mrvette

From watt little I have read, it's a commom problem, seems a bit strange, so the question is WHY?? are there variations in the plastic/glass that makes the need for the bumpers made these daze to be wider on the end wraps??

so the issue is, just what would it take to get one that fits correctly??

and since the EPA has all but outlawed chrome shops, I understand the prices are outta site....

SO, I have an older bumper with bad chrome, the one on the car is nice enough, but too wide....
AS I RECALL from years ago, the old bumper fit better....but ASSuming I can get the bad one bent/welded I can then get it powder coated....same for rear....
butt I am willing to stick with chrome, ASSuming a decent affordable solution can be found....

Rescue Rogers

There are chrome companies around still, but yes they are pricey. Someone here cut out the center bend, shortened and straightened it, then welded and chromed it. I came out nice

derekderek

Can you set the old bumper on top of the new one and see whether or not the width is the same?

DUB

From first hand experience I had to go through about 4 new chrome front bumpers until got one to fit correctly. All of the three previous bumpers were drastically different due to how the supports that are welded into the bumper that hold it on were not correctly welded in place.

Some of the outer threaded mounts were spaced out from where they should so the ends of the front bumper would stick out very far...while the other side that had the mount fully seated and welded in place wrapped around the body and fit perfect.

DUB

JoeMinnesota

mrvette... My rear bumpers were badly pitted and, while I have not cut corners on my car, I just couldn't justify the cost of new parts or the cost to re-chrome. I bought a pair of cores in a bit better shape and had them powdercoated. If your front is damaged, I would search for a used "original core" and have it powdercoated. I realize it is not show quality, but mine is a driver and I figure someday I will invest if I really want the chrome back.

These are finished in "chrome powdercoat":

mrvette

I had that sneaky thought in back of my mind.....and now I KNOW it's the way to go....cool beans.....

so to pick a decent day this winter in north Florida, and take the front bumper off and check the fit of the old one hanging up on the wall, and then maybe a trip to my welder buddy, and go from there.....

derekderek

Maybe they should sell noses in various widths to match the bumper we have...

DUB

..........

DUB

JoeMinnesota

Just be aware - with the powdercoat - it is not as durable as a chrome finish. The underside (in the case of rear bumpers) will discolor over time from exhaust gases, but it isn't really visible. You also should not use bug/tar remover or any other chemicals or it might break down. I wax mine and clean it with quick wax spray as needed. If you coat the front bumper and it gets buggy, you will want to clean it with soap & water and keep wax on it. Still a decent alternative to lots of $$ in chrome for a driver.