Hello everyone,
I am new to this forum, and I am creating a thread (hoping this was the right thing to do) as looking for front and rear bumpers for a 1968 442. I know new ones can be found, but the 'problem' is that I am based in Europe... Import taxes are super high, and I thought anyone of you may know a good address overseas...
Thanking you all in advance!
Ben

 

Welcome!
Do you have the old OEM bumpers now?
If yes have you looked into re-chroming in Europe? This will likely be a cheaper option for you.

Be aware most bumpers especially the 68s can effectively be straightened & re-chromed once due to the original thickness...or lack thereof on 68-72 A bodies. A good rechromer will know this.

Look for EU sports car or Corvette enthusiasts restorers and clubs for information, as they will have chrome shop connections.

 

Thank you @droldsmorland . Yes, the car has its old OEM bumpers. Yes, I think re-chroming is the best option indeed. The problem is that it is quite a challenge to find the chrome shops in Europe, in France in particular. I will check further.

 

i have 2 68 front bumpers but i would not know how to ship one to europe-BUT there are places i can send them to in the US that will ship them to you

 

Thanks @jollyolds Let me check first if I can find a reliable company that could re-chrome those parts...

 

You are looking for a company that offers triple show quality plating, (copper nickel chrome). Get some references/pictures from past customers. Some chromers are better than others. The ones who really take their time to straighten, grind, hammer, fill polish etc are the better shops. You don't want the cheaper single-layer chrome don't waste your money.

When you get them back immediately inspect them for damage/imperfections. Many have left them in the wrappers until ready to install after their car had a lengthy stay in paint jail; only to find the bumpers are substandard or damaged. The supplier will then say "too bad you have had them over a year".

Wax them annually with carnauba. Always use a fresh new wax pad and scratch-free wipes.
Prior to installation clearcoat the backside to prevent rust.

The standard reproduction bumper bolts will polish up nicely with rouge and a buffer wheel. Out of the box they won't match the luster of triple chrome.
Be careful on the 68 rear bumper to not over-torque the carriage head chrome bolts. You will deform the bumper.
I installed a thin plastic gasket between the license plate bracket and bumper. Made it from a milk jug.
Never use a bumper jack especially on a 68 rear. It will leave a dent each and every time.