Rear Bumper ruined by chrome shop - seeking advice for a remedy

[Peters02]

Left my very nice, original rear bumper from my 72 charger with the Chrome Rite - here in NC.
The first time I went to pick it up there was a grinder divot in the middle of it.
The second time there was an area where the chrome did not take.
I left it again.
They just called and said they tried to replate it so many times that they ground holds in the corners.  So much for putting this thing back to 'original'

They are not going to charge me - which is the least they can do.  Not sure what a hole goes for these days, anyway.

a) Any ideas on what a replacement will cost?  I am going to ask that they compensate me the cost of a replacement. 
b) Any thoughts on how to 'force' the issue and actually get them to do the right thing?
c) Suggestions on a good chrome shop are now welcome

Thank you.
Peter

[41husk]

I would have them find another or take them to court for what ever money you end up out.

[ITSA426]

I've had really good luck with Keystone out of Brainerd MN.  There was a really good shop in Dubuque, Iowa but last time I talked to them he told me their tanks are too small for bumpers.  It's been a while though.  Look around there are still a few good shops.

Do NOT use Bumper Boyz.  On the last one they did for me, patch welds were visible on the front and bracket holes didn't line up so they told me to just drill it out.  I had trouble getting my money back and then they charged my credit card two months after they credited the return.  Credit card company refunded my money but you hate to deal with that sort of shop.

I'm not inclined to sue but they might work with you if you can find another core to replate.  They might pay for the core and do the plating, maybe plating at a minimal cost for your inconvenience. It's still going to take some work on your part.  Not fair, not good, but sometimes it just goes that way.

[Aero426]

Bumper Boyz are the HLPAG of plating.

[moparstuart]

Bumper Boyz are the HLPAG of plating.

[richRTSE]

I traded in my old cores for a set of already done bumpers from Tri-City Plating out of Tennessee. That was about 10 years ago, and they still look great. I'd buy from them again.




http://www.tricityplating.com/

[NHCharger]

 

I have Tri-City bumpers on two of my Chargers and a shiny new rear bumper waiting to go on my current project.

[Bobby41909]

I used Tri-City based on comments from this forum.  They rechromed my originals and their work is amazing.  The restoration shop doing my Charger never used them before but added they never saw a set done as nice (they clean up anf finsh the back side too).  Can't go wrong with them.

[Chatt69chgr]

I also used Tri-City Plating in Elizabethton, TN.  Very nice folks.  I told them I wasn't in a hurry and they still called me in 3 weeks to pick them up.  You can take this for what it's worth but I heard that the repops don't have real good plating on them  They supposedly turn blue after a few years.  I don't know if this is really true or not.  I suppose you could buy one of these and have it rechromed.  I'd talk to Tri-City and see what they think first.  But if the Chrome shop you used ruined yours don't they owe you a bumper.  Or do you have to sign some kind of agreement that says if they mess it up it's not their fault?  Seems like they should give you the $$ to buy a repop bumper.  Then you could either use it as is or get someone like Tri-City to replate it.  I looked at Chrome-Rite's website and they are offering show quality plating.  Seems odd that they wouldn't work with you on a solution.

[Old Moparz]

Some places can restore the bumper by sectioning in new metal before plating it, but I doubt it will be cost effective unless you own something rare like a Duesenberg.

Paul's Chrome Plating always has some nice pieces they restored on display at the big swap meets.

http://www.paulschrome.com/

[bobs66440]

I would demand that they replace the bumper, or supply a new rechromed one for the original cost of the plating. They should eat the shipping cost at least.

Paul's Chrome Plating always has some nice pieces they restored on display at the big swap meets.

http://www.paulschrome.com/

I agree. I've used them before and they did a beautiful job.  

[BlueSS454]

Tri City is the way to go for bumpers.  I'll be seeing them in Carlisle this weekend to drop off the bumpers for my 70 Chevelle Convertible.

[resq302]

Tri City is the way to go for bumpers.  I'll be seeing them in Carlisle this weekend to drop off the bumpers for my 70 Chevelle Convertible.

I agree.  We used them for our bumpers on our 70 chally vert and from what I recall, they come with a lifetime warranty for the life of the car.

[billssuperbird]

tri-city for me.

[Bobby41909]

Tri City is the way to go for bumpers.  I'll be seeing them in Carlisle this weekend to drop off the bumpers for my 70 Chevelle Convertible.

I agree.  We used them for our bumpers on our 70 chally vert and from what I recall, they come with a lifetime warranty for the life of the car.

Yes lifetime warranty...you can't go wrong

[Peters02]

Thanks all for the advice.  Got the bumper back and got a bit of money so am gonig to take it to Tri City in a few weeks and hope that they can fix the issues and replate it.  Hopefully I will break even on the whole thing....excluding the aggrevation.


Anyone ever used Advanced Plating out of TN?

Peter