Ever spent hours searching for that perfect chrome trim to finish your classic car restoration, only to be disappointed by lackluster shine or poor fit? Finding the right manufacturer can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. The right chrome trim isn’t just about looks—it’s about preserving your car’s history and value. A top-quality supplier ensures precision, durability, and that showroom-worthy sparkle. Ready to discover which factories truly stand out?
Dive into our comparison of the best classic car chrome trim manufacturers!
Ashwater Classics – Ashwater Classics
Product Details:
Chrome-plated components and castings for classic cars, specializing in British marques and supplying trade, clubs, and dealers.
Technical Parameters:
– Made using a unique patented tool-making system
– Manufactured with a combination of traditional tool making and state-of-the-art
– Chrome-plated finish for components
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration and maintenance of classic British cars such as Jaguar, AC, Alvis,
– Use in European classic car models including Fiat, Lamborghini, Isetta, Lancia
– Supplying components to automotive trade, clubs, and dealers worldwide
Pros:
– Over 40 years of experience in classic car component manufacturing
– Worldwide reputation for quality and flawless chrome finishes
– Utilizes patented and advanced manufacturing processes
– Made in England with a focus on traditional craftsmanship
Cons:
– Primarily supplies the trade sector rather than individual customers
– Some parts are exclusive to clubs and dealers, limiting direct consumer access
Classic Car Trim and Vehicle Trim by East Kent Trim Supplies
Product Details:
East Kent Trim Supplies specializes in classic car trim components, including windscreen rubbers, sponge and rubber seals, fasteners, carpet sets, underfelt, vinyl, hoodings, headlinings, adhesives, general trim materials, window channel and door glass seals, plastic chrome for windscreen and edge trims, and rubber extrusions. They cater to a wide range of classic car brands such as Ford, MG, Triumph, Austin-Morris-BMC, Jaguar, and Rootes Group. The business has operated since 1976 and offers a web store for purchasing.
Technical Parameters:
– Windscreen rubbers and rubber seals designed specifically for classic car
– Trim materials include sponge, vinyl, carpet sets, hoodings, underfelt, and
– Fasteners and adhesives suitable for automotive trim applications
– Post & packing for UK Mainland orders ranges from £7.80 to £9.00; Europe from
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration of classic cars requiring authentic trim materials and seals
– Replacement of worn windscreen rubbers, seals, and interior trim components
– Classic car hobbyists and professionals seeking brand-specific trim parts
– Automotive upholstery and trim repair projects for vintage vehicles
Pros:
– Extensive range of classic car trim products for multiple popular British brands
– Decades of expertise (established in 1976) offering specialized knowledge
– Online ordering available with payment options including major cards and PayPal
– Detailed customer support through email and phone contact
Cons:
– All prices exclude VAT, potentially increasing overall cost
– Shipping fees apply and can be significant for European orders
– No detailed technical specifications (e.g., material grades, measurements)
– Limited business hours (closed on weekends, shorter hours on Friday)
Classic Car Chrome – Spare Parts for Treasured Cars
Product Details:
Classic Car Chrome specializes in chrome and brightwork spare parts for classic cars, offering items like hub caps, wheel embellishers, badges, bulbs, dash pot covers, headlight rims, wheel trims, fixings, and parts catalogues for a wide range of classic vehicle brands.
Technical Parameters:
– Chrome and brightwork parts primarily designed for classic car models
– Products include hub caps, wheel embellishers, badges, bulbs, chrome covers,
– Many products are vehicle-specific, suited for brands such as Ford, MG, Land
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration of classic or vintage vehicles
– Maintaining or enhancing the appearance of classic cars with authentic chrome
– Replacing missing or damaged chrome components to retain vehicle authenticity
Pros:
– Extensive selection for a broad range of classic and vintage car brands
– Specialization in chrome and brightwork, catering to restoration and aesthetic
– Regularly updated stock and responsive to bespoke queries
Cons:
– Limited information about technical specifications or installation guidance on
– Availability may vary and some parts may require contacting the company for
Woolies – Trim, upholstery and fittings for Classic Cars
Product Details:
Woolies offers a wide range of trim, upholstery materials, seals, fittings, and accessories designed specifically for classic car restoration and refurbishment. Their catalog includes door and boot seals, edge trims, various rubbers and sponges, carpets, headlinings, hoodings, seating cloths, vinyls, sound deadening materials, fasteners, handles, and additional fittings tailored for vintage and classic vehicles.
Technical Parameters:
– Materials include wool pile carpets, Wilton-type carpets, rubber-backed and
– Seals available in multiple profiles and materials such as PVC, cloth-covered,
– Sound deadening options include felt, Hardura, and heat deflection pads.
– Fittings and fasteners include specialty clips, durable dot, lift the dot,
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration projects of vintage and classic cars requiring period-correct trim
– Custom upholstery work for classic car interiors including seats, carpets, and
– Replacement and upgrade of weather seals, edge trims, and fittings for improved
– Soundproofing and insulation enhancements in classic automobiles.
Pros:
– Extensive specialized product range tailored for classic and vintage cars.
– Offers hard-to-find parts and materials that match original specifications.
– Multiple material choices for customizing upholstery and trim to exact
– Dedicated solutions that address both aesthetic and functional restoration
Cons:
– Highly specialized range may not be suitable for modern vehicles.
– Specific technical specifications (materials, sizes, compatibility) may require
– Potential limitations in availability for extremely rare or unusual models.
Trim Parts | Exterior Trim Car | Vintage Car Emblems & Bezels – RPUI
Product Details:
Trim Parts offers reproduction trim components such as emblems (fender, hood, truck), headlight bezels, taillight bezels, interior trim, and other exterior trim pieces primarily for GM and Mopar car and truck models from the 1950s to the 1970s. The company uses original or reproduction tooling and emphasizes show-quality finishes, including hand finishing and triple chrome plating.
Technical Parameters:
– Products derived from original tooling or reproduction of original tooling
– Show quality finishes with hand finishing
– Triple chrome plating on select parts
– Designed for GM and Mopar vehicles, 1950s-1970s models
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration of classic GM and Mopar cars and trucks
– Replacement of worn or missing factory trim parts
– Show-quality upgrades for vintage vehicles
– Car customization projects requiring authentic trim components
Pros:
– Accurate reproduction using original tooling ensures proper fit and authenticity
– High attention to detail with hand finishing and triple chrome plating
– Wide selection for popular classic vehicles
– Focus on producing show-quality parts
Cons:
– Primarily limited to GM and Mopar vehicles from the 1950s to 1970s
– No detailed technical specifications (material composition, dimensions) listed
Chrome & Stainless Trim – Upper Classics
Product Details:
Upper Classics offers custom chrome and stainless steel restoration and reproduction trim for classic vehicles, focusing on both original equipment and custom design needs. Their services include polishing, straightening, and repairing trim, as well as fabricating new pieces for various applications.
Technical Parameters:
– Works with both stainless steel and chrome materials
– Able to straighten, polish, repair, and fabricate new trim pieces
– Handles pot metal, aluminum, brass, and stainless components
– Employs techniques for dent and scratch removal, as well as re-plating when
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration of classic car trim and moldings
– Custom trim fabrication for antique or collector vehicles
– Replacing missing or damaged chrome/stainless parts on vintage automobiles
– Repair and enhancement for hot rods and custom builds
Pros:
– Expertise in working with rare or hard-to-find trim pieces
– Ability to restore original parts to like-new condition
– Offers both restoration and complete custom fabrication services
– Covers a wide variety of materials and vintage car eras
Cons:
– May involve lengthy lead times due to custom and restoration processes
– Potentially higher costs compared to mass-produced trim replacements
GCAR Plastic chrome, vacuum metalize plating
Product Details:
GCAR specializes in the repair, rechroming, and refinishing of plastic interior trim for 1960s and 1970s muscle cars, as well as late model and import vehicles. They use vacuum metalizing (simulated chrome/vapor deposition) and premium urethane finishes to restore dash panels and other interior trim parts to original or custom specifications.
Technical Parameters:
– Vacuum metalizing (vapor deposition) process using aluminum coating in a closed
– Premium urethane clear coat finish for added durability and chrome-like
– Parts worked on must be plastic interior trim, not exceeding 44 inches wide and
– Dash parts are disassembled, stripped, repaired as needed, plated, and
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration of 1960s and 1970s American muscle car interior plastic trim
– Refinishing and repairing plastic dash panels and lenses for classic, late
– Custom refinishing work for automotive enthusiasts looking for factory-spec or
Pros:
– In-house vacuum metalizing allows strict quality control from start to finish
– More durable and visually accurate than original manufacturer lacquer finishes
– Over 30 years of experience in automotive restoration, providing expertise in
– Capability to repair various plastic damages including cracks, chips, missing
Cons:
– Very long turnaround time of approximately 8-9 months
– Cannot process steel, aluminum, pot metal, or parts requiring triple chrome
– Cannot restore large items over 44″ wide or 24″ tall, or front grills
– Not suitable for large manufacturer part runs or high-wear exterior parts
Goodmark – Classic Car, hot rod, & muscle car restoration parts
Product Details:
Goodmark specializes in supplying restoration parts and accessories for classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. Their product catalog includes body moldings, sheet metal, trim, brake systems, bumpers, cab body panels, convertible parts, cooling system components, and more. Parts are organized by vehicle make, model, year, or VIN for compatibility.
Technical Parameters:
– Products include sheet metal panels, moldings, weather strip kits, emblems,
– Parts are categorized by specific vehicle applications to ensure fitment (e.g.,
– Subcategories include detailed components such as bumper brackets, license
Application Scenarios:
– Restoring or repairing classic, hot rod, or muscle cars.
– Replacing worn or damaged exterior and interior body parts and trim.
– Upgrading or repairing brake systems, cooling components, and convertibles.
Pros:
– Extensive catalog tailored to classic and specialty vehicles.
– Easy search by make, model, year, or VIN ensures accurate part matching.
– Comprehensive subcategories cover detailed restoration needs.
Cons:
– Product technical specifications are not detailed on the main page.
– No explicit warranty, material quality, or installation support information
King of Trim | Quality automotive trim restoration
Oldtimer Teile verchromen – Vahingen | CLASSIC-PORTAL.com
Product Details:
The company offers professional chrome plating and surface finishing services for vintage and classic car parts (Oldtimer Teile verchromen) in Vaihingen, Germany, as well as a directory of specialized service providers for classic automobiles.
Technical Parameters:
– Chrome plating and surface treatment for automotive components
– Services address restoration, corrosion protection, and aesthetic finishes
– Collaboration with experts specialized in classic car components
Application Scenarios:
– Restoration of classic and vintage automobile parts
– Enhancement of aesthetics and corrosion protection for oldtimer vehicles
– Preparation of classic cars for exhibitions or resale
Pros:
– Comprehensive directory connecting users with specialized classic car service
– Broad range of restoration and surface treatment services available
– Professional expertise in dealing with classic automobile components
– Focus on both professionals and end consumers
Cons:
– Specific technical details and pricing for chrome plating services are not
– May require contacting multiple service providers for detailed quotes or
Comparison Table
Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ashwater Classics – Ashwater Classics | Chrome-plated components and castings for classic cars, specializing in British | Over 40 years of experience in classic car component manufacturing Worldwide | Primarily supplies the trade sector rather than individual customers Some parts | www.ashwater-classics.co.uk |
Classic Car Trim and Vehicle Trim by East Kent Trim Supplies | East Kent Trim Supplies specializes in classic car trim components, including | Extensive range of classic car trim products for multiple popular British | All prices exclude VAT, potentially increasing overall cost Shipping fees apply | www.classiccar-trim.com |
Classic Car Chrome – Spare Parts for Treasured Cars | Classic Car Chrome specializes in chrome and brightwork spare parts for classic | Extensive selection for a broad range of classic and vintage car brands Speciali | Limited information about technical specifications or installation guidance on | www.classiccarchrome.co.uk |
Woolies – Trim, upholstery and fittings for Classic Cars | Woolies offers a wide range of trim, upholstery materials, seals, fittings, and | Extensive specialized product range tailored for classic and vintage cars | Highly specialized range may not be suitable for modern vehicles. Specific | www.woolies-trim.co.uk |
Trim Parts | Exterior Trim Car | Vintage Car Emblems & Bezels – RPUI | Trim Parts offers reproduction trim components such as emblems (fender, hood, | Accurate reproduction using original tooling ensures proper fit and |
Chrome & Stainless Trim – Upper Classics | Upper Classics offers custom chrome and stainless steel restoration and | Expertise in working with rare or hard-to-find trim pieces Ability to restore | May involve lengthy lead times due to custom and restoration processes Potential | upperclassics.com |
GCAR Plastic chrome, vacuum metalize plating | GCAR specializes in the repair, rechroming, and refinishing of plastic interior | In-house vacuum metalizing allows strict quality control from start to | Very long turnaround time of approximately 8-9 months Cannot process steel, | gcartrim.com |
Goodmark – Classic Car, hot rod, & muscle car restoration parts | Goodmark specializes in supplying restoration parts and accessories for classic | Extensive catalog tailored to classic and specialty vehicles. Easy search by | Product technical specifications are not detailed on the main page. No explicit | www.goodmarkindustries.com |
King of Trim | Quality automotive trim restoration | |||
Oldtimer Teile verchromen – Vahingen | CLASSIC-PORTAL.com | The company offers professional chrome plating and surface finishing services | Comprehensive directory connecting users with specialized classic car service | Specific technical details and pricing for chrome plating services are not |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I identify reputable classic car chrome trim manufacturers?
Look for manufacturers with a proven track record, positive customer reviews, and industry certifications. Reputable companies often showcase their experience with classic cars and display photos or case studies of completed work. Asking for references is also a great way to gauge reliability.
2. What should I consider when comparing different suppliers?
Consider product quality, customization capabilities, lead times, pricing, and customer service. It’s important to ensure the manufacturer uses materials and processes compatible with your specific classic car make and model.
3. How can I verify the quality of the chrome trim before purchasing?
Request product samples, detailed photos, or references to previous projects. Many reputable manufacturers offer guarantees or warranties. Checking for feedback from other classic car enthusiasts can also help ensure you’re getting quality parts.
4. Is it possible to get custom chrome trim for unique classic cars?
Yes, many manufacturers offer custom fabrication services. You’ll typically need to provide detailed specifications, original samples, or blueprints. Be sure to communicate your requirements clearly to ensure accurate reproduction.
5. What is the typical ordering process from these manufacturers?
Usually, you’ll provide your car’s details and specific trim requirements. The manufacturer may send a quote or sample. Once you approve, you place your order; the supplier then fabricates and ships the trim to you, sometimes with progress updates along the way.