Just heard this today - what a shame but in the current climate perhaps not too surprising.
I’ve only ever used them and the quality of their work was always without equal IME.
Where to go now for quality work?
Jono,
I had planned to use Derby Plating, so it is very disappointing to hear they are closing. I am afraid that this is the story all over, it was one of the catalysts for me getting my finger out and starting my restoration - the specialists are disappearing one by one.
I did come across recommendations for Beckworth Silvabronz in Alton, which has the benefit of being reasonably close to me. I haven’t used them, so please do your own research, but there were a number of positive reviews from guys restoring motorbikes.
Yes sadly as of the 12th November Derby Plating are not taking on any new work. Collections of existing work only.
Derby Plating were ‘the’ best but they were also rather expensive. I guess there were not enough customers willing to pay their premium prices.
Alan.
I agree, they were without equal. Sadly, I learnt that along the way.
I too was hoping to use Derby plating for my rear bumper, a few years ago 2017 I had my front bumper chromed by Ashford chroming,still looking great.
I am just about to have my S4 window frames re chromed. I’m using Nottingham Platers based at Baseford Notts. I went to see them before handing over my precious frames. I was impressed, they took time to inspect my frames gave me an acceptable price so they have them now. Unfortunately the lead time for me was 4 - 6 weeks because they are so busy. (‘I take that as a good sign)
They showed me some finished items which looked superb and some that were the best that could be done in the circumstance which I thought was very honest of them. But as the saying goes you can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear, and it’s all about what you start with.
They do lots of stuff for classics and race teams, there was a whole load of Bentley stuff they were doing for a restorers all neatly tagged and bagged waiting in line. They are repeat customers so they must be please enough. They’ve been in business 28 years so not new to the party.
In my case they say the frames will be better than new, so fingers crossed. I’ll report back when finished!
Interesting..
It will be interesting to hear how you get on with the chrome finish from Nottingham Platers.
They use the modern Trivalent system which is a modern non-toxic method of chroming which is a quick and possibly much lower cost method/system but does tend to give a slightly different finish and colour shade to the chrome and possibly the end result may not last as long.
The traditional method of chroming was and still is done with the Hexavalent system like Derby Platers used to use is a highly toxic chrome on copper method which a lot more work intensive and costly but gives a much better overall result and the end result much longer lasting.
You may find it all fine but do be aware that if you put a piece of Trivalent chrome alongside a traditional finished piece of chromework that was done by the Hexavalent method you will certainly see the difference.
Alan.
Hi Alan,
I’m sure you’re aware that Hexavlent chroming has been banned in 2020 and for existing businesses a “sunset date” was set at Sept 2024.
However, platers only involved in the “classic” market could seek exemption and obtain a license. The cost for the likes of Derby platers was some £90k per year which makes it unviable.
I have compared the finish on old a new parts side by side and yes there is very slight almost imperceptible colour tone difference, so slight in fact that I think nine out of ten people may never see it. That said I might not want the old and new side by side close together. But say a front and back bumper would be fine. I also saw some items they had finished in what they call chrome nickel and they look great, so maybe that might be the answer for some. For the Elan chrome is minimal with the window frames perhaps being the stand out items. In terms of longevity well time will tell but I did ask about this issue, I was assured all will be ok and they went on to say it’s all in the prep, if it’s not done properly both the quality and longevity would be compromised. They have seen (cheap) pattern part bumpers that needed rechroming after just a couple of years because they were poorly prepared and those were Hexavalent chrome!
In the end it’s all going to be done by the new method so we won’t really have much choice, like Derby platers you either adapt or close. This firm started the non toxic method from its beginning 28 years ago so they have a bit of a head start on the firms who have had to make the change recently.
I am very picky about fit and finish, paintwork, etc and so it will be interesting to see how they get on. I will report back.
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Ok that’s good that you are aware of the potential differences between the two systems.
Yes I agree that eventually some time in the future all will be done by the Trivalent method but at this moment in time there are are stiil a dozen or so companies in the UK doing Hexavalent traditional chrome plating and from I suppose from a selfish sort of view long may they continue.
Let us know how it goes please.
Alan.
i
I too learned Derby were closing in November, I have just received my original Octanuts back from Niphos Metal Finishing Co in Crewe. I can report that I’m very happy with the job they did considering all the other brightwork on my +2 was done by Derby in 2010.
Innes
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That’s useful information Innes. Niphos in Crewe do Hexavalent chrome plating. I need my +2 front bumper doing at some point so I may try them.
Thanks,
Alan.
As I understand things the final final sunset date for firms is 2027/8 so if people still want that finish better to get in now before the final few firms have to stop or change to new methods.
This has been a most enlightening thread with helpful comments and explanations.
Thanks!
Malcolm
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A little earlier than anticipated I have received my window frames back from Nottingham Platers. Wow!
Now I know that all fresh chrome looks good but I am very very impressed. Chrome does not photo well but here goes:
Side by side, an old frame and the rechromed item
Side view showing the lock plate
Hard to see because frames are quite narrow but a great depth to the finish.
In order to show the quality of their work I have some shots of a Vauxhall Cresta rear end cap, truly dreadful condition. Previous hexavalent platers had tried to layer up the copper to smooth the bumper out, they hardly prepared the metal and the client was not happy and asked Nottingham players have a go, I’ll let the pictures do the talking……..
They tell me that in fact and contrary to a post earlier they me be slightly more expensive than hexavalent platers, that’s because the preparation is more labour intensive (time consuming) to get the results they achieve.
I have no affiliation to them but would not hesitate to recommend them. The other benefit is of course it’s an environmentally friendly process which does away with all the carcinogenic chemicals used in the traditional method. I was able to walk around looking at the various tanks without the need for masks etc.
Not everything can be plated, they don’t do wheels, they don’t do Mezak, (monkey metal) They showed me a Daimler part which had been chemically stripped and looked like a salt shaker, lots of pinholes. They don’t do repairs, dents, kinks etc, their guy retired and they have been unable to find anyone up to the standard required.
Like everything there are good and bad restorers, garages, builders etc, finding good people seems increasingly hard, in the course of my cars restoration I have travelled to Exeter for trimming, St Albans for a gearbox rebuild/modification, Doncaster for tyres etc, luckily these are only 30 miles away, positively local!
The guy you need to speak to is Simon, the boss. Friendly, enthusiastic and honest about the prospects of the finished product.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the update on Nottingham Platers. Looking at your photo’s’s and your obvious enthusiasm for their end product it certainly looks impressive!
I guess time will tell how long the Trivalent chrome system stands up to weather and general ageing.
Alan.
I don’t see any reason why it should not last the test of time, I think the corrosion that can take place between copper and other base metals is more of an issue. However, as you know Elan frames are brass anyway so no issue there. I think it’s hard to change peoples minds if they are set on hexavalent but these guys have been using it a long time and some of the top classic racing car restorers are using them for a while but as you say ,time will tell, I’ll report back in ten years!