refurbing chrome on rear bumper?

[timspider]

My 78 has most of it's original stuff, which I like. I even like my crazy big bumpers. My question is on the rear bumper, it's solid, but it looks like it's some kind of flat metal finish, not chrome like the front.
It's not rusty, just looks like metal that wasn't finished with chrome. Not sure if thats the stock look, but I would like it to be shiny.
Dare I try some of that chrome paint I've seen in auto parts stores?
Is there a simple DIY process, ideally from something in a shake can, that can make these tubes a nice shiny chrome?
thanks again- readying for spring.

[KevAndAndi]

+1; my rear bumper is a flat silver-gray. I assumed that this was a PO's fix for a rusty bumper he didn't want to bother getting re-chromed. +1 also on the affection for the tube bumpers. I actually kind of like them. At any rate, they are much less offensive than the rubber bumpers of a later MGB.

[Exit98]

Tim,

Your bumper used to be chrome. They rust like anything else. You could try the chrome rattlecan paint, can't hurt, but nothing looks like real chrome. If you do remember its all in the preparation. So many guys take them off, you might get lucky and come across a decent one. Keep checking Craigslist.

[PininF]

See topic posted by azruss with fantastic results.
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 15&t=27742

[toplessexpat]

I've got a spare 99% perfect one.... Which you're welcome to. Drawback is I'm in Texas.

Similar area that I've just had good results in is the rear light clusters - recovered using chrome tape. I'm assuming mirror film would have the same impact. Rattle can does a nice job if you want nickel plate look and is helpful on fiddle stuff like wiper assemblies.

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[johndemar]

Just want to add that if you are going to clean up the bumpers you might as well take them off the car to do it.

Once you have all the rubber off the areas that are still chromed will be obvious. Then hold the tubes vertically and tap the end on the concrete. You maybe amazed like I was at how much rust comes pouring out.

[toplessexpat]

.... And you'll lighten the car doing it! You'll also realize those bumpers are incredibly heavy!!

[DieselSpider]

Just want to add that if you are going to clean up the bumpers you might as well take them off the car to do it.

Once you have all the rubber off the areas that are still chromed will be obvious. Then hold the tubes vertically and tap the end on the concrete. You maybe amazed like I was at how much rust comes pouring out.

A boiler tube brush can help encourage the exodus of rust scale inside the tubes. I would spray the insides with a good rust sealant/killer before refinishing just to ensure that after you go through the work of refinishing the outside that whats going on inside does not spoil the job shortly after.

[timspider]

thank you for excellent stuff. I've been shoveling and plowing for a few days and now back.
I like the idea of taking the bumper off and giving it a good clean up. I think I'll start de-rusting connections today.

What amazes me is that the back one looks like good solid stainless with a kind of satin finish and the front one is near flawlessly chromed. They look completely different. Looking forward to seeing under the rubber chunks.
planning on a big re-build month and this mini project just got added.
thanks again all!

[124JOE]

once they are off, you can try paint thinner in a spot on the bottom side to see if it was clear coated.
if sprayed when to cold it would look dull

[timspider]

created a new issue for myself. the bolt on the passenger side in the trunk broke so although the bumper does not budge now, this seems to be holding the shock absorber. so I guess I need to figure this out. Another can of worms as if I don't have enough of those. been randomly swearing at myself for the stupidity of this.
Also, I'm going to stop referencing my crappy manual as it gets me into as much trouble as it gets me out of.

[vandor]

> What amazes me is that the back one looks like good solid stainless with a kind of satin finish and the front one is near flawlessly chromed. They look completely different

The replacement bumpers are stainless, so it may be a replacement.

[timspider]

that sounds right. this is a stainless bumper.
ok, update this morning, got the 2 passenger side bolts off so that side of the bumper is free. the main attachment bolt on that side is a different story now that I will have to drill out.
but the 2 that attach at the bumper on the drivers side are now spinning freely and I've pryed to exert pressure while trying to wrench them off.
Nothing that I've tried to get me some purchase on these 2 has worked.
does anyone know of any tricks to free these up once they are spinning freely?

[timspider]

bumper off. 2 studs broken. Looking into bumperette options.

[toplessexpat]

That's a bit sucky.

Most of the bumperette options need you to remove all the stock brackets and fit different ones, so you'll need to loosen the fuel tank and lift it slightly (no need to disconnect it, just the mounting bolts) to get to the shock bolt.

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