I'm in the same boat. I have parts that need to be re-chromed and yes those so-called "chrome" paints look like sh*t.
There is a company in Michigan that does re-chroming, or at least that is what it is called. On plastic trim, it is a process called Vacuum Metalizing. The metal is in fact pure aluminum that is vaporized and applied in a vacuum. Don't ask me for the actual process, but in a nut shell, that is what is done. On metal die-cast, it has to be chrome plated, which is a lot more cash. Try Googling Vacuum Orna-Metal or
www.vacuumorna-metal.com I got a quote for the center trim panel to be totally refinished for about 180 bucks, or about the same as a re-pop from NPD etc.
As in my case, there is no original "chrome" around the speedo and idiot lights, I decided to forgo the chrome look and go with all SEM trim black on the 'modified with Bosch gauges' center panel that is yet to be installed. It actually looks quite good. I did a center console as well sans chrome. In my Plain Jane car, it dose not look out of place. I say this because it offers another option if yours is not a concour car.
Geoff.