Front/Rear Bumper -- Buy new or rechrome existing?

[sac2dude]

Just looking for the opinions of those more experienced than myself!

The previous owner had installed a tow hitch on my Challenger conv., hence the rear bumper has some "holes" in it.   The front bumper is okay, but could use some cleanup work.   SO the question is: start over and buy a new set, or have them fixed and rechromed?   I've found a replacement set (front/rear) on themoparshop.com for about $520... but I have no idea how the quality holds up...

Thanks!

[Topcat]

Whats your level of restoration?
Driver or show car?
Is your OEM one in decent shape?
Get some estimates for re-chrome at your local plater would be an good alternative.

The reproductions really don't have that deep blue fresh chrome look. In fact, I have one and can see grind marks under the plating.
 
There's a vendor (can't remember their name off hand) that shows at Carlisle and does bumper exchanges. Others have said they are of good quality.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

As Topcat asked, what is your level of restoration?

When you get down to it, the cost of re-chroming will be as much as buying reproduction bumpers, if not more. There is a local guy here that wants $325 to re-chrome a bumper. So your budget comes into pay here too.

[sac2dude]

Not showroom.  It's an original \6 car that I've modified to a 440 sixpack clone, but the intention was to be a nice weekend driver and looker as opposed to a show contestant.  Example:  It still uses the 22" radiator, there's no skid plate on the K frame, I had some subframe connectors welded in to keep the flex down, etc.

Probably my best bet is too checkout local vendors, since my big fear is ordering "new", sight unseen, and then kicking myself if I'm disappointed in the quality.

Anybody have chrome shop recommendations for the Sacramento, CA.  area?   Beats traversing the ad listings and calling each, one by one.

[73Chally]

Price your local chrome shops.  I live outside Dallas and got my front and rear bumpers, plus the rear bumperettes done for $225, and they look great.  Ask around at car shows to see who people use.  As for your question, I say get the originals redone.

[Topcat]

Not showroom.  It's an original \6 car that I've modified to a 440 sixpack clone, but the intention was to be a nice weekend driver and looker as opposed to a show contestant.  Example:  It still uses the 22" radiator, there's no skid plate on the K frame, I had some subframe connectors welded in to keep the flex down, etc.

Probably my best bet is too checkout local vendors, since my big fear is ordering "new", sight unseen, and then kicking myself if I'm disappointed in the quality.

Anybody have chrome shop recommendations for the Sacramento, CA.  area?   Beats traversing the ad listings and calling each, one by one.

You can try:
Faith Bumper Service in Santa Clara.
Ask for Brian sales manager.
408-986-1226

www.faithbumperservice.com

I'm almost positive they do re chroming for bumpers.

[sac2dude]

Thanks!

[cv70chall]

I'm considering purchasing a set of reproduction front/ rear bumpers and want to know if anyone else has purchased them and if so- how they like the quality and fit.
They're offered through AMD (I know they sponsor!) but I'm told they have "small grinding scratches" in the surface.

Thoughts?

My originals are painted body color, so I'm unsure if it's worth having them stripped/ cleaned and re-chromed.

Thanks-

[anlauto]

You want to contact David or Jonathan at Roseville Moparts and order Keystone bumpers. They are the best available on the market

[cv70chall]

I just did. Thank you! Got the Keystone models.
They were VERY helpful.

Spoke with a local plating shop here- and they insisted I tell them off of what model car they are- even though it should not have mattered.
They quoted me $900 each.
Yikes!

[js29no]

$900.00 each!! were they plating them in gold?

[anlauto]

$900.00 each!! were they plating them in gold?

That's average for here in Ontario...usually more if they need work. Bumper guards are extra $150/each

[YellowThumper]

$900.00 each!! were they plating them in gold?

Nope just the California government regulations kicking in. Any company with chemicals gets hit hard with overlapping agencies. Even opposing directives. One wants controls one way and another wants controls another way. My brother owns a circuit board company.
Gotta pay for all those who choose not to work.. oh and federal retirements.  But that's for another forum thread...

[js29no]

I just sent A 72 la manse and 78 nova bumper to A place in Syracuse NY at $400.00 each. 8 week turnover!

[cv70chall]

I ordered a set of Keystone bumpers and hardware from Roseville.
I'm sure I'll be happy with them- and - at waaay less cost.