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View Full Version : Nickel finish removal on pre 55 colt


rathos
05-20-2022, 01:33 PM
I recently picked up a pre '55 colt cobra that had a horrible nickel finish job done on it. While I am not concerned about the looks, it appears it wasn't done right which caused some parts not to fit right, and they didn't plug the barrel so there is flaking nickel in the bore. I am guessing it would have to go to a colt smith and then to the refinish shop so it could be properly disassembled and reassembled, but I am not sure who to use. I did reach out to https://www.customshopinc.com but they were kind of shitty to talk to, and basically told me I was looking at up to $1500 to get it refinished and in working order. While I am not totally opposed they stopped talking to me after they quote when I asked how to proceed. They also seem to be some kind of celebrity shop, so that has me a bit worried. I thought about Frank Glenn, but I didn't see any kind of refinishing service listed.
Malamute
05-20-2022, 01:57 PM
It sounds like an aftermarket nickel job, and they may not have cleaned the bore adequately before plating it, hence the flaking. Are you sure its nickel that flaking and not lead?

The factories plate the bore, it was one of the things I liked about my nickel guns in the past, they cleaned up easily from lead besides the protection it offered.

A quality plating shop could likely unplate it. That may be a workable route, and have the mechanical work done afterwards unless you wanted it re-nickeled. Frank Glenn can probably offer guidance.
41magfan
05-20-2022, 03:36 PM
Give these folks a call. If the gun is OK mechanically and just needs refinishing, the cost should be around $550 for EN or Hard Chrome .... plus the cost of shipping.

https://apwcogan.com/
fatdog
05-20-2022, 10:10 PM
Give these folks a call. If the gun is OK mechanically and just needs refinishing, the cost should be around $550 for EN or Hard Chrome .... plus the cost of shipping.

https://apwcogan.com/

+1, Bob Cogan rescued a gone bad factory nickel S&W for me some years ago and it sure did not cost stupid money, had him hard chrome it, he can do hard chome on alloy as well for your Cobra
rathos
05-23-2022, 03:08 PM
It seems like the lock up is a bit slow, but I am not sure if this is due to the poor re-finish job. I will try to contact Cogan and see what can be done.


Give these folks a call. If the gun is OK mechanically and just needs refinishing, the cost should be around $550 for EN or Hard Chrome .... plus the cost of shipping.

https://apwcogan.com/