The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop rechrome or replace

Unusual 54 chevy 1/2 (60k miles)(grandpa's truck)(original evertything). The local custom chrome shop in town wants $350.00 per bumper (inc bolts)to rechrome. The bumpers are the original and in great shape other than chrome is peeling from a previous shoddy job. Replacement bumpers are almost half that. I am looking for quality and don't mind spending the money if there is value in trying to keep the original bumpers but don't want to be stupid about it either. Looking for opinions on the replacement bumpers one can purchase online. Are they just as thick as original? Are they junk?

I have no experience with repop bumpers but most repop equipment is substandard. I would go for the rechrome because finding originals in better shape than what you have is a time consuming and possibly impossible task.

The ones I got from Bill's Speed Shop in Ohio is the best repops I've seen. I have two of them on my panel. They are from overseas but obviously the maker is better than some of the junk producers as the ones I got are from an ISO Certified Manufacturer.

I vote for rechrome if all else is original. There are a few chromers you can ship stuff to ... ( Pauls ?? ). Might be worth getting a few more quotes.

I can see the difference between my reproduction rear chrome bumper and the front bumpers I had rechromed. Night and day quality.

Had repop on my 53. Looked nice from the outside but the back was as rough as coarse sandpaper. I go for rechrome if I had the bucks but here its $1000 for both bumpers and another $1000 for the grille. Thank goodness for rattlecan tremclad!!
How about stainless? Any better?

Sedgewick, if you can get stainless, that's the way to go in a salty climate!! (I lived in FL many years and know all too well.)

$400 for a stainless front bumper.
Does anyone know if a stainless rear bumper is available for a 47-53 1/2ton pickup?

A few years ago, at a big show in Hutchinson KS, someone who's opinion, I trusted walked up to a truck and immediately pronounced it as having a repro front bumper. I asked him what was his tip off and he said the "flat cut" top and bottom surfaces. The originals were rounded with the flat cut edges only being on the bumper ends. After having it pointed out to me, I can see the difference he mentioned. But now I wonder if the top and bottom surfaces could be "dressed" to look more like the originals, with good chrome, could they then pass the expert eye for originals?

Greg, you and I both know they can do a good job but refuse to spend the extra 50 cent for which we'd be willing to pay a dollar more. They just don't get it. Sad part it its Americans having, and receiving the junk from overseas. Junk in...junk out.

had my factory grille re chromed this week and they removed the red factory paint on chevrolet and the blue paint on the hood emblem. anyone know where i can get this correct paint ? thanks

I don't know of anywhere you can get an exact match but most all pinstripers use paint called "1 shot" which is close. <CLICK> Chip Chart

thanks partner...

Thanks for all the input. Decision made! Off to the chrome shop they go.