TheSamba.com :: View topic - Good handle chrome shops and source for springs?

Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:35 pm

Digging through my "handles" box tonight looking for a set of handles for a fellow forum member, I found that I have quite few sets of split door handles, all in need of repair/resto. Anyone have any good chrome shops they have used? I'd like to hear experiences and prices if possible. Will probably have 7-10 handles done, will take them apart first.

Also, anyone sell new handle springs? Seems like I saw someone selling them a while back. Would like to get a handful. If I can't find them, maybe I can make some.

Lastly, will need to get keys made. Does Gabriel in TX do this?

Thanks in advance for any insights....

Tue Sep 27, 2005 5:40 am

He just posted updated contact info in the Vendor's section yesterday.

Our correct latest info is:
Gabriel's VW keys & Locks
Gabriel Garcia
603 Meadow Creek Dr.
Allen, TX 75002
(214) 509-3809
gabvwkey@sbcglobal.net
www.gabrielsvwgarage.com

His username is "gabvwkey"

Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:51 pm

John, I have some springs. I'll have to see what I have.

Dave

Tue Sep 27, 2005 7:04 pm

Unless split springs are different than oval springs, then you can get the springs from wolfsburg west.

I think we would all like to know of a reasonably priced chrome shop for small bits.

Wed Sep 28, 2005 6:02 am

The springs are different, but I checked WW last night and they have both kinds for $3 ea.

Wed Sep 28, 2005 2:51 pm

Hey John, at least stay away from Nuchrome nearby here in Fall River, they lost or destroyed about $1500 of my parts this summer, watch out!

Look at Hemmings magazine and you'll find about 30 shops that all say they are the best of course, but few measure up, with chrome work you get what you pay for. Locally I've used Waltham Chrome, its a small mom/pop shop, but the delay can be 6 months. Right now I have another set of those arrow door handles being chromed down at Franklin Plating in PA, I have heard alot of good news about their quality of work.

There are also a few other good ones, Paul's chrome is another one, the better they are though, the more they are in demand, and the more expensive they are. When you send out the parts you have to carefully detail what you want done, and what you want masked, for ex, when you send door handles, definitely remind them in BOLD TYPE to mask the keyway for the lock tumbler, even then you'll be putting an hour into cleaning this out of crud and leaked in plating, you still have to get your dremel and needle files ready when you get them back even if they mask well though.

Soon as I get back new chrome from Franklin I'll post with news. sd
Gary

Wed Sep 28, 2005 4:17 pm

Yes, I remembered your warning about NuChrome.

How much did Franklin quote you on the handles?