Bumper Question
 

I am restoring a 29 Tudor and I am wondering if it would be better to buy NEW front and rear CHROMED bumpers from MAC's or just have my old ones rechromed???? The local chrome shop wants about $800 to rechrome the old ones (and I have no idea if the old ones are repros or original) and MAC's wants less then $600 for the bumpers and the spacers, plates, bolts etc (plus shipping).

Any thoughts about this????

Re: Bumper Question
 

IF -- you decide to replace the bumpers, try Little Dearborne. Good quality and save yourself some $$

Re: Bumper Question
 

I had mine replated and I think they are better (actually I know they are) because they are original. And the price was about the same.

Mike

Re: Bumper Question
 

Try Bert's in Denver. They have some great replated bumpers and good prices.

Re: Bumper Question
 

Are the repros made out the the same steel as the originals?

Re: Bumper Question
 

The originals are spring steel, and will actually protect the car in the event of being bumped into. I am not sure the new ones are as good. I know in the past they were not.

Re: Bumper Question
 

At least in the milwaukee area, replating was roughly twice the cost of the bumpers from Little Dearborn. I bought them and am very happy with them.

Re: Bumper Question
 

I got prices of $400 per BAR in the tri state area! As in $400 x 6. The lowest quote was $300 per bar. I think I might send mine to Berts for replating but not sure how bad shipping both ways is gonna be though.

Bob NJ

Re: Bumper Question
 

I just got a quote last week up here in Edmonton. $500 for both front and rear bumpers plus $20 for each oval pad. Also same price chrome or nickel plated. Were they nickel plated in '29? Which is better? New ones go for about $600 and only chrome.

Re: Bumper Question
 

To be done correctly the steel needs to be copper plated, nickle plated, then the clear chrome plating.

So I'm a little confused as to the platers statement of same price for nickle or chrome and the statement "New ones go for about $600 and only chrome."

Re: Bumper Question
 

What I meant to say is new bumpers are only available chrome plated and I was given the option of redoing my originals either nickel or chrome plated. According to the book, "Original Ford Model A, The Restorer's Guide" by Jim Schild, Ford switched from nickel to chrome plating in late 1929 as chrome became more widely available. So in early '29 would bumpers be chrome or nickel plated?

Re: Bumper Question
 

The bumpers should be chrome plated.

In late 29 some hubcaps were chrome plated, rather than the usual nickel plated.

Re: Bumper Question
 

Tom's statement agrees with the judging standards, "All bumpers were chrome plated".

Re: Bumper Question
 

Good to know. I think I'll get mine redone just to say they're originals. Thanks for the info.

Re: Bumper Question
 

Bert's 2011 catalog lists original bumpers that are refurbished and rechromed. The 1928-1929 front and rear bumpers are $225 each. (Page 89).

Re: Bumper Question
 

Thanks for all of your replies--once again you guys are great!!!