My Restoration Questions

I don't have a lot of experience in the car restoration game, so I thought I would use this page to post a few of my restoration questions. If you can help, I would greatly appreciate your advise. Please mail any information to henley@mpx.com.au. I will post any answers I get below the questions (if it is ok with the person posting the info).

1. Can anyone recommend a good Motor Trimmer in Sydney to do the FJ interior? What would be a good price?

5 May 1999

You ask about motor trimmers. I used to work just down the road from Ian Smith's Motor Trimmers in Bachell Ave, Lidcombe. Ian is a nice bloke, I only had some office chairs recovered there, but I often walked by, and he has always got old and classic cars there. So I guess he must be good. If that's handy to you give him a go.

What I Did: I had the trimming done by Hebble White Motor Trimmers in Ermington, Sydney. Excellent job. Professional Service. Tony will look after you. I will put some photographs up on the main pages of this site.

2. Can anyone recommend a chroming place (preferably in Sydney) to do bumpers etc. ? What would be a good price?

 10 Febrary 1999

Hi,, I am restoring an EH panel van (I am visiting your website for a mate of mine who has a FJ sedan & wants some info) and the best place I know of is Bluchrome at Revesby. For my other panel van, which is a HJ,it cost $ 250.00, without copper plating. I don't know how much it would be for a FJ bumper bar. However, if you wish the bar to be chromed with copper plating, then it has to be done in Canberra & costs significantly more.

I believe the reason why chroming with copper plating is utilised in lieu of chroming without copper plating is primarily the finish. I have been advised that the finish is unbelievable! However, I have not had any pieces done this way. The chromework I have received from Bluchrome, without copper plating, is still really good, though. It all depends really on what finish you are after.

What I Did: Ended up using Rare Spares to do the chroming. They usually swap your bumpers for ones that the already have in stock, so check out the quality as it is unlikely that you will get your old ones back. However, the ones I received were very good. This is probably not the cheapest option, but it is very convenient. If you after your chrome in a hurry, if they have the chrome parts in stock, you can swap straight away.