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#1
06-24-2019, 12:54 PM
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68 Rear Bumper Buy New or Re-Chrome?
The rear bumper to my '68 GTO looks reasonably good from a distance, but when you get up close it has rust forming on the surface in many places.
Had to remove the bumper to remove the tail light assemblies and discovered a lot of rust on the back side of the bumper. Each of the major suppliers, including AMES, offers new bumpers that range in price from $325 to $375 plus shipping of approximately $90 putting the total cost at between $415 to $465. The local chrome shops here in San Antonio and Houston want $320 to nearly $400 to re-chrome the bumper. One Chrome shop has tried to convince me that the new bumpers do not have the same metal and/or quality as the original bumper. I cannot imagine AMES selling a crappy bumper, but good replacements are not always available for certain parts. I do not know how good the replacement rear bumper is for the '68 GTO. So, what do you think is the best way to proceed? Re-Chrome the Original Bumper, or buy a new one? I will be buying new tail light assemblies and a new license plate assembly, but for me the new bumper versus re-chrome is a toss up. Your opinion is greatly appreciated. |
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#2
06-24-2019, 01:44 PM
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IMHO always use the original whenever possible.
__________________
Ed 1968 GTO (Thanks Mom) 2006 Silverado 2007 Cadillac SRX 2015 Chevy Express  
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#3
06-24-2019, 01:54 PM
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Have you read this thread? Lots of good info in there
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=813029 |
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#4
06-24-2019, 08:26 PM
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Quote:
Get yours re-chromed hands down, as mentioned always use your original parts if you can. Inquire about the San Antonio and Houston shops to ensure they do quality work. Not saying the new bumpers a junk, for someone that doesn't have one they're golden. Frank
__________________
 Poncho Huggen, Gear Snatchen, Posi Piro.  
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#5
06-24-2019, 10:12 PM
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My Origial 68 Rear Bumper was straight and rust free, but tossed it in a move.
The repop still lokos good, and weighs about half the Original. My Repop it too wide because the curved end were not stamped-inward enough, to be narrow. --> If i had kept the Original, it would still be sitting, in need of chrome. The Repop is doing okay. |
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#6
06-25-2019, 02:29 AM
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If it was me I'd want the rechromed original. Specially if I still had the original bumper that was born with the car.
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#7
06-25-2019, 06:12 AM
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Ironically, I finally got my original re-chromed bumper installed just last weekend. It fit's very nice.
Hard to believe that thread is 18 months old already.
__________________
 68 GTO 4-spd Convertible 78 S/E Trans am L78, WS6 Auto 78 S/E Trans am W72, WS6 Auto 79 10th aniv W72 Trans am 80 Indy pace car Trans am 89 Trans am GTA |
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#8
06-25-2019, 07:18 AM
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I would re-crome the original bumper. It will be a guaranteed fit.
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#9
06-26-2019, 12:41 AM
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I am taking the original bumper to Houston this weekend. My friend has a large body shop near Sam Houston Race Park. He knows people in the re-chroming business. I will update everyone when I get the pricing and whether I will get the original re-chromed. Right now leaning towards keeping the original.
Thanks to everyone that contributed to the thread! |
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#10
07-03-2019, 07:08 PM
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I bought a repop quite a few years back and within a year it was rusting just below the trunk lid. And as has been stated in another comment, it doesn't fit like the original. I still have the original but not sure where is the best place to get it redone possibly in my area. I'm in Spartanburg, SC
__________________
"Don't know that I was every ready, it just became my turn." |
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#11
07-03-2019, 11:34 PM
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Quote:
Frank
__________________
Poncho Huggen, Gear Snatchen, Posi Piro.
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#12
07-04-2019, 09:40 AM
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Quote:
__________________
Don't rush me - it's only year 20 of the 3 year restoration! 68 GTO convertible YS M40, A/C, PS, PB-disc, Posi-T, PW, P-seat, AM-FM stereo 8-track, P-ant, P-trunk lid, Tilt-S, Rally gauges, Hideaways C1 224 Triple white |
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#13
04-12-2020, 04:20 PM
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How dented does an original have to be to determine if it is worth the time to toss or find another original? Overall I am hearing the repos are not worth it. I have a solid original not twisted but dents/creases everywhere. I could spend quite a few hours getting the dents outs.
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#14
04-13-2020, 06:29 AM
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When I sent mine in to be re-chromed I was told they have a mold of some sort they put the bumper on & can take out any twists, dents or dings. But, like any good body guy they have too be carful in how they do it to get the metal truly flat again. I believe with he triple plate process they build up the surface in the copper stage and work out the imperfections to the next level.
__________________
68 GTO 4-spd Convertible 78 S/E Trans am L78, WS6 Auto 78 S/E Trans am W72, WS6 Auto 79 10th aniv W72 Trans am 80 Indy pace car Trans am 89 Trans am GTA |
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