http://cal-tronplating.com/joomla/

Found that a while back. They do all of Fender's parts in Cali. He said a whole kit's worth of hardware (hoops/lugs/etc) usually runs about $150!! I want to use them sometime soon. Good luck!

Thanks for the link, man !! ..... I need to get some claws done.

I'd be very interested in knowing whether the $150 quoted is for RE-plating. If it is, I've got some business to send their way. But my guess is no, based on my inquiries at several local plating places into getting some hardware replated last year.

From what I was told by the plating places I checked with, in order to replate something, all the old finish (chrome, nickel, whatever) has to be completely stripped off down to the bare base metal, and then any corrosion, rust or imperfections have to be removed and polished out to prepare for the new plating. The plating places I checked with all said this is a very labor intensive, by-hand process - there is no 'dip' or anything like that to do it quickly. So this is where the majority of the expense of RE-plating comes from.

Just for reference, a local plating place that was recommended as doing a good, reasonable job quoted me a price of around $1000 for doing all the plated parts on three drums: a Club Date bass, tom and snare. Here in Chicago there are a LOT of plating places around, so it isn't like these guys would be quoting high because they think they're the only game in town.

Having said this, I've never actually had any replating done, so if someone has better info than I do about this subject, I'd welcome the information.

Scott

Scott,

Here is the email they sent me when I asked about replating some hardware for me in black nickel:

If the hardware is new It will be a simple process. If it is old and worn it has to be done completely over. This can cost 2 - $300.00. WE also have a new black pearl chrome that is much better and is very durable.

So... I will be talking to them for more details...

Let us know how it turns out. This is a very interesting subject.

Please pass along any info you get from them.

What was the $200 - $300 quote for? An entire kit, a single lug :), or ?

Scott

Scott, it was a rough estimate. My original question was asking if they could do pot metal. I explained that I was a drummer who wanted to replate some hardware on a drumkit in either black nickel or black chrome.

That was the reply I received.

I will be getting more details from them, especially on the black pearl chrome finish mentioned....

Let us know what else you find out, I had thought about getting some shells possibly redone in addition to hoops/hardware etc.

Think it'd be worthwhile to have my 20s NOB redone if it has extra holes anyhow?

I wonder if any money could be saved if we all went in on a big order together