the back bumper on our 72 cutlass has great chrome but it is bent. i would not think it is possible but could it be straightened without scratching it up. i don't know who even does this work. if i have to rechrome it i figure i will just get a reproduction bumper.

 

I doubt it can and if at all possible it would depend on how bad the dent is. Look for bumper or chrome shops in your area. I am sure that are not as many bumper shops as there used to be when all cars had chrome bumpers. Somebody will probably chime in. I have never tried this. You might find a good used one. I would rather have that than a repro. I doubt the chrome is as good on the repro.

 

Great question! I guess it might depend on where the bend is. If you take it to a chrome shop, they can probably let you know if they and straighten it without having to strip and re-chrome.

My gut says it's not gonna happen. I think that in the process of straighening, the chrome layers will detach or chemically unbond enough that in the near future the chrome will flake off.

Can you post a pic of the bumper? If it's got a significant dent, it will probably require re-chrome. Too bad they can't fix chrome like a painter can feather in paint....

 

I would also guess it will need a rechrome after being worked back into shape.
I read an article about a rechrome shop not long ago.It sounded like they totally strip the bumper to metal,then weld,grind and they have some sort of jig or mold they fit them to,to achive perfect straightness. Then the rechrome process starts.

good luck

 

thanks, that is what i figure. i found a good rust free cutout bumper locally that is not bent. if i re chrome i may grab that one and have it done and not mess with this bent one. if i spend the money why not do it with a cutout bumper.

 

I priced around for re chroming my '73 rear bumper as it has two bad spots. Between $800 and $1200. I'm living with the bad spoats until I win the lottery!

 

I have taken out bends (not invisibly/completely) by laying the bumper on the lawn and driving the dent with a piece of soft wood of a suitable size to match the damage...a rubber mallet might work also...because we live in a swamp my lawn is soft and cushy If your lawn is hard or covered in stone as Az, then use a piece of closed cell foam...