New Bumpers or Re-Chrome?

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SeldomSeen
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:53 pm
Your car is a: 2018 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Lyons, Colorado

New Bumpers or Re-Chrome?

Post by SeldomSeen »

My front bumber isn't too bad but the back ones are quite dull. There are also lighter spots where decals had been applied in the past. I'd like to do something about it but would like some suggestions. Which option would cost less? I've also heard that there are chrome platers and then there are chrome platers.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood - Tom Robbins

1972 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000
1966 MGB Roadster
2007 MINI Cooper S
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Classica
So Cal Mark

Re: New Bumpers or Re-Chrome?

Post by So Cal Mark »

I think the quality of the aftermarket bumpers is far less than your original bumpers. I'd opt for re-chroming. Go with triple chrome, a little more expensive but it lasts much longer and looks better
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spidernut
Posts: 1906
Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:20 am
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider Automatic
Location: Lincoln, CA

Re: New Bumpers or Re-Chrome?

Post by spidernut »

Rechroming will produce a far superior result. Take your heart pills before you get your estimates. It doesn't come cheap.
John G.
1979 Spider (Owned since 2000)
1971 124 Sport Spider (Owned since 2017)
1977 Spider (Sold 2017)
1979 Spider (Disposed of in 2017)
1979 Spider (Sold 2015)
1980 Spider (Sold in 2013)
1981 Spider (Sold in 1985)
2017 Spider (Owned since 2019)
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kmac33
Posts: 509
Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 11:19 am
Your car is a: 1974 Spider
Location: Lilburn/Stone Mountain Georgia

Re: New Bumpers or Re-Chrome?

Post by kmac33 »

You may be able to just have them professionally polished. A buffing wheel and progressive compounds can work wonders if there is still a good layer of chrome in place. If they are beyond that - re-chrome.
If you shop around a bit, it is cheaper than buying the inferior quality(thinner) aftermarkets, and as already stated, you will have nicer bumpers.
Kevin McMullen

1974 Fiat Spider - Restoration Complete! But the mods/refinements continue
1980 Fiat Spider
2013 Subaru WRX
fiat218
Posts: 5745
Joined: Fri May 16, 2008 5:06 pm
Your car is a: 1969 124 AS spider

Re: New Bumpers or Re-Chrome?

Post by fiat218 »

Gold :D
Jim
East Grand Forks MN
1970 Fiat Spider BS1 ( FOR SALE
1969 124 AS Spider
2017 Abrath
2018 Alfa Romeo 4c Spider
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SeldomSeen
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:53 pm
Your car is a: 2018 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Lyons, Colorado

Re: New Bumpers or Re-Chrome?

Post by SeldomSeen »

I'll see about polishing. The existing chrome is not blemished, just dull.

Failing that I'll get some quotes on re-plating.

Gold? I have some experience with gold gilding. The 18th C French and Flemish harpsichords I make often have 22K gilt bands on the cases and moldings. I doubt that it would hold up to the wear and tear though.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood - Tom Robbins

1972 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000
1966 MGB Roadster
2007 MINI Cooper S
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Classica
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