Can A Powder-Coating Place Refinish My Hardware?

Hello TBers,

Recently received this bass via a Reverb transaction.

The bridge and tuners are, as far as I can tell, perfectly functional, but have definitely lost some of their luster over the years.

I'm not in a panic about it, but, I am definitely contemplating eventually replacing the hardware, OR, maybe (hopefully) a more cost-effective solution - getting the existing hardware refinished?

If I were to go with that second option, can anyone tell me what type of business might be able to provide that service? A powder-coating outfit perhaps?

I would think that this would be a cheaper solution than replacing altogether (especially since I think I'd be going with Hipshot stuff if I were to go the replacement route), and less hassle in the sense that I of course KNOW that this existing hardware will fit this bass, no drilling of new holes, etc.

Thoughts?

 

Yeah, I could have taken closer-up pics I suppose...this hardware is far from the worst I have ever laid eyes on in terms of corrosion/dullness, but could definitely use some TLC.

I've actually thought about the soaking-in-vinegar thing, and will likely give that a try before taking it to a chrome or powder-coating place or whatnot.

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

 

Bridge, tuning machines, and associated screws are sitting in vinegar as we "speak"...

Tomorrow after work I'll take 'em out, dry 'em as best I can (paper towel or whatever), then likely place 'em in the furnace room for several hours to hopefully make sure anything left over evaporates out of/off of those pieces.

Then I'll probably spray the whole works with WD-40, wipe that off, and let it all air dry again prior to reinstalling.

Funny side note: after removing the strings and all this hardware, the damn nut popped off - That would probably make a lot of people angry, but in my case it's a bit of a positive - the B-string slot is so rough-looking that I was thinking the nut would need replacing anyways...the fact that it wasn't solidly glued on actually saved me the trouble of trying to remove it without causing damage to anything!

(I'll be hitting the brick n' mortars early this week to see what, if anything, I can find...if nothing pans out that way, I might order a nut, or nut blank, directly from Graph Tech...but feel free to throw suggestions my way...)

 

Just for clarification, yeah - I have decided against taking this stuff anywhere for refinishing. I'll clean it up as best I can put it all back on, and see what transpires.

My second option will be to go with new hardware, even if I don't necessarily NEED it...might take it on as a project at some point. Especially if she turns out to be problematic RE: staying in tune. I'm hoping that won't be the case, but you never know.

The other four basses I own are essentially flawless, and my attitude with those is "if they ain't broke, don't fix 'em", but yeah, this ol' girl needs a bit of work, and I am fine with that - I've been wanting to get more involved with this sort of thing for awhile. It could be awhile down the road yet, but I might at some point start seeking out cheap beater basses for upgrading/project purposes...