New Chrome Bumpers vs Originals?

[Spidey7]

I'm not sure whether or not to replace the front and rear bumpers with some of the nice new triple chromed repro's or try to have the originals straightened and re-chromed. It would be easier (and cheaper) to just buy new ones. Does it make any difference? And if not, does anyone have a brand or dealer that they recommend for the new chrome?

[Jerry@CHP]

For a driver, the repros are a great deal for the buck.  If you're an anal guy and want original, then figure $350-400 each to rechrome original bumpers.  I know because I just went through this.  I have over $800 tired up in two bumpers for my new 67 Z28 Camaro, Project Stocker.  The chrome plating shops have gone through the roof because of the EPA and government restrictions.

Jerry 

[wtexz10]

I just had my original front bumper redone by Electroplating of El Paso  http://electroplatingofelpaso.com/contact.html 

It did not require straighting.  The cost was $170 + freight.  I'm very happy with their work.  Several of the members in our club have used them with good results.

Kris

[Jerry@CHP]

That is very reasonable if they are show quality!!!!

Jerry

[lakeholme]

Take a look:
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=2889.0

[wtexz10]

Lakeholme,

Thanks for finding that older post.  My mistake, the cost was $160.  I have not installed this bumper, so if you think a photo would show the quality I'll be happy to post some. 

I would suggest that someone, like Jerry, give them a try and give his professional opinion.  I've got a repop on the car now, and the rechromed original, looks much better to me.

Kris

[lakeholme]

Photos, please! 

[wtexz10]

Chrome is a bear trying to photograph.  I'm not sure how much you can tell from the photos, but here you go.

Kris

[wtexz10]

Pic 2

[wtexz10]

Pic 3

[wtexz10]

Pic 4

[RickH]

When I did my 67 RS I thought I could get away with repro's. I was wrong because I am one of those anal types Jerry is referring too. Just knowing I had reproductions on my car was eating at me to no end. So off I went and got original GM's rechromed. Yeah it was expensive, around $700-800 for the pair but I do feel better.

The repro RS gas cap was bothering me as well but I finally found an NOS cap to replace it. Yep, wasn't cheap either.

Rick H.

[RamAirDave]

I put a set of the repos on a 69 a couple of months ago.  They arent like a show-quality rechromed set of originals, but I was pretty pleased with the quality considering they're inexpensive repos.  Much better than those that were available several years ago.