Old Chrome...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 12
From: LAKE BARRINGTON IL
Old Chrome...
Hi guys!,
Was gonna re-chrome all the 69 original chrome, BUT is WAAAYYY cheaper to buy new chrome...so what does one do with all the old chrome/needing to be re-chromed?
thanks,
R
Was gonna re-chrome all the 69 original chrome, BUT is WAAAYYY cheaper to buy new chrome...so what does one do with all the old chrome/needing to be re-chromed?
thanks,
R
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
FWIW: You may want to reconsider having your originals rechromed. The aftermarket reproduction bumpers often have fitting problems and you could be disappointed with the results.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 15
From: Bennington VT
I agree that if all possible, re-chrome the originals. I had to replace my original chrome due to excessive damage on the front and rear and went through 4 sets of reproductions until I found a set that would fit. Paragon was the only maker of true GM restoration OEM bumpers. They bolted right on with no issues.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi F,
I agree that while Paragon produces VERY nice reproduction bumpers, IF the originals are available, they fit well, and they're in decent shape, having them re-chrome plated is a wise choice.
Regards,
Alan
I agree that while Paragon produces VERY nice reproduction bumpers, IF the originals are available, they fit well, and they're in decent shape, having them re-chrome plated is a wise choice.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Rule of thumb, if you get the parts re chromed and the price is cheap the result probably wont last too well. It is easy to put a thin coating of nickel and chrome on a part that will look fine but wont hold up over time.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 12
From: LAKE BARRINGTON IL
yeah...that is what I am seeing.
so mine are very pitted...so both highly recommended chromers recommend copper filling under the triple chrome. cost is 3x as much as purchasing repros...so I can buy 3 of them for ONE re-chrome!....
just crazy how much it is for QUALITY re-chrome.
so mine are very pitted...so both highly recommended chromers recommend copper filling under the triple chrome. cost is 3x as much as purchasing repros...so I can buy 3 of them for ONE re-chrome!....
just crazy how much it is for QUALITY re-chrome.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
I would recommend painting the inside of the likes of the bumpers whether re-chromed or or reproductions, one of the over riders or whatever they are called on the front of my '70 rusted through from the inside even though it had perfect chrome after the PO had them re-chromed. I use a zinc anti rust paint on the inside of these parts after treating them with a rust killing solution if any is present.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Good luck... GUSTO
And I agree with those suggesting painting the insides of the bumpers. I've been doing it for years and the results are worth the effort.
Last edited by GUSTO14; Jun 6, 2014 at 12:30 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va.
Your original question was "what does one do with all the old chrome/needing to be rechromed?" I have to agree with gusto14. There is absolutely a market for your old parts. So if you want, sell 'em. I also agree with the other responses. While most American produced chrome is "triple plated", it is VERY expensive. But you get what you pay for. It will last as long as it is cleaned properly. Good condition chrome needs only Windex or a very mild cleaner. Chrome polish is ONLY for rusted out old chrome. It is very abrasive. That is where a lot of people screw up there chrome. Trying too hard to make it shine. So the choice/question becomes, do I spend, or CAN I spend, the top dollar on new chrome or do I hassle with possibly ill fitting, and poorly chromed (won't last as long) parts. Really just a personal choice unless there are other factors to be considered like COST or future judging/showing of the car for example.
Last edited by Panhead59; Jun 8, 2014 at 08:23 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 12
From: LAKE BARRINGTON IL
Great info!
I am gonna look into rechroming the front & rear bumpers...as for the side covers...will be easier to keep repro. will let you know pricing for bumpers!
Thanks!
Ron
I am gonna look into rechroming the front & rear bumpers...as for the side covers...will be easier to keep repro. will let you know pricing for bumpers!
Thanks!
Ron