nickel coating, or anodized

I have never seen a chrome powder coat look any thing close to chrome. Do you have personal exaprence with that stuff?

i had my intake manifolds chrome powder coated,they look like they got painted with silver paint but much more durable than paint.

i have a friend that had his wheels done on his truck..it looks real close,,from what i understand if the powder coater dont keep a eye on the powder coat it will turn dull.its a 2 step process and you have to find the rite powder coater or it will look like paint..

I powder coated mine in black and they look great

This place was recommended to me.. gonna stop there later this week..

http://courtesymetalpolishing.com/

I had my tabs and lowers painted by the same guy who painted my truck, in hard black epoxy. They look great several seasons later.

Any gunsmith will be able to nickel plate

Chroming will hold up if done properly. As long as there are no pits, I would redo them. The previous owner, my have taken the least expensive route. You are boating in fresh water, and it's no different than someone driving their truck or car down the road in the rain with nice aluminum,chromed rims. Same with the sport bikes having the rims chromed. I can find out from a buddy of mine, who has pallets of rims chromed, with out issues. I have had billet parts chromed in the past, it's all in the steps and preparation.
The missing chrome, looks like the surface had contamination. The process can be expensive, due to the fact it will be priced by the piece and size of the tab.

Mark

MER, thats right on the money, seems if done right they should hold up... the above mentioned place has a several step process including a 2 hour dip, nickel and copper plating then the chrome on top, they say it should hold up no problem