Here is the deal as it now stands for the Ariel nameplate.

Summarizing the situation so far, Bristol Bronze is producing the bronze nameplate. They have produced six, all of which are sold. They are producing another batch, and I am told it will be two weeks before the next batch is ready.

I have worked with Precision Plating in Chicago on other Ariel parts and he has done a very good job. Off the top of his head he has told me that it will cost about $10.00 each to have the nameplates plated in copper, nickel and finally chrome (as Bristol Bronze recommended). Bristol Bronze (BB) also said that if the chrome plating was a matte finish, it would look like the originals a few weeks after leaving the Pearson factory. The blue paint on the flag will have to be painted on separately.

So here is the plan if you want to have nameplates chromed at this time in this batch (the minimum batch price is $50.00).

1. Order your nameplates RIGHT NOW from BB. The part number is BB4902. BB's phone number is 401-625-5224. That way he will know how many to make in the next batch, and you will not find out too late that you missed this run. They are $55.00 each.

2. Let me know as soon as you order from BB that you plan to send in your plates for plating (that way I know the number of namplates that will be plated, so can get a firm quote. My email is theis@owc.net.

3. I will take four of the nameplates to Precision so they can see them and confirm the price. The plated nameplates will have three coats of plating - copper, nickel and matte chrome. As for the blue flag, at this point, you will have to paint that on yourself.

4. I will get back by email to all those that want plates chromed with the confirmed price.

5. Nameplate delivery. There is a bit of fluidity at this point. When you order from BB, you might want to delay their delivery to you. Ideally, once the price and quantity get squared away, BB should ship directly to Precision. If you want to see them first before chroming, then you should ship to Precision. I'll give you instructions later, but at this point, unless you want to see the bronzed version, ask BB to hold pending delivery instructions.

6. As for payment, hopefully that will be handled by Precision, but instructions there will have to wait until the deal is finalized with Precision .

7. Timing. This is a batch job at this point (I might be able to work something out with Precision so that they can be subsequently done a couple at a time ). I need to know all those that intend to have their nameplates chromed in the next two weeks (by March 8, 2002). That means your order must have been placed with BB and be available from the next batch.

In that period of time, I would hope to have a confirmed price on the plating.

I will wait until BB's next batch is done (about two weeks) - and perhaps a week longer - and then it is GO for those that have nameplates at Precision.

IMPORTANT: This is a voluntary effort. There is nothing in this for me other than helping others. I'll do the best I can, but I am not taking on any responsibility for anything. I will do the best I can but any loss, goof ups, complaints, whatever is at your own risk. I am not the BB/Precision complaint department.