Has anyone used any of the new reproduction, "triple chrome plated as good or better than O.E.M. rear bumpers for the 71-72 w/cutouts? I was traded a bad, bent, poorly chromed one-only to find out when I put it on my car how bad it really was! The cost of the repro's seems to be good-about $395.+ 40. shipping. Are they as good or better than the originals? Also, my car has the bumper guards on it--I can't find a measurement in the assembly manual--it looks like they are centered between the closest bumper bolt and the reverse lights--anyone know for sure?--Thanks for the help and the opinions!-Steve

 

Most automotive chrome work is triple plated, first with copper, then with nickel and finally with chromium dioxide (sp?). Kind of mis-leading to advertise "triple chrome plating" as something special.

 

Thanks for the info OldsGuy--good to know--Steve

 

I've been eyeing this post myself to see what others think but there's been no answer to the question regarding the quality of the repro bumpers compared to the OEM. I'm sure there are plenty of folks out there who have purchased repro bumpers. So....how are they?

 

I bought a rear 442 style bumper from original parts group,it fit and looks great. Ialso bought a front bumper from fusick automotive products, it did not fit as good as the rear,the chrome is blotched in a couple small spots. BUT! fusick told me it was not aconcourse quality bumper when i bought it. I would buy both from o.p.g. if I did it again.

 

I bought a 71-72 rear bumper a couple of years ago from USA Parts Supply. It looks and fits great compared to the original, which was damaged from a rear end collision. The only weird thing about it is that it has 2 holes below the license plate that I'm not sure the purpose of. Trailor hitch maybe? Anyway, your bumper guards can only mount in one place, as those holes are predilled as well. Usually a repro is more cost effective as rechroming can be very pricey for a good quality job. For me, I needed a new bumper so my new gas tank would fit right- and it looks good also. Chumley

 

I purchased my front bumper from the parts place. They too say that they are not show quality. However, I have been very happy with it, and it fits and looks good.

 

The repop bumpers have come a long way,since they 1st started making them.They have retooled their stamps in the last few years,& the newest bumpers look even better,BUT they still are not as good as a GM bumper.The plating looks great when you pull it out of the box,but it is NOT the same as you would get from a custom plater.I've had a few customer's cars with these bumpers,& have seen the chrome peel & fade,and these are show-quality cars that are stored inside & well-cared for,not weathered outside.Bottom line,you get what you pay for.If you aren't that picky,they will probably be fine.You also should know that there is a main supplier for all of the vendors out there,meaning they are getting them from the same place.They don't have little elves in the back making bumpers or any other parts.They are a supplier with a building to store it.

 

Recon that the quality of a locally replated bumper would look better than these repop bumpers? Mine are pitted and dinged and will need attention soon.
I have seen a bumper that was locally rechromed and I thought it looked great!

 

Bought mine from Tamraz. Excellent finish and fit. I have no complaints and would recommend them to anyone who asks. BTW, the cost for the trumpet extensions has also come down a lot over the years and they're good quality too. If you're doing the conversion though, you need the special hangers; they're not the typical dual exhaust ones. I paid $395.00 for my bumper + shipping (and it was packed to survive a roadside bomb), $45.00 for the trumpet tips, and $59.00 for the hangers. No issues at all.

 

Rechroming is the way to go, I helped install a reproduction several years ago, and the chrome is showing it's age. Rob, when you're ready to rechrome yours let me know, there's a good chrome shop in east Dallas..

 

I got re pop bumpers too...so far they look great.

 

There is a bracket that holds the license plate ...

DSC03163.jpg

 

Repo bumpers are good but if you can get hands on a good core , Tri Cities Plating can do a great job for just a little more money. They fit and chrome plating is better. I have a repo on my conv and will get my core to Tri City in April at the Charlotte Auto Fair. They will bring it back in Sept. Cost about 450.00