VintageSteelEU

I won't be able to go this route. I've been quoted $250 or so for chrome plating a fork recently. I'd assume smaller bits would be cheaper but getting them in better shape might still be more cost effective. As much as I'd like to bring something old and clunky back to life, I can't do it at any price.

QUOTE=Andrew R Stewart;22277638]I will comment on your qualifications of a workshop. You get to have low weight, high strength or low cost but only two, not all three at the same time. Why would a worker discount their time/skills/tools for you? Why would you want someone who can't run their business well enough to let them pay their bills? Your plan isn't a cookie cutter service and has all kinds of time pits along the way. Knowing this and having an in depth discussion about what is expected and doable at what estimated cost is essential to avoid a bad result. Remember the more you want to micro manage the worker then more they will be bothered and the less they will likely want to do for you. Andy[/QUOTE]

I'm afraid you misunderstood my requirements and intentions. I have no objections paying decent money for a job well done. I'm not asking for discounts or special treatment. But in London you are as likely to find a person who will do a good job as someone who has no clue what they are doing (or doesn't give a damn) and asks for crazy money. I'm asking people here if they had experiences of the first kind and if they can point me in the right direction. Because reading reviews on Google maps or opinions on the company website is a moot point. I'm happy to have a discussion with a metalworker if I know they have been recommended by someone. Though as for my "instructions" it's about as involved as "here's the derailleur plate, screws and headset cups and nuts. Would you be able to sand blast them over the next month or two and how much would it cost?". I'm not the kind of person who would be interested in telling anyone how to do their job.