head light switch out of my dash?
Some GM headlight switches have a nut with notches holding the switch in. It takes a special tool to remove it. The head light knob also has to have a push in small spring loaded button pushed in while you pull the stem out. The button is behind the dash on the bottom of the switch assembly. You must disassemble your parts yourself, if you want to reuse your switch. There will be an extra charge if we have to remove the switch and it may get damaged in the removal.

I don't know how to get my glove box lock assembly out of my glove box door?
Some lock assemblies require a key inserted and a straightened paper clip pushed into a small hole while you turn the key . The lock tumbler assembly then comes out. You then can unscrew a bezel to remove the lock housing. Not all lock assemblies are mounted this way. You will have to remove the lock assembly, if you want to reuse the assembly. There will be an extra charge if we have to remove the lock and it may get damaged in the removal.

Can you modify my non air dash into an air model if I have a spare dash piece with good air section?
Yes.
We can cut the a/c piece out of the spare and weld it into the non air part. We cannot guarantee you cannot find the weld at a close examination. In some cases woodgrain would cover the weld and the repair would not show.

Do you do parts other than automotive, like cell phones?
Yes.
If vacuum metallizing is acceptable to you, and the plastic is compatible to vacuum metallizing.

Can I clean off over spray without hurting the chrome?
Yes.
Prep sol will loosen the over spray if you do not rub too much or too hard.

Do you have woodgrain for cars that are not listed in your catalog?
No.
We only have inventory of woodgrain with the walnut pattern, that we have left.

Can you save my woodgrain or other decals?
No.
We cannot save your old woodgrain or other decals. IF YOU LEAVE THE WOODGRAIN OR OTHER DECAL ON IT WILL GET DESTROYED IN OUR VATS. If you need to try and salvage your old woodgrain, you might try using a hair dryer to lightly heat the glue and slide a knife between the woodgrain and the part. Or you might use a tub of hot water to soak (warm) the glue. Remember too much heat will ruin the woodgrain. Left in water to long could damage the woodgrain also.

Do I have to remove the woodgrain or other decals?
No.
If you leave the woodgrain or other decals on the parts our stripper in our vats will remove the decals. But it will be ruined.

What if I don't see my car listed in the rechrome catalog?
We have compiled our list over a number of years of research. However there are parts we have not added to our picture catalog for a number of reasons. Customers may have not told us what the parts fit, when they sent the parts in. We just may not have done the parts before. Or we may have overlooked taking a photo while we had the parts in house.

Do you do outside wheel centers?
No.
Outside plastic would have been electroplated, which we do not do.

Do you do headlight or taillight reflective buckets?
Yes.
They are on the outside of the car but they are covered by a lens, so they were vacuum metallized.

Do you do headlight or taillight bezels?
No.
Outside plastic, but not covered by a lens would have been electroplated.

Do you do outside plastic chroming?
No.
Outside plastic would have been electroplated. Except for reflective buckets, which are covered by a lens.

Do you do Electroplating?
No and yes.
Electroplating is a real chrome like process. First it takes an expensive hazardous chemical to remove the old plating on volume quantities. Second  it is cost prohibitive to do on small orders and get a quality finish. We have some new parts manufactured and electroplated. One, they don't need stripped. Two, we make a volume of the new parts, so the plating isn't so high per part. This would require a tooling cost to have the part manufactured.

What is the time frame in getting my parts done?
We have about 4000 original parts available for quick turn around. About 85% of rechrome plastic orders go out within a day or two, if the parts we receive do not have noticeable repairs needed. Some of our parts are in process so they may be ready in days to 2 to 3 weeks. Other non stock parts that need chrome only take approximately 4 to 8 weeks. Parts needing repairs vary a great deal. You will need to allow extra time for this special service. We are very good at welding plastic. We fix hundreds of parts each week. We cannot rebuild cut out radios, sand to a corner, or put special patterns back in the finish. We can fill holes, repair radio knob holes and grind a similar camera pattern ( if small).

What if it seems to take too long before I get my part back?
Parts needing repaired take different amounts of time to repair. We seem to get more and more parts needing repaired, so the more difficult repairs are extending our backlog time.
 If we have to restrip the part and start over, the process will take longer than the first time. The reason is, the new paint takes longer to remove than the old process did. Then we have to rechrome the part. This is a very small percentage of our work, yet a question that needs an answer.

What if I need to check on how my parts are coming along?
We have too many obstacles to individually track parts through all the different containers, in all the different vats, in all the different departments in three different locations. Most of the employees that handle the parts, do not know, what parts fit what cars or other product. Their job is to do a particular service to the plastic part. Their job has nothing to do with what a part fits. We would like very much to be able to inform customers exactly how their parts are coming along. However that is just not possible, without prolonging the process a great deal. We can only give general status reports. Examples: You part is finished being repaired and is probably in the chrome shop. Or the part should be coming out of the chrome shop soon.

Most inquiries about unfinished parts don't want that kind of answer. Some people want to know exactly where the part is and when it will be finished. We regret we cannot know the exact  status of 4000 to 6000 parts of dozens of different types at all times.

Will I get my own dash parts back?
We do not guarantee each customer their own parts back. We have found over the years, we are better able to service our customers, by having the volume of parts we have accumulated to use as exchanges. Example: If I have 5 dashes to choose from of a particular model. I have a better chance to pick a good finished part to send to a customer, than if I am limited to the one part they sent in. A steel wool fiber might come loose from a mounting stud hole and land on front in a noticeable spot. The machine that has rotating racks might slow down for a few seconds and cause a run in a noticeable spot. There are a number of problems that can cause a flaw that are unacceptable, so we have to redo a certain percentage of parts.

It only cost me $2.00 to mail my radio bezel for rechroming. Why do you charge $8.50 to return it?
We found several years ago that our return shipping cost was difficult to prefigure consistently. We established the 11% across the board shipping generally covered our cost of packaging, postage, basic insurance, invoices, and labor to do all of the above. Packaging alone involves boxes, stuffing, tape, bags, labels, tape, ink, computers, printers and other consumables. There is no way to track a package, just taken to the post office and mailed the cheapest way. We normally ship by UPS in the USA. Our manifest shows when and where the package is shipped and there is an automatic insurance of $100.00 with not extra paper work. Some small packages and some oversized packages cost more that the minimum H&S. We will figure H&S on those orders at time of shipping.

What if my part gets broken in shipping?
UPS requires the shipper to file the damage claim. So if it gets broken coming to us from you. You will have to file the claim. If it gets broken going to you from us, then we have to file the claim. The post office requires us to take your package to the local post office for their handling. If your part/ parts are hard to replace and are repairable, a postal claim may not be your best bet. UPS will pay for the part to be repaired if the claim is valid. You are required to package your parts in a box with 2 inches of packing on all sides.

Why does it take so long to get a part back?
It doesn't in most cases. We exchange and return in a day or two on over 85% of parts sent in. Many more are exchanged when others become ready, usually within 2-4 weeks. Parts we don't have exchanges for have to be processed from start to finish. If the part has been repainted, the removal of heavy paint take a longer time to strip. A lot of chemicals that could take paint off quicker would damage the plastic. And parts needing repaired have to be place in line for fixing. We get more and more parts needing repaired, so our back log increases at times. It would reduce our time frame a great deal if customers found and sent in good parts. We understand that is hard to do, so we weld plastic as we can get to it. This is not just gluing two pieces back together.

How long have you been in business?
We have been at this location since 1974.

Can you tell me what fasteners fits my car?
We don't work on cars, so I don't have the knowledge to advise what all my fasteners fit. That is why I have spent thousands of hours compiling my catalogs. Our fastener catalog has actual size pictures (if printed out) of all our fasteners with a side view and an end view, so customers can shop at home and match up those hard to find fasteners.

Can I send in my samples for you to match up?
Since our pictures are actual size (if printed), we don't feel we should have to spend hours and hours a day doing unpaid additional research. Many of our fasteners will do dozens of jobs, but may not look like the original. So we cannot make the right decision as to which fastener would be the best for each customer. If you don't have our CD catalog. You can down load the pages you want and if you print the page the pictures will be actual size.  If you don't find it in the catalog then we probably don't have it.

Not all your fasteners say what car they fit?
Many of our fasteners are universal and do hundreds of cars. Some Mopar customers would not buy a fastener if we told them it was made for a Ford or vise versa. Remember the pictures will print out actual size.

What if we don't see the right fastener or clip in your catalog?
Then we probably don't have the original. However many of our fasteners will work in place of the original, And some can be modified to do different jobs.

Will the bolt heads have the same markings as my originals?
Not always. Bolt head markings are the logo of the manufacturer of the bolts. If your car was built in one part of the country, it would not have the same supplier as someone's that was built in another part of the country.

Will the screws/ bolts have the right finish?
Not always. We first find the closest screw size, then we find the closest head size, then we find the closest washer size (if applicable), then we find the closest finish (color). They are exchangeable free, if you prefer a different screw/ bolt of same value.

What is in a bumper bolt kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. A bumper bolt kit includes the bumper bolts, washers, and nuts that hold the bumper to the bumper arms and brackets.

Are bumper bolts stainless steel?
No.
The bumper bolts are zinc finished steel with a stainless steel cap, just like original.

What is in a bumper mounting  kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. A bumper mounting kit includes the bolts, washers, and nuts that hold the bumper arms and brackets to the car. Other bolts, washers, and nuts are available but  just, not in the kit.

What is in a exterior screw kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. If you go around your car with a screw driver, any screws that you can remove without opening something or removing something will be in that kit. Other screws are available but just, not in the kit.

What is in a interior screw kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. If you open the door of your car any screws you can remove on the interior with a screw driver, without opening something (glove box door) or removing something (instrument bezel) will be in that kit. Other screws are available but just, not in the kit.

What is in a underhood and trunk kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. If you open the hood and trunk of your car all the bolts/ nuts/ u-nuts/ washers/ and screws will be in that kit. Except for the motor bolts, etc. and lower suspension. Other bolts/ nuts/ u-nuts/ washers/ and screws are available but just, not in the kit.

Why do some bolts rust quicker than others?
I learned from a local plater that black oxide and black phosphate are a treatment not plated. I noticed a lot of bolts come in oily. They do that to keep them from rusting too quick. Zinc, cadiumn, and chrome screws/ bolts/ nuts/ washers are plated. They will not rust until the moisture touches the steel under the plating. This can happen even though you don't see the exposed steel. It doesn't take much of a scrape for the moisture to get to the steel.

Is stainless steel a better bolt?
Not necessarily. A grade 5 or 8 are harder bolts than a stainless steel bolt. There are different type stainless steel bolts, 18-8 Stainless steel is less likely to rust then 410 stainless steel.

Is there anything furnished telling me where the screws/ bolts go?
Yes.
We enclose a list with bag numbers listing all the different items and what they are to be used for. If a particular size screw is used for several different uses. There will be a listing for each use. Each use will have the same bag number. and all of the same uses will be in the same bag. Example: Bag # 3 has 4 windshield mould screws, 2 seat side mould screws, and 2 coat hook screws. There will be 8 screws in bag number 3 if all are the same size.

Can you make a screw kit that is not on your list?
If you send in the original screws/ bolts with an explanation as to where they are used. We can make you a custom kit. Some people order a kit of a similar car to start with, then send us the information of which screws are different or not enough of, for their car.

Some of your screws are shorter or longer than my original screws?
In my extensive research, I found variance in the length of screws used on same make and model. We do guarantee all our screws and bolts to fit. We will exchange any you feel are not right for your car.

Your catalog doesn't say it is phillips head, why?
Due to space on many pages we tried to conserve words, so we defaulted the listing to be phillips head unless otherwise stated. The pictures show the head type.

What is the difference in 6D, 8D and 10D that I see in your catalog?
Those numbers are descriptions of the head size if different that the screws size. If a number 8 screw has an under size head it will say 5D or 6D. If it has an over size head it will say 10D. the same holds true for other size screws. If a number 8 screws has regular size head we don't list it. It would be a 8D head. Again the picture will show the head size, if printed.

What is the difference in HWH and H/L washer bolts?
HWH stands for Hex washer head and means the head is hex in shape with a fixed washer made into the head. The washer does not turn.
H/L washer stands for hex head with a loose washer made attached to the bolt. The washer turns separately from the bolt.

What does 1/4-20, 5/16-18, and 5/24 mean?
1/4-20 stands for #1/4  or #14 screw or bolt with 20 threads per inch.
5/16-18 stands for #5/16 screw or bolt with 18 threads per inch also referred to as USS course thread.
5/16-24 stands for #5/16 screw or bolt with 24 threads per inch also referred to as SAE fine thread.
Also 8-32 is course. 10-24 is course while 10-32 is fine.

What is the difference in cadiumn, #1 cadiumn, and yellow cadiumn?
Cadiumn could have been yellow or dull silver. #1 cadiumn is soft silver. and yellow cadiumn is yellow in finish. I have found cadiumn to come in several colors.

Will a kit from a similar car work on my car?
In my extensive research, I found varience in the length of screws used on same make and model. But most screws will interchange with a car of similar make and model. Example a particular year Chevrolet Chevelle, Buick Skylark, Pontiac Lemans, and Oldsmobile Cutlass will be similar. there are minor differences. Second example a coat hook screw may be 1/2 inch long on one car, 5/8 on another, and 3/4 on another and even 7/8 on another. This is true on the same make and model not just between different models.

Are your kits guaranteed?
In my extensive research, I found varience in the length of screws used on same make and model. We do guarantee all our screws and bolts to fit. We will replace any screw/ bolt if you feel it is different on your car. The kits are refundable if you are not satisfied with them.

Is your set of 3 catalogs on CD refundable?
The cost of catalog set on CD in the USA is refundable with a $20.00 purchase. Catalogs outside the USA are not.

What credit cards do you take?
We take Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.