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I have my stern light disassembled and I plan on replacing the shaft with a stainless shaft and polishing the brass parts that are chrome plated. The chrome is almost all worn off. Is there any reason I shouldn't polish the brass and rechrome? I would think the brass would have a nice patina after a while that would look good against the stainless.

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Re-chroming the brass or bonze parts is a good thing to do. Chrome is a very hard metal that will protect the underlying part; that is why it is used.

Re-chromed, it will look like new.

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I have a stern light that also needs a new shaft. Do you know a source for stainless shafts? The stern light is from a 1973 Sport 13. The chrome on my light has mostly worn off too.

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How expensive is it to have items re chromed?

My stern light is in good shape with the exception of the ring that holds the globe in place. It has cracks from over torquing the screws and I would love to replace that ring.

My original Morse shift control is highly pitted as is my bow light. I did find a brand new original Morse shift control but I can't bring myself to toss the pitted one that is perfect inside.

Just wondering how much it might cost to send these parts out for re chroming?

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I haven't gotten a price on rechroming yet.

You can get stainless steel tubing from McMaster-Carr.

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When I was restoring my classic whaler, I sent the bow light out to New Jersy to have it re-chromed. It came back in like new condition, and if I remember correctly was about $150 with shipping to have it done. It was well worth it.

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For $100, I would buy a complete new SS pole and light from Specialty Marine, one of the sponsors here. It's a copy of the original, made in China, but I think is a nice piece of equipment. Most importantly, it gives you the safety of the later regulation taller height, now required by law.

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This was my thoughts about the re chroming issue. I was fortunate to locate a new Morse engine control exactly like the original. The original is pretty well pitted on the outside but otherwise in great shape. The question then becomes will it be worth sending out for what ever the cost and what will it be worth with a new finish. I suppose if we are attempting to restore to an exact original "Classic" condition that some of these parts are worth the price to re chrome.

Is it just me or does the cost of re chroming seem a bit steep to others here?

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I'v had several bow light/bow chock assemblies re-chromed. It costs about $100.

For just the light itself, figure $20-$40 but most shops will have a minimum charge; at my shop it's $100.

This is fine if you bring in lots of parts to be chromed to justify the minimum charge. The unit price comes down to $5 to $20 depending on the size of the individual part.

I've never had a stern light re-chromed and I'm not sure I ever will for the reasons Larry mentions.

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Thanks Tom. I have never had anything re chromed but I do understand the minimum charge thing. I also always wondered if we can save any money by preparing an item to be chromed ourselves. It seems to me the facility would have to spend a good deal of time stripping and preparing the item before it ever hits the tanks.

It would make sense to gather up all your parts and pieces and bring them in all together but will you save any money by buffing, sanding and making them ready before you go?

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Yes, it absolutely will save you money to prep the parts you want re-chromed. My shop has told me as much.

Most of the cost is labor. If you can save the guys at the shop time by buffing out a part at home, it will save you money.

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Much appreciated Tom! I'll do a little research here and I am sure the place I will find closest to me is the same facility that chromes all the parts for the Orange County Choppers TV show that is just a couple towns over from me.

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A local shop has quoated 4-7 dollars per fitting to have rechormed. I should be getting them back middle of next week.

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$4 to $7 per fitting? That is a very good deal.

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I got 22 fittings rechromed for 90 dollars.

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Wow! Very nice.

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I couldn't be believe the price. The pieces look great. http://www.phillipselectroplating.com/ating.com/

He never answers the office phone so use the alternate, it is his cell. Really nice guy, he will talk your ear off.