Anyone had experience with the new replacement bumpers for 70-72 Cutlass/442 bumpers. I've got to make a quick decision on replacement or rechroming the front bumper. What do you think?

 

Do you have any chrome shops near you? What are the overall condition of your bumpers, like dents, amount of corrosion, etc?

 

I bought mine from the parts place. although some guys don't like using them. I got a nice chrome bumper. not show quality but a real nice drive quality been 6 years and has not rusted so it's not that cheap chrome that rust's in a year.

 

From what I've seen at the various vendors at Carlisle over the last few years, quality on the repro bumpers can be hit or miss. There was a 1969 rear bumper at one vendor that had obvious grinding marks visible under the chrome. There have been others with waves or variability in the finish quality. And this year there were some that were really nice. If at all possible, buy repros from a vendor in person at a major show like Carlisle, so you can inspect them first hand. Of course, there's no guarantee that a rechrome will be any better.

 

NorthStar chrome in the twin cities (Part of Keystone now) does a superior job with triple show chrome. Another one is Pauls out of Evans City PA. There are a few others recommended by the NCRS guys too. NCRS guys are super picky.
IMO if its the first time the bumpers been rechromed (generally cant do it twice) and its in decent shape have it rechromed. Two reasons. One its OEM and correct gauge steel. 2, your putting us to work verses offshore (read china).

 

I had a bad experience with new front bumpers from the parts place. The chrome quality was good but the fit was terrible. If i was you i would rechrome the old one.

 

Most good chrome shops will have good cores available for you ready to chrome. Or they can locate them if its not exotic or one off piece.

 

I got one from USA parts supply for a 72 , the chrome finish is nice on it and fitment was nice. You can tell the gauge is not the same as the original and is thinner metal. Also had a sticker on the inside made in Taiwan :/