Vintage Double Hose

This is on my Healthways Scuba Deluxe rebuilding again - I've touched base on this topic in the previous thread I had on it, but I feel like I need more than one opinion. All that really needs to be done to my healthways at this point is get the cans rechromed. Unfortunately, I do not know many good options for this. Sending it to a local automotive chrome shop was suggested to me in the last thread, but I feel like they won't be as careful with it or do as good a job on it. I've read a couple threads about experiences with BAR Plating Inc. and I'm waiting to hear back from them about their services. In the event they don't work out, does anyone know of any places that have or do work on rechroming regulator cans?

I can't really show it that well, but my cans have a generous amount of scuffing and a couple minor pits on the outer edge of the outlet can, there is a good amount of damaged finish around and under the valve seat, and just generally minor spots of the chrome wearing down to the bare brass or the copper plating here and there. I'm wanting this rechromed for function as well as appearance. I've considered getting it powder-coat painted, but I realized the clamp out wear off the paint and expose the metal underneath. Plus it would be impossible to properly paint the inside of the valve seat.

Contact companies that do chrome and metal restoration for high end antique boats. They can handle the work but be prepared to pay handsomely and wait a long time for it to get done. I'd expect you could buy three or four other Healthways regulators for the cost of having the cans re-chromed by a qualified professional.
To have the speedometer dial, bezel and housing re-chromed for my woody boat was so expensive I just learned to enjoy the patina....

I see, thanks for the info. BAR Plating actually contacted me back and said they'd do it for $100, but I'll still be on the lookout for spare healthways cans in decent shape if something doesn't go right with them.

If you don't mind sending it to Valencia/Spain, I have a guy here doing excellent chroming work for vey few bucks, last DAAM I had re-chromed entirely (inside part as well) was around 80USD and the result is astonishing... see by yourself...

Cheers!!

I've already sent my cans off to BAR Plating and I'm waiting to hear back from them. If anyone has any experience with them, how long should one expect to wait for them to email you back that they've finished? I sent out my cans as the end of December and no news back from them yet.

I've been wondering about coming out of retirement....

Douchebag wrote:I've been wondering about coming out of retirement....

And there is hope for Valhalla once again...

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If what you're saying comes into play, I'll come to you next time. BAR Plating doesn't accept paypal and I'm not eager to give up my credit card information for someone else to make payment on, so now I have to mail out a check to pay them for my cans back.

I have never see metal work or chrome plating on a regulator that is in the same league as what Dave does.

I own five regulators that Dave worked his magic on. They are truly pieces of art, and none will ever leave my collection. In addition to his metallurgical skills, he is a great guy as well.

Greg

Douchebag wrote:I've been wondering about coming out of retirement....

A glimmer of sun on the horizon? FWIW, if you should, please, please, please take on a young and motivated apprentice....

Hoping Douche Bag comes out of retirement soon. I have a bunch of regulators that need new chrome. His work is amazing and worth the money.

I hope he comes out of retirement, too. BAR Plating has been giving me the runaround for payment. I'm not going to personally tell them my credit card information and now I almost mailed the wrong check! Plus replies have been very slow on very important issues - such as mailing address and just now, I find out you can't mail personal checks right after I put the check in the mail!
I'm rather irritated, to say the least.

Douchebag wrote:I've been wondering about coming out of retirement....

I definitely have a few I'd send in if you do......

Douchebag wrote:I've been wondering about coming out of retirement....

Hell yes. You would have enough work for a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!