Hi Colin, I had a very similar experience, when I was building in the Poughkeepsie N.Y. area in the Early 80's. I had a frame plated and when I received it, the plater forgot to drain the acid from the chain stays so when I picked it up the acid ran down the main tubes and striped the chrome free. I took it back to him and asked him to repair the plating, he said he'd take care of it. Oh he took care of it! He striped the the plating and the brazing material from the lugs, so I called the purchaser and showed him the frame and told him I would build him a new frame,but with no plating, that was the last time I even thought of plating.
Anthony Mezz
Mezzatesta Custom Cycles
Cranberry Twp. PA. 16066
http://www.mezzatestacustomcycles.com