I heard that "Virginia Vettes" has a good deal on Rechroming the rear bumpers for a '73 vette. Has anyone on the forum used them? They charge a little under $200 per bumper. Did they do a good job and did you get them back when they said you should. If they are good job, then they sure beat others who charge almost $400+- for the job. Let us all know!

 

Hi m,
I believe that VV sends your bumpers out to a plating company, they don't do the work 'in-house'. I'd ask them for some pictures of examples of that company's work. That way you'll have some idea of what you're bumpers will look like. Sounds like an o.k. price.
Regards,
Alan

 

Funny that this topic came up, as I was just talking to a friend that operates a commercial metal finishing company.

From our discussion here's a question, and some advice, for you....



Do they remove all material from the surface, or do they plate over the existing nickel (probably why they are so much cheaper).


Plating over the existing nickel is not acceptable, as the chrome plating may, or may not, adhere properly.


Get the answer in writing. Get some type of warranty as well.

 

Was thinking of sending them my 3 from my 68 also.

 

Mine were sent last week to Pauls Chroming in PA. Seem to be a professional and quality shop. Will let you know as soon as they give me a price for the rear, front, and two vertical front bumperettes

 

$400 for a single bumper?

Some of you seem to be getting $*-'ed. Had a complete bumper set done for a friend's '66 for $400! This included repairing the front where the original owner drove the car into a ditch and ripped the metal near the support bracket when he hooked a chain to it. They were stripped, repaired, plated with copper and then triple plated - top notch work. Normally he charges $250/set; at least as of a year ago. Some of these shops must be seeing $$$ when they hear the word 'Corvette'.

I don't have pics of the bumpers handy, but here's a pic of a 12si alternator he did for $50.

 

Hi MoS,
Along with VV you may want to consider Librandi in Middleburg Pa., near Harrisburg. They do very nice work at a reasonable price and are quite near you.
Regards,
Alan

 

Here is the pricing from Pauls Chrome Shop. My bumpers are in good drivers condition.

1. Front main bumper $350 - is the original bumper and original chrome with mild discoloration and the very beginning of rust spotting

2. Rear Bumpers $275 each - paragon USA made reproductions from 2002. The just started rust spotting and bubbling but chrome is still nice and shinny

3. Front vertical bumperettes $75 each - paragon USA made reproductions from 2002. The just started rust spotting and bubbling but chrome is still nice and shinny

Expensive...hell yeah. The main issue with different rechroming shops is is it seems like 99% of the time they always look great when they come back and last for several months or longer. The true test is only something time will tell based on conditons like living here in Miami parking the vette on the 7th floor parking garage across the street from the intracoastal where it gets a constant breeze of salt enriched air. Instead of paying a little extra to go with the Paragon GM certified USA made restoration parts I am going to have my stuff redone by Pauls with fingers crossed that they really do all they say they do and 2 years from now I am not cursing at them and myself.

 

I send my Harley Parts to Brown's Plating in Paducah KY. I am sure they do car parts as well as bike parts. I dont think you can find a better plater than Brown's.

 

I also forgot to add that Paul's offers a lifetime guarantee which I have not found anybody else to offer. So if 2~10 years from now they start rusting or peeling they will redo them for free. So my worries are over about who to decide to chrome my bumper since they have a lifetime warranty.