VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Quality of Bumper

Hi,

For restoring:

It is possible to buy bumpers from e.g. Chevs of the 40s and Fillingsation. E.g.https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/6440/Chevrolet_Bumper_Front_Or_Rear_Triple_Chrome_Plated.html

The alternatie is to have the orignial bumpers repaired and chrome them, but more expensive. Does anybody have experience with the quality of bumpers like "Triple_Chrome_Plated" from Chevs of the 40s?

I went through this and finally decided to get the original one rechromed. I felt that way I could be sure it would be 100% correct, and would actually fit correctly. Look for a good original one that isn't bent and isn't too pitted. Yes getting it rechromed will cost a bit, but you will be happy because it will be correct. Just my opinion.

I have not purchased aftermarket bumpers but I have purchased aftermarket chrome and was not happy with the quality. Of the brightwork I decided to restore, I had all of my brightwork rechromed using the OEM parts. I had the bumpers/guards, grill, hood mascot and center hinge as well as the wiper towers rechromed. I wasn't happy with the hood mascot chrome job so I bought a reproduction and the quality was even worse on that Chinese made piece of junk so my less than perfect OEM mascot is on my car.

I'm sure that that Chevs of the 40s would make it good if you are dissatisfied but there would be additional costs for shipping. I used Bumper Boys. They will replate your bumper for a higher cost as their normal method is to send you a replated original for your core. The bumpers were great but I did have to send back the grill to get a good quality one.

Brian

I would recommend "Paul's" plating. Expensive but good quality work. Dick Moffett also does chroming (I don't know who they use) and Tri-City plating is also very good.

Used to be a place in Muscle Shoals, AL. I'm not sure they are still in business. Someone may want to comment on them.

Generally, you get what you pay for.

Charlie

I bought a repop bumper about 17 years ago. The plating was good but it was lighter weight than the original and like all repops was close but didn't quite fit the brackets. It currently resides in my garage overhead.

I had the orignal bumper replated by Bumper Boyz in CA along with my grill and several small items. All items from Bumper BoyZ are still holding good. Don't know if they are still in business but they are good and at the time were more expensive than other quotes I received. The high quality was worth it.

I have two bumpers from the Bumper Boyz (one on my 41 the other on my 77). I thought the prices were reasonable. They were delivered to a swap meet by my house for me to pick up. They do swap meets all over the country so deliver bumpers at them, and also have extras to sell. I thought the quality was not show quality and the chrome surface scratched easily. I have had mine for about 15 years and recommend them for daily drivers. They have a web site with prices and some info.

Good luck, Mike

I bought a pair of bumpers in 2008 from Rock Valley Auto Parts and I am happy with both the fit and the finish. It was cheaper than rechroming my originals, which I kept and may yet do someday.