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Just keep in mind that today's "show chrome" done by a quality shop will almost certainly be to a higher standard than routine factory chrome of the 50s. I purchased a collection of 55/56 parts when I bought my '56Caribbean; included was all the front end chrome, grille, upper grille bars, dagmars, hockey sticks, fender side chrome, in fact everything except the bumper bar, in NOS packing. Yes it was very nice, but I've seen nicer come back from high end plating shops. Nevertheless I installed all the NOS items and am pleased with it - but then though the car has an expensive repaint and presents well, I'm not into the competitive judging aspect of ownership.

Cost may or may not be a factor for you; the grille assembly itself is the most complex piece and a top-end plating house might ask $5000 or so for plating. Another thing to consider if replating is that the real skill isn't dunking parts into plating chemistry, it's the repair, surfacing and polishing while still retaining the original details and contours that's the key to excellent work.

Another risk factor to consider when replating again regards the skill of the plater; selecting current densities and using current "thieves" for unusual geometries to prevent plating "burn". We've all heard the stories about platers "loosing" parts and it wouldn't surprise me that some were destroyed in the shop and not just physically lost.

In the end it's your balance between your expectations and desires in the finished product, your budget, and the risks.

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As O_D has pointed out new work may not match NOS. Worse yet is new work done but at different times or at different shops. If the two chrome items are going to be part of the same assy or even next to one another the difference can stand out like you won't believe. Just something to consider as you decide what to take in each trip.

The grille on a 56, probably 55 also must be painted after rechroming. It is worth the money if you are not confident of your own abilities. And paint the inside of the bumpers and other parts so the job will last a long time. There is some gold trim that will require replating and not all platers do that.