I need to replace the front and rear bumper, I would like to replace it with the original ones, (I will put a request in the parts wanted area) but if one is not available which aftermarket company has the best fit for a 68.
While I haven't purchased any bumpers, I would have to guess that Ames, Classic Industries, and Original Parts Group would be the top 3?
Ames, is kind of loosing their stronghold after changing hands... they just don't have the same relationships with manufacturers as Steve Ames did, and it's starting to show in the industry fast. OPG and Classic are owned by brothers and they are mopving fast to become the best... and it is starting to show.
But... your best bet, is to find a straight original, and have it rechromed if at all possible. Or if the price is right, us a repro to make it a driver, and keep hunting for a good original to redo down the road.
By the way, I'm originally from MN. Hibbing, then Bloomington right near Kennedy High... my oldest brother went there. Then we moved to Apple Valley and then Burnsville... than San Francisco, and now Seattle! Still have a sister in Bloomington.
Welcome to the boards! You'll find a ton of info here!
Thanks for the info, have you heard anything about National Parts depot? Do you think all of these parts houses get there products from just a few manufactures, I can`t imagine that there are that many companies making parts for these cars. Are there any companies to stay away from?
When I purchased a front bumper, there was only one manufacturer which all the vendors use. I will someday have my original staightened and chromed to replace that Tiawanese thing. NPD is a good vendor. I have purchased from them via UPS and even have traveled to their Michigan location to pick up a new quarter.
Although I have never replaced a bumper, I've had good luck with parts from Ames, Performance Years and Classic Industries. Jim is probably right that there is one place supplying all the restoration places.
There is a major difference in parts and where the vendors get them... it just depends on the parts. Some items such as the bumpers, there may only be one or two suppliers to the vendors... other parts such as seals or wiring harnesses or interior parts, like seat foam, covers etc... there is a major difference, and it's a good idea to ask where they are from, and who manufactures them.
Like I said, Ames... being bought out is changing rapidly, and it's starting to show. In some cases they can't get the same deals on the same top notch parts, so they are starting to go with what they can get type of thing... so again... ask all the questions up front.
If you do find a good deal on a bumper, please let us know what you think of fit and finish in the end.
Tri-city plating in Tn does a great job plating bumpers. The don't just throw it in the tank and cover it with chrome, they fix the odd nicks and dings and polish it to a mirror shine before plating. It comes back looking better than new. Cost is around $225 plus shipping both ways.
The repro bumpers I've seen have tooling scrape marks at the license plate cut out. Depending on the rest of your car, a used OEM and replating is probably worth the difference in $. Plus it will fit perfectly.
Replate - that's what I did and couldn't be happier. The repops I've seen also have one end very rough from having the voltage turned up too high. $220 is a bargain for a good chrome job.
I had mine done at MetalBrite in Dayton here: 937.278.9739
I have a good front core and a rear with jack hole damage (could be fixed) if you can't find them elsewhere. PM me if you're interested.
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