kjr442

I dropped off my bumpers last week to be re worked. I was given two prices, one for show quality 1200.00 ,and the other to be standard plating 650.00 I told them I would decide and call back. I have never re-plated bumpers, but the 1200. sounds to high. Can I get some advice on this please?
I know what I would pay for new, but are they as good? Have any of you bought a new set?
For the Texas guys on here I am using Morales plating in Terrell TX.

joe_padavano

The quality of plating is all about how much hand labor is put into polishing the bumpers prior to final plating. This process is analogous to block sanding a car prior to paint. The more labor you put into it, the better it looks.

Decent quality plating runs $350-450 per bumper, so $650 for the pair is pretty reasonable. Bumpers at this level will probably have some waves or nicks visible under the chrome, but they shouldn't be glaring flaws. The $1200 show quality reflects (pun only partially intended) the far greater amount of labor to get the parts looking perfect.

The first 90% takes 90% of the time, the final 10% takes the other 90% of the time.

The repro bumpers that I've seen at Carlisle look more like the $650 quality plating job, definitely NOT the $1200 version. Plus, they feel a little thinner, though I have not actually measured them. (Yeah, that would be the un-calibrated "butt caliper"... )

69ishHoliday

The "Show Quality" finished back bumpers that I've seen listed on E-Bay have been in the 800-900 range (One Bumper). If you want the show quality level of finish it seems that $1200 is very reasonable if it is for the two of them, if you're talking $1200 each it seems high.

Rocket331

The basic bumpers on our '54 were about $500 each with a show quality finish. Just had them done in October this year. It took 14 weeks.

kjr442

Thanks guys, it sounds like the 1200.00 for both is not bad then. they claim that I will not be disappointed if I go with the show quality route.


I was thinking the new ones may be thinner based on other repoped stuff out there.

MDchanic

Remember that "show quality" will be better than original.

When these cars came down the assembly line, the chrome was not expected to be perfect, and it pretty much always met the expectation.

- Eric

oldcutlass

Did they show you samples of each and explain the difference.

costpenn

Good to see you working on that 72 again.

kjr442

Yes they had some small parts there with the show quality, and then a few bumpers that were basic. I could see a big difference between the two, and the show quality is what I want, I just had know idea it would be so high.

kjr442

Thanks, I am getting motivated again. I sold off all of my 65 stuff, and I am now trying to stay focused on this car only.

lemoldsnut

I used Ogden plating in Utah and was very happy with the quality they did. I would say it was show quality. I have had a bumper done by bumper boys in Ca and they did a crappy job.

kjr442

So what did you spend on each? Were they 70 to 72 ?

Gary's 2 442-S

I had both of my bumpers redone by Houston Bumper Exchange. It cost me a little over 625.00 about 6yrs ago. I was very pleased with the results. Both bumpers were bent and when I got them back I was amazed how straight they were. There were absolutely no flaws in them. Now the drawback was it took almost 3 months to get them back. It cost me less to get the bumpers redone than when I had the chrome moldings redone which was done by another company. they were very proud of their prices for sure

Run to Rund

I'd rather pay more and have my only regret being cost, rather than knowing about flaws that bothered me, and saving a little money. Also remember that if the bumpers need any straightening, they may or may not actually fit the car perfectly. I have seen NOS bumpers that had to have the wings spread or squeezed in to fit the body better. That process could crack your new chrome. If I were shooting for perfection, I would ask to take them after prep to see that they fit correctly, before they are plated.

kjr442

I was thinking the same thing about test fitting. I will call tomorrow and see if they will work with me on that.

joe_padavano

Sadly, you are not alone. I've heard that from many of their customers.

junior supercar

$1200 per bumper for show chrome sounds right to me. and thats an excellent point about making sure they fit before the final plating process

kjr442

It is 1200.00 for both, 600.00 each.

kjr442

Well I called the plating company today, we talked more about what I will be getting for that kind money. I feel like we are on the same page. lets hope so, I could go off the deep end with another bad job.

droldsmorland

Wow. Triple chrome has gone through the roof in the last 8 years or what? I had NorthStar out of Minneapolis do mine for about 5-600 for both. (I think they are part of Keystone now?). Thats triple plated show chrome. They are flawless and I'm picky. Another vendor is Pauls. The NCRS guys use him and Ive not heard anything negative. You might want to shop around some unless you already have and thats a reality check? WOW