Opinion - Chrome Bumpers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Vilonia Arkansas
Opinion - Chrome Bumpers
Do any of y'all have photos of a chrome bumper car with the bumpers painted the color of the car rather than chrome?
I've been thinking about painting my bumpers rather than spending $1,000 to have them rechromed. My thinking is to do it to see what it looks like and if I don't like it, I can always have them chromed.
I've seen lots of Corvette race cars w/o the bumpers attached and they look good. It seems that with the bumpers painted the car color, the lines of the car pop even more.
Another problem that is pushing me to paint them is that the chrome edge of one of my front grills is broken off (tree fell on my shed and got it). It broke cleanly and can be repaired, but I don't how to get the chrome edge rechromed. It would be much easier just to fix it and paint the chrome edge.
Whadda y'all think. Be honest... Ya ain't gonna hurt my feelings.
dw
I've been thinking about painting my bumpers rather than spending $1,000 to have them rechromed. My thinking is to do it to see what it looks like and if I don't like it, I can always have them chromed.
I've seen lots of Corvette race cars w/o the bumpers attached and they look good. It seems that with the bumpers painted the car color, the lines of the car pop even more.
Another problem that is pushing me to paint them is that the chrome edge of one of my front grills is broken off (tree fell on my shed and got it). It broke cleanly and can be repaired, but I don't how to get the chrome edge rechromed. It would be much easier just to fix it and paint the chrome edge.
Whadda y'all think. Be honest... Ya ain't gonna hurt my feelings.
dw
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Do any of y'all have photos of a chrome bumper car with the bumpers painted the color of the car rather than chrome?
I've been thinking about painting my bumpers rather than spending $1,000 to have them rechromed. My thinking is to do it to see what it looks like and if I don't like it, I can always have them chromed.
I've seen lots of Corvette race cars w/o the bumpers attached and they look good. It seems that with the bumpers painted the car color, the lines of the car pop even more.
Another problem that is pushing me to paint them is that the chrome edge of one of my front grills is broken off (tree fell on my shed and got it). It broke cleanly and can be repaired, but I don't how to get the chrome edge rechromed. It would be much easier just to fix it and paint the chrome edge.
Whadda y'all think. Be honest... Ya ain't gonna hurt my feelings.
dw
I've been thinking about painting my bumpers rather than spending $1,000 to have them rechromed. My thinking is to do it to see what it looks like and if I don't like it, I can always have them chromed.
I've seen lots of Corvette race cars w/o the bumpers attached and they look good. It seems that with the bumpers painted the car color, the lines of the car pop even more.
Another problem that is pushing me to paint them is that the chrome edge of one of my front grills is broken off (tree fell on my shed and got it). It broke cleanly and can be repaired, but I don't how to get the chrome edge rechromed. It would be much easier just to fix it and paint the chrome edge.
Whadda y'all think. Be honest... Ya ain't gonna hurt my feelings.
dw
I think you could find a nice set of original bumpers on ebay or craig's list for lass then a grand.
It's your Vette so if you like the painted look then go for it.
Glenn
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Vilonia Arkansas
Thanks guys. I really don't know what I want. If the grill wasn't broken, I'm sure I'd rechrome. I wanna keep these bumpers since they are original to the car and the fit is perfect. I've got plenty of paint since I'm in the middle of painting the car so it won't cost me anything to see what it looks like. I may puke when I see it and if so, it's an easy fix...except for the grill.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
From: deland fl
Paint 'em. It would make it look a little bit more than somewhat like a rubber bumper car which is a good thing. Not really what you wouldn't expect. Boy, am I gonna get beat up for this
Ya'll Enjoy !!!!
Larry
Ya'll Enjoy !!!!
Larry
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi dw,
I can certainly understand the cost factor.
I can only give you a 'temporary' o.k. to paint if you promise to begin saving to have the $$$ for chrome plating.
Regards,
Alan
I can certainly understand the cost factor.
I can only give you a 'temporary' o.k. to paint if you promise to begin saving to have the $$$ for chrome plating.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Vilonia Arkansas
Thanks for the pass Alan! 
Just don't know tho. The more I think, the more I might just bite the bullet and spend the money. BUT, out of sheer curiosity, I might just paint them for grins. Who knows...
Thanks!
Just don't know tho. The more I think, the more I might just bite the bullet and spend the money. BUT, out of sheer curiosity, I might just paint them for grins. Who knows...Thanks!
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
OK OK the race car look is not for everybody. 
The easy way out is to convince you "that's why they are known as the chrome bumper C3s".
What color is your car? Some cars can pull of the painted bumper look (I don't think the red car posted above looks bad but I will be the 1st to admit it does look different). The "Big Block from Hell" Vette Magazine project car is yellow with all the trim blacked out as well as the bumpers and the wheels. The look is not for everybody but I like it. Again it's different but I think in a good way. There is no harm in trying it. You can always go chrome. Just have your flame suit handy before you post any pictures.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 810
Likes: 48
From: West Chester Pennsylvania
Repeat after me... "my name is not Bubba and I won't paint the bumpers"
Everytime that wacky thought enters your head to save a buck, repeat the sentence.
Say it loud. Own it. Heck, get a t-shirt made so people can read it to you.
Now.. IF and it's a big IF.. IF the car were say black and you were going for the Batman sporty blacked out chrome thing.. then MAYBE just MAYBE you'd be a half a Bubba to do it.
But I still say don't do it.
Everytime that wacky thought enters your head to save a buck, repeat the sentence.
Say it loud. Own it. Heck, get a t-shirt made so people can read it to you.
Now.. IF and it's a big IF.. IF the car were say black and you were going for the Batman sporty blacked out chrome thing.. then MAYBE just MAYBE you'd be a half a Bubba to do it.
But I still say don't do it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 820
From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
That red car is gorgeous and almost everyone I know thinks chrome bumpers are way overated but I still have a tough time recommending this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
you got the paint ,so other than labor why not .try it ,take a pic let us see it. think about it and if you want send the bumbers out to be rechromed.i like were the you can see the chrome underneath the color.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Vilonia Arkansas
Now that's an idea I hadn't thought of. Gonna take my rally wheels for powder coating soon and will have to check that out. Thanks guy!
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
If everything is about cost, just go to a few swap meets. You will find passable bumpers and replace your broken grille for a fraction of new and rechromed, and the car will look 1000% times better than painting them.
The red car is hideous and "almost everyone you know" seems to be an odd group compared to the rest of the planet.