[C2] Bumper Rechrome
09-03-2018, 07:24 PM
#1
Bumper Rechrome
I received a rechrome quote of $485 per bumper for my '67 Vette (Yikes!!) from Custom Plating Specialists in Wisconsin. Can anyone give me a fair market value for chrome work? I know you can buy new bumper for $500 so this quote seems high.
Also, Is there anyone repuatable in Michigan? Has anyone used McDowell Enterprises in Elkhart, IN? They quoted me $100 minimum and I don't feel comfortable proceeding without a har quote.
Thanks,
Greg
Also, Is there anyone repuatable in Michigan? Has anyone used McDowell Enterprises in Elkhart, IN? They quoted me $100 minimum and I don't feel comfortable proceeding without a har quote.
Thanks,
Greg
09-03-2018, 08:36 PM
#2
Team Owner
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First, new bumpers are reproductions and are routinely panned here.
Prices vary from area to area. FWIW, shipping can be cheaper than expensive local shops - expand your search box.
Also, do a quick and easy search of this forum - this question comes up with regular frequency.
Prices vary from area to area. FWIW, shipping can be cheaper than expensive local shops - expand your search box.
Also, do a quick and easy search of this forum - this question comes up with regular frequency.
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beavispkp (09-04-2018)
09-03-2018, 10:09 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
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2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
I received a rechrome quote of $485 per bumper for my '67 Vette (Yikes!!) from Custom Plating Specialists in Wisconsin. Can anyone give me a fair market value for chrome work? I know you can buy new bumper for $500 so this quote seems high.
Also, Is there anyone repuatable in Michigan? Has anyone used McDowell Enterprises in Elkhart, IN? They quoted me $100 minimum and I don't feel comfortable proceeding without a har quote.
Thanks,
Greg
Also, Is there anyone repuatable in Michigan? Has anyone used McDowell Enterprises in Elkhart, IN? They quoted me $100 minimum and I don't feel comfortable proceeding without a har quote.
Thanks,
Greg
I had mine re-chromed from Paragon Corvette in Michigan. They did a great job and the turnaround time is 10-12 weeks. They charged $325 a bumper. Shipping is not cheap so try to ship both bumpers together like I did.
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beavispkp (09-15-2018)
09-03-2018, 10:11 PM
#6
Three years ago I paid $400.00 per corner. Rechrome is the way to go if you have original bumpers. Please do yourself a favor and go to CF1&2 Archives and you will have ALL the in-depth information on this subject for your decision and piece of mind. You will be very glad you did.
09-03-2018, 10:17 PM
#8
Race Director
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C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
And I actually doubt they did the rechroming themselves. They likely farmed it out and added $100. per bumper for their time.
Last edited by 68hemi; 09-03-2018 at 10:18 PM.
09-03-2018, 10:28 PM
#9
https://www.ogdenchrome.com/
09-03-2018, 10:42 PM
#10
Team Owner
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09-03-2018, 10:50 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
So, no, you have no first hand experience. Enough said. 
My 65 had the typical 70's front bumper removal. I purchased new brackets and bumpers from Paragon (they have the original GM tooling) and everything bolted up and lined up perfectly. As far as rechroming, I pay $250 a corner for bumpers, triple plated with a lifetime warranty.
My 65 had the typical 70's front bumper removal. I purchased new brackets and bumpers from Paragon (they have the original GM tooling) and everything bolted up and lined up perfectly. As far as rechroming, I pay $250 a corner for bumpers, triple plated with a lifetime warranty.
Last edited by 1snake; 09-03-2018 at 11:00 PM.
09-03-2018, 11:04 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
Greg, I think you may find some useful information regarding rechroming or not to rechrome bumpers in this recent thread...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-original.html
Good luck... GUSTO
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-original.html
Good luck... GUSTO
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beavispkp (09-15-2018)
09-04-2018, 12:09 AM
#13
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My 65 had the typical 70's front bumper removal. I purchased new brackets and bumpers from Paragon (they have the original GM tooling) and everything bolted up and lined up perfectly. As far as rechroming, I pay $250 a corner for bumpers, triple plated with a lifetime warranty.
In contrast, when I needed chroming done on my ‘69 I was told the repros for the early cars were imported and awful from everyone and stay far away. I took my bumpers down to St Louis Plating, a place I’ve used for decades, and they did a beautiful job on them.
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; 09-04-2018 at 12:14 AM.
09-04-2018, 12:16 AM
#14
Safety Car
I got quoted $395 a bumper including any repair work out of Houston. Also thinks he can repair my shifter console.
09-04-2018, 06:02 AM
#15
Team Owner
I think the thread is about rechroming original bumpers and $400/piece seems to be close to the average, $250/bumper for show chrome is a helluva deal.
Virginia Vettes does them for less (and more quickly) but that's more of a "car cruise" level and not flawless show chrome. I had VV rechromed pieces on my 61 and was very satisfied and now on the rear of my 63 (from the previous owner)....the front bumpers on the 63 were done by Space Coast Plating - one of the high end shops in Florida. Frankly - I don't see the difference between the two sets...but I don't have the best eyes for such things.
On my '61 I could see the difference when parked beside a '62 restomod with blindingly perfect rechromed pieces in a side-by-side comparison...
As to the repros:
I think the Paragon reproductions got lumped in a few years back with some low quality overseas parts and the whole reproduction market got a bad rap for a while.
Read this from somebody that's been to Paragon, seen their process in person and tooling first hand, knows what he's talking about,shares pictures of his visit, and can dispel the rumors:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1596235499
Virginia Vettes does them for less (and more quickly) but that's more of a "car cruise" level and not flawless show chrome. I had VV rechromed pieces on my 61 and was very satisfied and now on the rear of my 63 (from the previous owner)....the front bumpers on the 63 were done by Space Coast Plating - one of the high end shops in Florida. Frankly - I don't see the difference between the two sets...but I don't have the best eyes for such things.
On my '61 I could see the difference when parked beside a '62 restomod with blindingly perfect rechromed pieces in a side-by-side comparison...
As to the repros:
I think the Paragon reproductions got lumped in a few years back with some low quality overseas parts and the whole reproduction market got a bad rap for a while.
Read this from somebody that's been to Paragon, seen their process in person and tooling first hand, knows what he's talking about,shares pictures of his visit, and can dispel the rumors:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1596235499
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 09-04-2018 at 06:59 AM.
09-04-2018, 06:45 AM
#16
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So, no, you have no first hand experience. Enough said.
My 65 had the typical 70's front bumper removal. I purchased new brackets and bumpers from Paragon (they have the original GM tooling) and everything bolted up and lined up perfectly. As far as rechroming, I pay $250 a corner for bumpers, triple plated with a lifetime warranty.
My 65 had the typical 70's front bumper removal. I purchased new brackets and bumpers from Paragon (they have the original GM tooling) and everything bolted up and lined up perfectly. As far as rechroming, I pay $250 a corner for bumpers, triple plated with a lifetime warranty.
09-04-2018, 08:24 AM
#17
Safety Car
A couple of ‘63s ago, a few years back, I needed to either chrome my bumpers or buy new for my roadster. I’ve always been of the opinion that you try to use your original bumpers for correct fit. However, a good friend of mine who was in the business told me what Snake says here... that Paragon has the original GM tooling for 63-67 Corvette bumpers and to not be afraid to buy their repros... that they were top shelf. I bought 4 Paragon bumpers and they bolted right up and worked out beautifully. It was a few years ago, and I’m sure they are more expensive than they were, but if they are selling the same product, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them again for my car today. If they are not producing the same product, then that would be different.
In contrast, when I needed chroming done on my ‘69 I was told the repros for the early cars were imported and awful from everyone and stay far away. I took my bumpers down to St Louis Plating, a place I’ve used for decades, and they did a beautiful job on them.
09-04-2018, 12:08 PM
#18
Thanks for the help!
09-04-2018, 12:09 PM
#19
Three years ago I paid $400.00 per corner. Rechrome is the way to go if you have original bumpers. Please do yourself a favor and go to CF1&2 Archives and you will have ALL the in-depth information on this subject for your decision and piece of mind. You will be very glad you did.
Thanks!
09-04-2018, 06:43 PM
#20
chrome plater
I received a rechrome quote of $485 per bumper for my '67 Vette (Yikes!!) from Custom Plating Specialists in Wisconsin. Can anyone give me a fair market value for chrome work? I know you can buy new bumper for $500 so this quote seems high.
Also, Is there anyone repuatable in Michigan? Has anyone used McDowell Enterprises in Elkhart, IN? They quoted me $100 minimum and I don't feel comfortable proceeding without a har quote.
Thanks,
Greg
Also, Is there anyone repuatable in Michigan? Has anyone used McDowell Enterprises in Elkhart, IN? They quoted me $100 minimum and I don't feel comfortable proceeding without a har quote.
Thanks,
Greg
