Okay, I'm debating on whether or not to replace the bumpers on my 68 or have them rechromed. -Can anyone tell me if they have tried the ones sold by Ames or Classic Ind.?? I read where they didn't match up well. -My next question is...can anyone recommend a reasonable place that does rechroming in the southeast US?? I have had a quote for 300.00 per bumper...That seemed kinda high, or is that about the goin rate??
Any help from the ones who have "been there, done that" would greatly be appreciated.
No personal experience with rechroming, but a guy I work with has a Porsche 914 and he's been searching nationwide for a decent place to get his bumpers done with no luck. He had it done once and it was a disaster - the chrome came off pretty quick. I deal with getting things plated with "engineering chrome" and the decent chrome platers I've been involved with won't bother with plating bumpers because it is tricky (requires layers of Cu, Ni, and Cr), requires large tanks, and there is no money in it. Also, the environmental regs have chased most of the plating to Mexico and elsewhere. I would recommend taking your chances with aftermarket bumpers. I think I have aftermarket bumpers on my 67 since the chrome is beautiful but the front one doesn't seem to fit right, though it might just need some adjusting. Someone else may know of a place that will do a good job? My 2 cents....
I found a guy here in Houston ( 6 yrs ago ,when I did my Studebaker) who does this kind of stuff "after hours", i. e. he works at a place like this in the day , just making some 'snuff money' on the side. He does great work , but you have to take it to his garage and pick up later... Maybe you can find one in your area? My 69 Firebird front bumper was $290 incl. removing some dings....better than new , now 18 mo. ago, I also found anther place in the yellow pages , went and checked him out ,had some Stude parts done there too... He does lots of MC parts....find a place ,call and check and see if someone does MC parts, these guys are very critical of their work I`d re-chrome rather than but a slightly cheaper 'new' bumper...the old stuff will be better in the long run...
I bought a repo from Classic back in 94 for mine it was $129 then and you could not rechrome for anywhere near that. I would rate my repo bumper as excellent. It still looks new today and fit was perfect. I say save yourself time and money and get the repo.
I bought my rear bumper, on my 68, from Ames. Installed last month. They say not show quality on the chrome. I see small flaws but I wasn't looking for perfection. Bumper not as thick and heavy as original, but bolted up fine. Very nice change after 34yr old bumper with rust, dent and my old 90' college sticker on it. Guys from Dayton show said rechrome original front and not to buy new repro. Thumbs up for rear bumper.
Thanks for the replies..I'll probally try this guy down here in Melbourne Fl. and let him redo the front considering the price is not much more. I'm gonna have to consider if the rear is worth spending the extra $$ after I see how the front one turns out. It will be a couple of months before I do this (waitin for the cold weather here in Fl to do projects) but I'll post back with the results for those that may be interested.
in 1980 i ordered a new front bumper from the local pontiac dealer. i had to pay up front because it was a special order.
when it came in a month or so later i told the dealer to shove the bumper... because the chrome was crap. the bottom, under the beak had weak chrome.
a few years later when the pontiac dealer was going out of business my dad surprised me with a bumper. he went to the dealer and asked if they had any 68 firebird parts.
wanna guess what bumper is on my car now. it is NOS.
any tips on installing that back bumper. I got a repro a while back and its been collecting dust waiting to put it on. Been looking for tips, etc to make the install easier before I try it on the new paint! Lot of play between the brackets/car and brackets/bumper. Then it looks like it would be hard to tighten bolts given the clearance between the bumper and the car. I guess I'm looking for the best sequence of installation.
Great looking bird, Karl. On the bumper, I placed both bumpers on 2 trash cans to swap the brackets one at a time. My original brackets still had rubber gaskets on them to prevent some scratches and for seal. Newer bumpers are less weight so a little easier to do self. Maybe use 1 sheet of newspaper and (blue) painters tape to hold in place around contact points. Then line bolts up, hold bumper still and rip paper from bolt before final tightening. Hope that works for you. Don't forget the license plate light wire before removal and plug in.
