Chrome Bumpers HELP!!!!

[60n60Apache]

1960 Chrome.
Do I rechrome the original bumpers or reproduction ones will do?

How crazy will it be to get fresh paint and go with patina chrome.
The trim I have is not reproduce.
Just asking.

[doobiebro]

Depends on the condition of your bumpers and how much you willing to pay for chrome plated? My bumpers where beat up pretty bad so I bought the front and rear bumpers on sale at Brothers (with lifetime warranty on chrome) 5 years ago and haven't had no problems or issues at all! Every year I put on a good coat of wax just for protection since I have it under a car port...

[lenguini]

Originally Posted by 60n60Apache

1960 Chrome.
Do I rechrome the original bumpers or reproduction ones will do?

How crazy will it be to get fresh paint and go with patina chrome.
The trim I have is not reproduce.
Just asking.

Personally,I would re-chrome the originals.The reproduction bumpers are half the wait and all made overseas.When I started my build I did not know any better had ordered a set,received them,and immediately returned them !

[Hx16457]

Agreed, if you are looking for OEM strength - re-chrome!

If you want just the sharp look of chrome with very little strength - by new chrome bumpers

I have the new chrome bumpers..... But I do not ever want to use them ever for their intended purpose!

So you decide!
The new bolts right back up just like OEM!
Posted via Mobile Device

[vin63]

Originally Posted by 60n60Apache

1960 Chrome.
Do I rechrome the original bumpers or reproduction ones will do?

If you don't use your original bumpers, I'll take them and pay for the shipping and boxing/packaging.

Seriously, I would re-chrome the originals.

[chevyrestoguy]

Agreed. If you had your bumpers next to a pair of re-pops you would be amazed at the difference in weight and stamping quality. Most aftermarket bumpers I have seen look like they sanded them with 80 grit and ran them through the tank one time. The aftermarket bumpers have a blackish cast to the chrome finish, where the originals had a blue-ish cast. I know that sounds goofy, but that's how I can spot them.

Always re-chrome your originals, but be prepared when you see the price. Quality plating isn't cheap.

[markeb01]

The color/quality difference is one of the factors that deterred me from chroming my front end. Just to chrome a GMC grille (I’d have to provide) would cost a fortune and result in a show quality appearance. After that expense I could only afford reproduction bumpers and guards. Having the new and old parts next to each other would really highlight the disparity in the finishes.

Show chrome uses copper under the nickel to create the beautiful show finish. Cheap chrome doesn’t use copper at all. Some advertise “Triple Nickel” plating, as it sounds a lot like “Triple Chrome Plating”. Triple Chrome Plating is copper, nickel, chrome. Triple nickel means you’re getting an industrial chrome finish. Although it can be done nicely, it will never look like plating with copper underneath.

I and probably most others would prefer rechromed original components, but if I could get everything to match I would have to go for reproduction parts because good chrome plating is just too far outside my budget.

And I’m not griping about the cost, copper is expensive as is all the hand labor and multiple processes involved in chrome plating. Add on the government restrictions and regulations over plating companies, and we’re lucky any of them remain in business.

One note – with reproduction bumpers go easy when attaching the bolts. My rear bumper is reproduction and I easily dimpled the bolt holes with a half inch ratchet because I’d never experienced one so flimsy before.

[60n60Apache]

Thanks guys for the response.
I'm now having the body worked and painted.
The money is not coming in as fast as it is leaving.
Thinking about putting the original chrome back on and rechrome later.
(maybe)

Work is being done by 198 Collision.
Ronnie produces awesome work.

[Old Bleu]

Wow, glad to hear you're using 198 Collision! He is a member here, and I'm just a few miles away from his shop. I'll be paying him a visit soon. Lugnutz65 recommends a chrome shop up in Tenn. and I think I will be using them when I finally get around to getting my bumpers re-chromed. I thought I was going to get a deal on them from a guy at church until he told me $500 per bumper. Ouch!

[60n60Apache]

Old Bleu,
Yeah, 500.00 sound about right.
Won't be no time soon.

[63burban]

I use Keystone plating in MN, they are probably the best for show chrome. I have had a lot of bumpers done for customers, never had a complaint.

[1963c-10]

I was quoted $400 a bumper here in Fayetteville NC a few months ago and now the show is closed out.