Yeah I have a few dents to bang out still.
I never thought of checking with a repair shop to strip and replate. I suspect there is one in the city somewhere and this would be a cheap job, although I hope it isn't "too small" of a job.
Here's a link to my brothers "how-to" on fixing stainless trim. Your part may not be stainless, but similar process.
http://www.bumpsides.com/stainless/Not sure where you are in California, but maybe five years ago I used "Avenue Plating", I think that was their name, did some nickel plate for me. They are in Redwood City in the bay, did a pretty good job. Nickel plate usually isnt too expensive, chrome gets pricey. If you want to save money prepping the piece saves a lot if you do it right. Your job isnt too small, I was doing similiar size jobs.
There are also spray on chrome-like processes now that are quite good. Im going to have maybe a one foot by 4 inch bezel chrome painted soon, it'll be about $100 but Im doing all the prep. Guy near me does it. It would be crazy expensive to do normal chrome on my piece. Believe its spectra chome or a similiar one,
I know there is a chance that stainless is magnetic, highly doubtful tho, and if it is wont be like steel is magnetic. Compare a piece of steel sheet metal to your piece via magnet to know, although from the picture it looks plated.
