Reproduction chrome pieces for early Barracuda

-
Bob Jasinski

Bob Jasinski

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2019
Messages
443
Reaction score
222
Location
Danville CA
So, I've been getting quotes for replating taillight bezels (housings) for my '65 FS project. Quotes range from $350 to $575 each. Reproductions go for around $325 to $370 each or so, depending on where you find them and if there is a deal going on. I also am considering the five pieces below the rear window, and can only imagine what they would cost to get plated, haven't got a quote on those yet. I would like to know from those that have seen the reproduction early Barracuda/Valiant tailight housings what your impression of them is. Also the same request of the below the back glass pieces if you have seen those at a show or personally bought them. The repro's are claimed to be made from an alloy that won't pit. Comments are welcome, thanks! Bob
 
I've heard the same about the repops that they won't pit. Before the repops were available. I had my tail lights (I think $650. pair) & rear window trim ($700-800) rechromed in 2005. They also did my bumpers but I passed on the front grills as they wanted $1500. for the pair. They still look new today over 15 years later. Paid up for quality. I used Frankford Plating in Phila., PA. My brother used them for the chrome on his 67 GTX in 1987 and they still look new!

my 66 3.jpg


my 66 2.jpg


my 66 5.jpg
 
Last edited:
I did a search on Franklin Plating in Philly and Frankford Plating keeps coming up, maybe they changed their name. Glad to read they look great 15 years on.
 
I am also interested in what is out there - being in California does not make it easy.
 
I bought the 7 piece rear window trim from Layson's for my 66'.
Dave there gave me a deal - Member here advantage. But you have to call and speak to him directly and pay immediately, I've gotten really good service from him and Rick on the 66' parts I've bought.
Saved almost $200 over classic industries on the 7 pieces of rear window trim and gaskets.
Really nice stuff but a few flaws.
1) The retaining hardware sucks and factory style nuts did not work. the studs are smaller diameter than factory nuts.
2)The curve around the window on the outer pieces are curved too much. Scary install for sure.
3)Made in China.- enough said. ( Maybe I should had started with that)

I had my 66' tail light housings redone in East Hartford, CT. it was like $500 each. I was a 1-1/2 years ago.
My bumpers were done - can not remember by who but was recommended here they were down south.
Was like $500.00 each but came out BEAUTIFUL.

Anyhow- you get what you pay for.
 
Syleng....I bet the bumper place was Tri City Plating in Elizabethton, TN. I won't get bumpers done anywhere else, and I am fortunate enough to be an hour away.
 
Bob Jasinski said:
So, I've been getting quotes for replating taillight bezels (housings) for my '65 FS project. Quotes range from $350 to $575 each. Reproductions go for around $325 to $370 each or so, depending on where you find them and if there is a deal going on. I also am considering the five pieces below the rear window, and can only imagine what they would cost to get plated, haven't got a quote on those yet. I would like to know from those that have seen the reproduction early Barracuda/Valiant tailight housings what your impression of them is. Also the same request of the below the back glass pieces if you have seen those at a show or personally bought them. The repro's are claimed to be made from an alloy that won't pit. Comments are welcome, thanks! Bob
Click to expand...

Hi Bob, are you looking at re-plating because you feel the pieces are in too rough of shape to save?
The reason I ask is because one of the best resto tools I ever bought is a buffer wheel. I can't even tell you how handy it is. I've saved some of the roughest looking trim with it. Now, it does require some effort and some trial and error to hone your technique, but it's very rewarding to save an original piece of your car.
Honestly, a simple wet sand with 400-600 grit will do wonders for beat up trim. I recently did the wiper arms (below) on my Duster, and they were in bad shape.
You can see the arm on the right was only wet sanded, which gives the anodized/satin look. The arm on the left got wet sanded and then the full treatment on the buffer, which gives a mirror polish.
Just something to think about. Good luck.
0404201857a.jpg
0404201858.jpg
 
Thanks for the feedback jonn, but you're talking stainless, pot metal is an entirely different ball game. Challenging to plate, and you can't "buff out" pits. We'll you can, but then the pits need to be filled, the part plated again, and the process starts over again until completion. Not done at home.
 
Thanks guys. The main thing I was wondering about were the tail light bezels. Also I'm in
Elizabethton Tenn. a couple times a year. I was going to take my wife's front bumper down with me as it has a dent in it but now I think I'll take my 65 Cuda bumpers with me also. At least I'll save on the shipping. I love the car shows there on Saturday nights. A lot of really nice cars but not too many mopars. You should see this 70 Chevelle that a 83 year old guy drives 540 alum. heads roller cam slicks a beautiful exhaust system 2 3/8 to 2 1/2 to 4 inch and loud. For real low to mid 9 sec.car. He's my hero. Hope I can still do it then. O yes no nos.
 
Me too, I would like feedback on the taillight reproductions. Do the lenses fit well, does the housing fit the body well, are the studs the same size as originals, what gaskets are included?
 
Bob Jasinski said:
Me too, I would like feedback on the taillight reproductions. Do the lenses fit well, does the housing fit the body well, are the studs the same size as originals, what gaskets are included?
Click to expand...
Who currently sells these. Ya I just need the bezels and gaskets. Got the lens. I purchase a bezel for my 69 cuda a number of years ago but I just needed the inner piece and it wasn't even close to fitting and the pins were wrong also. Called and they said no one has called. Thru it in the garbage (I think). If I remember correctly I bought from a outfit in Canada.
 
The reproduction taillight housings and the trim below the rear window (5 pieces) for early Barracudas, are offered by Layson's and Classic Industries, maybe others.
 
I have almost 2 grand just in the Tail lights on my 66 Dart. NOS and re chromed stuff. Tail lights are expensive for sure..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top