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Renovate or buy stock dome hubcaps?

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Betheeee Casual Dubber

25 posts · joined Aug 2014 ·

#999856
A question about feasability vs cost regarding my original dome hubcaps. Is it easyish to get the dents etc removed from my hubcaps, then rechromed, or would it be better to just buy new ones? I think one is not original as the VW is not black. I have done metal craftwork in the past, but not a lot with steel, so I am a bit lost on this one. My hubby has a lot of equipment, grinder/polisher, sanders, welders.. Might need to polish some hammers and make up a forms to match the dome shapes ... Hmmm, from the little steel work I did do YEARS ago, I would work it hot? Or not in this instance?
Fräulein Helga - '66 1300 Beetle (Helga for short)

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#999910
The new hubcaps are NOT as good as the origionals
I would restore but it will cost more but better job
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#999911
If you decide to repair the originals, have the platers strip them to bare steel first. Unless you stretch the metal, by too much hammering, no heat should be required.

As Dave said, the 'old' ones are better quality.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

Betheeee Casual Dubber

25 posts · joined Aug 2014 ·

#999931
Thanks for the advice. So, I guess I'll start on the worst one, so if I totally stuff up, its won't hurt too much if I need to buy a replacement. That or I track down a really dodgy one and practice on that, lol.
Fräulein Helga - '66 1300 Beetle (Helga for short)

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#999984
As a heads up the best I've found so far to buy are from Just Kampers at $60 a pop. They say they are a fairly thick steel but doesn't necessarily mean they are made from good quality steel.

I'd be interested to know the re-chroming cost in proper triple plated chroming process and not single stage. Triple plating is better quality, shine, finish and longevity. 🙂
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1000022
Even the NEW ones with thick metal are crap as the chrome is very poor quality
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1000028
Take your time and go to swap meets

You will get good ones cheap.

Just takes time

Check eBay and put a wanted up here
Futue te ipsum!!!

silver Dangerous when poked

2,169 posts · joined Dec 2002 ·

#1000029
I bought new ones and straight away took them to get re-chromed here in Sydney they did a great job $55 each..
Keeping it real !

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#1000031
silver wrote:I bought new ones and straight away took them to get re-chromed here in Sydney they did a great job $55 each..
$55 to get them rechromed? Really? That's cool. I wonder if it'll cost the same in Brisbane? Last time I asked it was bloody expensive 🙁
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#1000262
silver wrote:I bought new ones and straight away took them to get re-chromed here in Sydney they did a great job $55 each..
Dude, what's the name of this company as I;ve been quote over $200 per hubcap from the few companies that have replied so far in Brisbane.
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

Betheeee Casual Dubber

25 posts · joined Aug 2014 ·

#1000295
$200 per hubcap......Wow, thats quite a bit! Will definately be trying to restore mine, two are really fairly straight, two are a bit crap. One seems like a repro or a later one. The insides after cleaning show a lot less corrosion. I gave them all a good scrub, oiled the insides then polished up the chrome. I have to hunt up all the stuff I will need to restore them, so while they wait, at least they are shiny, lol.
Fräulein Helga - '66 1300 Beetle (Helga for short)

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#1000322
Betheeee wrote:$200 per hubcap......Wow, thats quite a bit! Will definately be trying to restore mine, two are really fairly straight, two are a bit crap. One seems like a repro or a later one. The insides after cleaning show a lot less corrosion. I gave them all a good scrub, oiled the insides then polished up the chrome. I have to hunt up all the stuff I will need to restore them, so while they wait, at least they are shiny, lol.
Yup, hence why I hope the guy from Sydney replies cos then I can post them down there.
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1000338
I think the platers in Albury do a better job

www.alburyelectroplaters.com.au
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409