I know this will be a vague question that depends on many factors but what do you think it would cost to have the front bumper of a 1955 Olds 98 re-chromed? The reason I ask is I found a 55 Old 88 with a very good front bumper that is being parted out. He's asking $650 for the front bumper (including the center insert, "Oldsmobile" letters, the trim that goes on the hood and the pieces that go behind the bumper on the corners. It'll be a 10 hour ride for me to pick them up so add another 200-300 in gas and food so roughly $1,000 for the whole front.


I've never had anything re-chromed before and I'm sure it's one of those crafts that you get what you pay for. My car isn't a show car so having concourse type bumpers doesn't concern me but having nice a nice bumper would certainly make the car look better. I'm just trying to be a little thrifty, even if I have to take a trip.


Attached is a photo of my bumper and the bumper I'm looking at. Thanks for the opinions!

 

Doubt you'd touch a complete 55 front rechrome for less than $650, and possibly not less than a grand. As you see the bumpers are the same so I think you'd do fine, especially if the 88s bumper and mustache is as nice as the pics indicate.

 

Chroming is expensive, and it would be about 600 or so for just the (one piece?) front main bumper. If its more than one piece the price goes way up. Then you likely will have shipping costs. I would say the used bumper and extras is the way to go as long as they are very nice, no scrapes or dents.

 

I don't know your location but in California it's doubtful if you could get it done for any less than $1500-$1800 and that is only if there were no dents or bends to contend with. Why not give your local chrome shop a call and see if they will give you a estimate?.... Tedd

 

I'd buy those parts and always bring some extra $$$ in case you find something else.




Frank

 

Time for a long drive...pack a lunch!

 

Maybe it's just me, but with a 60 year old car, I am always trying to upgrade/improve the parts on my car.

 

I would make the trip and buy the parts, especially if they are as nice as the photo shows them to be... You can then sell what you don't need from your car and recoup some of your expenses...

 

If your old bumper is intact and only rusted I'm sure someone will want it for a core. You could recoup some of the cost of the new bumper.... Tedd

 

Chrome plating has really gone up due to the increase in the price of nickel. At least that is what the chrome plater told me. I had two headlight rims plated a few months ago and it was $220 for the pair. This was from one of the more reasonable places.

 

Thanks for the info! Looks like I'm going to have to persuade the wife to let me take a road trip! She better, it's for her car!!