The options are either buy the reproduction frames or have the originals rechromed.  The only negative I've ever heard about the reproductions are sometimes the hole for the vent window is slightly too small and needs to be reamed out with a drill bit. 

In the interest of time I'm building two completely new vent window assemblies for my car using all reproduction parts (except the stainless trim that completes the long (rear) leg of the vent window triangle; these are not available separately, and the cost of the complete reproduction vent windows was IMO absurd, especially when I already had a handful of the new parts fro before I decided to just replace everything).  Plus, I wanted date coded glass, not the generic stuff the complete assemblies come with.  The idea is that the car won't have to be down nearly as long as if I'd had to remove the vent windows, strip the frames, and send them out for replating. 

Some of the parts were backordered, so I'm still waiting for one frame and a couple other odds and ends that should be shipped this week I believe.  From inspecting the parts I've received they appear to be of decent quality.  If he wants to wait and see how mine went together hit me back in about a month and I'll give you a full rundown if I don't just start a thread about it. 

No problem, I'll probably do a write up on it anyway, but I'll be sure to let you know when I get the rest of the stuff and have a chance to put them together.

IMO if you're not on a time schedule I would restore the originals.  Take them apart, have the chromed parts rechromed, and polish the stainless parts.  Reproduction parts are only ever at best close to OEM quality.  Fit, finish, and durability will almost always be better with OEM.  The sticking point for me with the repros actually hasn't been the frames, but that I can't seem to find a piece of RH vent window glass that is actually curved properly like the originals.  I got a piece for the LH side that's right, but three different attempts on the RH side and still haven't found a good quality replacement. 

Agree with restore the originals.  After rechrome, homebrew polish on the stainless (spent a week doing all my own), new seals and new glass I still have less invested...not counting my time...than re-pops and they look and fit fantastic, as they should.

BB1