All turnaround times are estimates only and subject to change.

Our average turnaround time is about 5-6 months for whole handguns, and 8-9 months for whole long guns. Many partial gun projects can be completed in 6-12 weeks. There are many factors that go into a specific project's turnaround time estimate. An individual turnaround time estimate can be provided once your project is received and your intake paperwork has been completed.

FORD’S RECOMMENDS USING UPS OR FEDEX FOR ALL SHIPMENTS. Each shipping company has their own policies regarding firearm shipments. Shipping companies may call or email to request Ford’s FFL if needed.  FFLs cannot be given to individuals. 

UPS Shipping: 

Ford's Custom Refinishing  

6843 N. Citrus Ave Bldg 6  

Crystal River, FL 34428 

FedEx or USPS Shipping:

Ford's Custom Refinishing  

6843 N. Citrus Ave Unit H 

Crystal River, FL 34428 

From an Individual: 

The ATF requires any person who does not own an Federal Firearms Licence (FFL) use a private courier for Handguns (NOT USPS). Long gun can be shipped with any courier.

Handguns/Frame Only : 2 Day or faster with a signature. 

Rifles/Shotguns/Receiver Only : Ground with a signature. 

Enclose your completed work order in the package along with parts to be shipped. Once the project is finished and paid for, it will be returned back to the address provided. 

We HIGHLY RECOMMEND using ShipMyGun.com to ship your firearm. This program is partnered with UPS to ship firearms. You will be able to select “handgun” or “long gun”, search our location using the zip code “34428”, and include the amount of insurance you want on your package. You may put your own name as the transferee. Shipping with this service allows us to ship your project back to you directly instead of an FFL. 

You may use an FFL to ship your project. Please note on your workorder the project is shipping through an FFL, and ensure that the FFL includes a copy of their license in the package. Return shipping must be sent to an FFL for customer pick up. Please be aware of any transfer fees your FFL has to receive a firearm. 

From an FFL Dealer: 

An FFL Dealer may ship any firearm using any courier, such as, USPS, UPS, or FedEx. The work order must be filled out by whomever is authorized to answer questions and provide payment to Ford’s.  If the FFL Dealer is only handling shipping, the owner of the firearm should fill out the work order with their own information. A copy of your FFL must be included in the package along with a contact name and phone number or email for questions.

How To Package Your Firearm: 

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR ITEM IS WELL OILED. Firearms that are rusting or have no finish are prone to rust during transport. Put your items in a sealed plastic bag or wrapped thoroughly to keep Florida humidity from damaging your items. It is unnecessary to use a hard case for shipping handguns: this adds additional weight to your package adding additional charges. You may use a soft case for extra padding. Use an ample amount of bubble wrap or paper to fill the extra space in your box. Make sure there is no movement in your box. For Long Guns we recommend removing your wood to make sure it does not become damaged during transport, or separating the barrel from the receiver. If you cannot remove your wood prior to shipping, a hard case can provide extra protection during transport. You are required to have a signature on all packages that include a frame or receiver; insurance is optional. If you send in a disassembled firearm or parts, enclose a legible parts list. Ford’s is not liable for any missing pieces without a complete parts list.

You are responsible for tracking your package. We will not call you once your package is received. We will contact you to go over your work order if we have questions or concerns. 

All pricing is an estimates only and subject to change. 

Payment is not usually required up front.  Exceptions include, but are not limited to, parts orders, wood work, rust bluing, estimated condition charges, projects estimated over $1000, and flood/fire deposits; See Terms and Conditions for details. 

PAYGO Plans are available upon request on your workorder and must be submitted when projects are received. 

We do not calculate return shipping until we are ready to return your project. We will call you with your final balance including the return shipping once your project is ready to ship back to you. Payment must be made within 2 weeks to avoid storage fees. Payment must be made prior to shipment.

We accept all major cards, Online Invoicing, cash, check, and money order.

We work on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. See the Terms and Conditions for aluminum details.

Pot Metal  or other cheap cast parts will be blasted and cerakoted only. Titanium metal and 416R Stainless will be textured only or cerakoted.

Aluminum outcomes are not guaranteed and do not have any warranty. Firearms are made with different grades of aluminum and arrive to us with different levels of damage, which affects how well the metal can be refinished. Each time aluminum is worked on, the integrity of the metal diminishes until the firearm is unsafe to fire. If the first refinish on your aluminum part does not come out satisfactory, you may choose to have us refinish the piece a second time with cerakote. Pricing will reflect both refinishes. 

Due to their age and fragility, we will only work on aluminum, topbreak revolvers, and Merwin Hulbert style revolvers with a Release of Liabilty. Other firearms may require a Release of Liability after inspection. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

We do not work on grips.

Changes to your work order must be confirmed in writing via email. 

Ford’s Custom Plating reserves the right to stop or refuse service at any time. 

We do not send progression photos or photos upon completion. All projects must be inspected in person. If you have any questions or concerns after you have received your project, please email us. Our warranty information is included in the Terms and Conditions.

If a part does not refinish as expected or we have any concerns during your project, we will reach out for further direction. A photo may be included in this case if needed.

All Ford's finishes are covered by a 1-year warranty except the 24-karat Gold and any aluminum finishes. The 24-karat Gold is a decorative finish and covered under a 7-day inspection period.  Aluminum outcomes are not guaranteed and do not have any warranty. Firearms are made with different grades of aluminum and arrive to us with different levels of damage, which affects how well it can be refinished. Each time aluminum is worked on, the integrity of the metal diminishes until the firearm is unsafe to fire. Charges are not contingent on the aesthetic outcome of the finish and will reflect all work performed on the aluminum.

All parts should be examined upon receipt. Customers have 30 days to function check their firearm. It is the Customer’s responsibility to properly maintain a finish. Normal wear and tear is to be expected and does not fall under warranty. Mishandling is not covered under warranty.  See Terms and Conditions for full details.