"Sombrero" Wheel Cover re-chroming

[jaxops]

Has anyone had success in rechroming the 1948-1952 "Sombrero"-deep dish wheel covers?  I sent 2 of mine to New England Chrome Plating and they said it would be a waste of money since the chrome wouldn't be thick enough to last in the bottom of the wheel cover "bowl."  Anyone know of a good rechromer that can successfully rechrome these wheel covers?

[Steve Passmore]

Have you thought about reproductions? as living here in the UK it's often cheaper to buy a reproduction than having a chrome company re-plate them. Is that not the case in the US? as Mcveys has them.

https://mcveys.com/products/1948-to-52-cadillac-stainless-steel-chrome-sombreros

[59-in-pieces]

Jaxops or Steve,
Do you know if these caps are of the same gauge steel as the original chromed pieces.
I have heard that if the reproductions are not the same in thickness and design, they tend to not have the gripping power and spin off the wheels - sharp turns, pot holes and the like.
I don't have any personal knowledge, but was thinking about getting mine re-chromed - but never thought about repops - even SS.
I understand the electrodes must be attached to all deep areas to get a good coverage - not just hang the pieces.
Have fun,
Steve B.

[Steve Passmore]

That's one of the problems with re-chroming Steve. I have no knowledge of the later caps but I have bought a set of earlier repros from Mcveys. The only downside I found is they couldn't spin the earlier ones in one piece and had to solder two together. This join is a bad flaw for the rust to get started in.

[jaxops]

Thanks all.  I wasn't interested in reproductions because, as you said, they are in 2 pieces.  2 of mine are in good shape.  These 2 are rusted so I thought I would test the theory.  I will let you know if I find someone who does these correctly.