I suggest that you get the info right from the
source. Call U.S. Customs to find out what the charges are on taking Chrome
plating work into the USA. In Canada there is a 7 percent tax called GST. You
can have this returned to you providing that your invoice shows the amount paid
and you claim for it within 60 days of paying your bill. The forms are available
at most Duty Free stores as you exit Canada.
I run a small restoration shop in Langely B.C. and the most
difficult thing here is getting good quality plating and getting it done on
time. You would be making a very serious mistake if you rely upon the platers to
look after your stuff. They are well known for losing dozens of pieces, never to
be found. I used to work in a plating shop when I was a kid so the system. I
have had them lose an entire 57 Pontiac grill and the lower half of the front
bumper, just to mention a few. The list goes on and on. They usually claim it
never came in. I pressured them until they came out to look at duplicate parts
(We had two Pontiacs in the shop at the same time) . When they went back to the
plating shop they found the grill in their unclaimed stock as they lost track of
who brought it in.Plating companies really don't have any idea if a piece is
from a D-8 Caterpillar or a 53 MG. Even the most reputable plating
company loses things. They don't want to talk about it and fortunately for them
the customer rarely ever has any proof at all. If you are smart you will take along your digital
camera and make a photo record right on their delivery dock. You will no doubt
need it so they can identify it when your piece gets mixed up with someone
else's. The platers really do not know a running board trim for a 46 Ford to a
quarter panel molding for a 63 Imperial. I had one case where a man from
near Seattle brought up his plating, took it home all wrapped up nice and put it
on the shelf until his car was ready for the trim (about 1 year). When he opened
it up he had most of the interior moldings for my customers 53 Mercury
convertible.
So be forewarned. Take your photos on the dock
or have an extremely high possibility of getting disappointed. Oh of course we
all think. It won't happen to me! Ha!
Sorry to be so blunt but you just got "the
whole truth and nothing but the truth".
Allan Clarke @ RoadMaster Automotive.
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