Fandangodrew

So my bumpers aren't bad but they certainly aren't great so i was looking at my options. Got a quote of $350-$400 PER bumper to re-chrome my originals or $548 for BOTH NEW:
rear: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/71-72...ht_4249wt_1167
front: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-...ht_3697wt_1167

I like staying original but hard to say no to the repos when it comes to those prices - also the car wouldn't be off the road for a few weeks while the re-chroming was being done.

Anyone have experience with the seller or with these repos???

Thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated

joe_padavano

That's about the going rate for a proper triple-plate rechrome. Gotta ask yourself why the repros are so much cheaper...

69HO43

Are you going to sell the car soon or keep it? If keeping it, spend the extra 200 or so and get them done right. In 3 years, you'll never miss the money but you'll be happy about the bumpers still.

1971 442 convert

IMO do the originals I can't believe how cheap you guys have it cost me $2000 for both and bumberetts The other thing is you already know they fit .Just IMO.

Higgins

Think I would stick with originals too. If yours were missing or really bad then go with new, but they are an unknown quality. May be thin, not fit right,etc.
Higgins

Fandangodrew

The unknown quality thing is the big question mark, only answer to that I guess is find someone who has used them. If they are thin or fit is off then its a huge mistake. Again, gotta find someone who has actually seen them on a car!


Joe- I get where you are coming from but do you really make a point for the repos?.... here is what I mean: The cost of repos haven't really changed that much over the the years however the cost of re-chroming has gone through the roof because of government regulation that drove the prices up and left a lot fewer people doing it. Back in the early '80s we used to get a bumper done for $75-$100. So to be honest when I ask myself why the repos are so much cheaper I have to think its because of (over)regulation on re-chroming in the US.


All that being said if it came down to price alone right now i would lean toward re-chroming if for no other reason than I just don't have enough info about the repos.

The other consideration is the time the car will be off the road (repos go on in a day, re-chroming the car is down for two weeks min) and like I said they aren't really that bad, i.e. they are fine for driving (and enjoying) the car for now.

So "for now" I guess I will look for more info on the repos(and people who have them) and hold re-chroming for another time.