To Rechrome or not to Rechrome?

[sixpack_sid]

I have a straight front bumper from my 68 Charger but the chrome is REALLY Worn! I live in PA. Is it cheaper to rechrome my old one or buy a new one?

[sixpack_sid]

here's a pic.

[BulletMan]

If the bumper fits well, I would consider re-chroming. My 2 cents.

[jaak]

Rechroming the original would be nicer, but a repo will be cheaper. I got mine for 315 from 521restorations, and a local chrome shop wanted 475 to rechrome my original bumper, and I can't exactly remember something like 50-60 each for the bumper guards.

Jason

[ODZKing]

Well, we have a place here that runs a winter special.  I got both my 73 Charger bumpers done for $304 each.  $52 each for the guards.
Mom & Pop shop, been doing bumpers and chrome for 40 years.  Heck they just started taking credit cards, their son talked them into it.  They did my 67 bumpers also.
Anyway, my point ... rechrome unless they're rotted.  You never know what you're going to get if you buy someone elses cores.  My 

[Musicman]

Good to know Bob, since one or both of mine are probably going to be redone this winter 

[Nacho-RT74]

when I can to restore an original part, I RESTORE THE ORIGINAL PART

[sixpack_sid]

Thanks for the replies! That being said, anyone know of a good place to go and get my bumper rechromed? I live in PA. Also, how much does it cost? I've heard it's expensive.

[ODZKing]

I Do know Paul's is expensive.  They do good work but it will cost ya!
There must be a couple places around you.  If not here is Sandys #.  See what it will cost to ship?
Sandy's Bumper
120 Wall Street
Syracuse, NY 13204-2182
(315) 472-8149
If you call, ask for Tony.

[bill440rt]

If you're on a budget, building a decent show/cruise car and can put up with less than par chrome, the repros are a decent bang for your buck & will be cheaper on average vs rechroming your original. I think I paid about $250 per bumper. They're not bad, but I'm not 100% thrilled. Once day I may rechrome them so they are straighter.

If you want top-notch chrome, either Martin's Chrome in Philly or Paul's Chrome. You WILL pay thru the nose, but the chrome work is show quality.

All-Bright here in Newark is OK, & Frankford Plating in PA is also good.

[sixpack_sid]

I've heard of Pauls and their prices. I'm just looking for a decent bumper, nothing show quality, so I think I'll take bill440rt's advice and look for a repro bumper. Thanks for the advice!

[dodgechar]

  dont know how bad off,  but sometimes a  000 steel wool and elbow grease  like crazy,  cleans up chrome well.  dont use anything less than 00.

[Nacho-RT74]

Thanks for the replies! That being said, anyone know of a good place to go and get my bumper rechromed? I live in PA. Also, how much does it cost? I've heard it's expensive.

I bet You'll get a lighter car now LOL

[1BAD68]

If you have more time than money like me, you could do what I'm doing.
My bumpers are pretty bad, dull, rusty, pitted but straight.
Started with 220 grit sand paper followed by 380. Then wet sanded with 600 grit.
I still need to go 1500 then 2000 grit and then my bumpers should be really nice.
These pictures are after a quick buff with jewelers rouge after the 600 grit.

[1BAD68]

There are some very small dings here and there but they will look like nice survivors.
My bumpers were worse than the one in your picture, in fact I painted them silver awhile ago thats how bad they looked.

[sixpack_sid]

My bumper looks "worn" away in spots where water would run down off the side of the fender over time. It looks like the chrome is gone. Can steel wool or sanding bring back the shine? Or does it need to be rechromed? I don't think there is much pitting and the bumper is straight. I'm mainly concerned about these "water spots" on the bumper. You can see it in the pic at the top of the page if you look at the left side.

Thanks for the replies!

[1BAD68]

Mine was just like that right below where the fender and hood meet on both sides.
I basically ended up sanding the chrome off so what you see in my pictures is just polished steel.
It takes a bit of work but its not hard to do and to me it looks "right" because my car isn't a restoration.