Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*Mister-B* · 01-24-2013, 02:48 PM

I saw a chrome front bumper on a 67 at the junk yard that's in decent shape. It's a little dull, and not nearly as shiny as others I have seen, but at least it's not all dented and scratched.

So, is there any hope at restoring it myself, without having it re chromed? Is it even worth it?
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808_67C10 · 01-24-2013, 02:52 PM

yes you can clean it up with some steel wool... rechroming is expensive... I think ordering a new one is cheaper than rechroming, it just depends on the quality you are looking for... but to answer your question, yeah you can clean it up.

*Mister-B* · 01-24-2013, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 808_67C10

yes you can clean it up with some steel wool... rechroming is expensive... I think ordering a new one is cheaper than rechroming, it just depends on the quality you are looking for... but to answer your question, yeah you can clean it up.

I don't need show quality, but I don't want it to look really dull either. You don't think the steel wool will create lots of little hazy scratches?
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**Classic Heartbeat** · 01-24-2013, 03:05 PM

The reason that the chrome shows dull is because the chrome actualy gets microscopic cracks in it giving it a dull appearence. You can shine it up a bit, but you won't be able to make it look new. (didpite what some of these "miracle" products claim...

WES

**Stocker** · 01-24-2013, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister-B

I don't need show quality, but I don't want it to look really dull either. You don't think the steel wool will create lots of little hazy scratches?

Wash it first so you don't rub dirt into the chrome. Be sure to use 0000 steel wool.... it's the finest grade available and won't leave any noticeable scratches. It will also help hide minor rust. If you use 000 or lower, it will scratch.

808_67C10 · 01-24-2013, 03:26 PM

then you can polish it... it wont be great but, you can get some shine out of it.

*Mister-B* · 01-24-2013, 04:09 PM

Sounds good, guys. Thanks for all the suggestions
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**truckster** · 01-24-2013, 04:19 PM

I would use machine oil or WD40 with the steel wool, followed by a chrome polish. GM used to have one that's worked pretty well for me, but I know there are others.

Unless you're planning on spending big bucks on a repop bumper, I've found the fit and finish on the cheaper ones to be less than ideal. I've been looking for a decent OEM bumper for my 72 ever since I put the current repop (from Interstate Auto) on it.

**special-K** · 01-24-2013, 07:31 PM

Sounds like the chrome's shot.

**TBONE1964** · 01-24-2013, 07:56 PM

I have used Mothers Mag and Aluminum wheel polish on chrome bumpers with good result. As others have mentioned, it will never look shiny new again but you can make it look respectable with some time and elbow.

*Mister-B* · 01-24-2013, 08:47 PM

Well, I bought it guys. Got it for $45. It looks like an original chevy part off a '67. It was a bugger to get off, but now that I have, it looks pretty darn repairable. Must have been an old farmer that owned the truck, based off the farmers bureau and State Farm bumper stickers I'll have to remove.

Anyway, I'll put in the work, and then take pics
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**DeadheadNM** · 01-24-2013, 08:49 PM

Absolutely it can done....see my experience here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=495482

01-24-2013, 02:48 PM	#1
Mister-B Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,331	Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored I saw a chrome front bumper on a 67 at the junk yard that's in decent shape. It's a little dull, and not nearly as shiny as others I have seen, but at least it's not all dented and scratched. So, is there any hope at restoring it myself, without having it re chromed? Is it even worth it? Posted via Mobile Device

01-24-2013, 02:52 PM	#2
808_67C10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hilo, Hawaii Posts: 1,051	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored yes you can clean it up with some steel wool... rechroming is expensive... I think ordering a new one is cheaper than rechroming, it just depends on the quality you are looking for... but to answer your question, yeah you can clean it up. __________________ Frank (Hilo, Hawaii) Trucks, Tacos, and Beer go together like Peanut Butter and Ladies! 85 C/10 SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=760383 67 C/10 SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489298 79 K5 Blazer SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=657461

01-24-2013, 03:05 PM	#4
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored The reason that the chrome shows dull is because the chrome actualy gets microscopic cracks in it giving it a dull appearence. You can shine it up a bit, but you won't be able to make it look new. (didpite what some of these "miracle" products claim... WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

01-24-2013, 03:26 PM	#6
808_67C10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hilo, Hawaii Posts: 1,051	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored then you can polish it... it wont be great but, you can get some shine out of it. __________________ Frank (Hilo, Hawaii) Trucks, Tacos, and Beer go together like Peanut Butter and Ladies! 85 C/10 SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=760383 67 C/10 SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489298 79 K5 Blazer SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=657461

01-24-2013, 04:09 PM	#7
Mister-B Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,331	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored Sounds good, guys. Thanks for all the suggestions Posted via Mobile Device

01-24-2013, 04:19 PM	#8
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,882	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored I would use machine oil or WD40 with the steel wool, followed by a chrome polish. GM used to have one that's worked pretty well for me, but I know there are others. Unless you're planning on spending big bucks on a repop bumper, I've found the fit and finish on the cheaper ones to be less than ideal. I've been looking for a decent OEM bumper for my 72 ever since I put the current repop (from Interstate Auto) on it.

01-24-2013, 07:31 PM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored Sounds like the chrome's shot. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-24-2013, 07:56 PM	#10
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,263	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored I have used Mothers Mag and Aluminum wheel polish on chrome bumpers with good result. As others have mentioned, it will never look shiny new again but you can make it look respectable with some time and elbow.

01-24-2013, 08:47 PM	#11
Mister-B Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,331	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored Well, I bought it guys. Got it for $45. It looks like an original chevy part off a '67. It was a bugger to get off, but now that I have, it looks pretty darn repairable. Must have been an old farmer that owned the truck, based off the farmers bureau and State Farm bumper stickers I'll have to remove. Anyway, I'll put in the work, and then take pics Posted via Mobile Device

01-24-2013, 08:49 PM	#12
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,355	Re: Can a chrome front bumper be easily restored Absolutely it can done....see my experience here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=495482 __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland



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