Rechrome or replace?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
Rechrome or replace?
The chrome bumpers on our car are all in very good condition except for the one on the left/rear driver's side. There is a section of the chrome surface missing right next to the exhaust. Is that common? Is it better to re-chrome or to replace that side? The rest is good (no dents or scratches) and can be polished/buffed to shine bright again.
I don't know if the quality of replacements are very good or comparable to original bumpers.
If the other bumpers are only polished and buffed it would probably be better to just replace the one side with an original bumper, wouldn't it?
Any thoughts or suggestions?
I don't know if the quality of replacements are very good or comparable to original bumpers.
If the other bumpers are only polished and buffed it would probably be better to just replace the one side with an original bumper, wouldn't it?
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,216
Likes: 4,302
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi C-A,
The fit of reproduction bumpers is OFTEN a problem.
If you believe your car has it's original bumpers, and you're satisfied with the fit, I believe having the originals re-plated by a reputable plater is a good idea.
Regards,
Alan
The fit of reproduction bumpers is OFTEN a problem.
If you believe your car has it's original bumpers, and you're satisfied with the fit, I believe having the originals re-plated by a reputable plater is a good idea.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 115
From: Yelm Wa
I would chrome the one on the car, with the understanding, you may end up plating the other side also (fresh chrome vs nice original can be a noticeable difference).
On the other hand, it may not be noticeable giving the separation between the two of them.
On the other hand, it may not be noticeable giving the separation between the two of them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
I have no idea about the fit of today's reproduction bumpers, but I do agree that the chrome of the re chromed piece may be a good deal brighter than the other bumper. I had all of my chrome parts plated. Difference was night and day.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
Thank you Alan. Yes, original bumpers, great fit etc... We used to have a plating shop about 35 miles from us that I used for my '72 Buick Skylark engine (way too much chrome on that one!) but they have since closed, that's why I asked about the reproduction bumpers. It should be off the lift this week so I can get a better look at things.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,979
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I agree with Alan. I was looking at repro bumpers when I did my '69 and a buddy who owns a Corvette supply wouldnt sell them to me. He knew Id be unhappy. And, from what Ive seen, he was right.
If you restore and replate original bumpers, you know they will re-install exactly the same way. And, I also agree that its risky business trying to do one side. Do them both.
If you restore and replate original bumpers, you know they will re-install exactly the same way. And, I also agree that its risky business trying to do one side. Do them both.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
I agree with Alan. I was looking at repro bumpers when I did my '69 and a buddy who owns a Corvette supply wouldnt sell them to me. He knew Id be unhappy. And, from what Ive seen, he was right.
If you restore and replate original bumpers, you know they will re-install exactly the same way. And, I also agree that its risky business trying to do one side. Do them both.
If you restore and replate original bumpers, you know they will re-install exactly the same way. And, I also agree that its risky business trying to do one side. Do them both.
I want them to be right so we would definitely do both of them on the back so they are the same and polish/buff the front back to a shine.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
Yep, I remember the wait for everything I had chromed several years ago, it was agonizing at times!
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
I agree with the majority here.
I had the owner of a reputable plating shop mention the reason why they prefer the original bumpers is due not only for the fit but the base steel used to form them is better than repros.
As is the case in many projects, a final product is only as good as its foundation.
Also, a good shop can repair broken or bent bumpers then use specific templates to reshape them before replating, thereby returning a product that looks better than new.
I will have my chrome-bumper C3 redone using this logic. The ones for my '72 Z-28 came out looking like jewels. My .02.
I had the owner of a reputable plating shop mention the reason why they prefer the original bumpers is due not only for the fit but the base steel used to form them is better than repros.
As is the case in many projects, a final product is only as good as its foundation.
Also, a good shop can repair broken or bent bumpers then use specific templates to reshape them before replating, thereby returning a product that looks better than new.
I will have my chrome-bumper C3 redone using this logic. The ones for my '72 Z-28 came out looking like jewels. My .02.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
I am also sending all my bumpers and trim out for chrome. Up here in Canada the cost is crazy. $1000 for the front and rear alone. The front uprights and grill trim is another $600 which is way more than knock off ones. My original fit sweet and I love the fresh new look, but the cost and the methods used in Canada make me think. I have found a few places and am not 100% sure what the difference is in Canada for chroming. Anyone out there know? The courier cost to the US is just as crazy.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If you decide to have your bumper chromed again...get them BOTH chromed. Otherwise, it will be very noticible.
And, you might want to verify that you right-side heat riser valve is working...AND verify the setup of your carb. Chrome isn't eaten-off easily; your exhaust is [or was] producing mild nitric acid for that to happen. A very rich condition at idle could be your problem.
And, you might want to verify that you right-side heat riser valve is working...AND verify the setup of your carb. Chrome isn't eaten-off easily; your exhaust is [or was] producing mild nitric acid for that to happen. A very rich condition at idle could be your problem.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 108
From: Phoenix, AZ
superb experience with Virginia Vettes--my rear bumper shows the quality of their work. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
The chrome bumpers on our car are all in very good condition except for the one on the left/rear driver's side. There is a section of the chrome surface missing right next to the exhaust. Is that common? Is it better to re-chrome or to replace that side? The rest is good (no dents or scratches) and can be polished/buffed to shine bright again.
I don't know if the quality of replacements are very good or comparable to original bumpers.
If the other bumpers are only polished and buffed it would probably be better to just replace the one side with an original bumper, wouldn't it?
Any thoughts or suggestions?
I don't know if the quality of replacements are very good or comparable to original bumpers.
If the other bumpers are only polished and buffed it would probably be better to just replace the one side with an original bumper, wouldn't it?
Any thoughts or suggestions?