saving a bumper

[jseaw]

I have more time than money and recently got a 1930 fordor in running order but the interior is gone and the exterior is all flat black (bumpers too!). What I want to do is bring the car back to its former shiny glory so my question is can the shiny stuff like the bumpers be cleaned up and polished or just replace them.

[nkaminar]

Bumpers can be straightened, polished, and re-chromed. Some shops do a better job than others so check around. Also check the prices as it may be more economical to replace them.

[700rpm]

Bumpers can be replated, but if you can remove the paint the plating might still be good, if so, yes, you could just polish them

[WHN]

Need to know how bad the bumpers are?

Might be easier and less expensive to replace with new.

[jseaw]

The one vender checked with gave me an estimate that was 3 times the price of a new bumper, is this usual?

[Ruth]

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Originally Posted by jseaw

The one vender checked with gave me an estimate that was 3 times the price of a new bumper, is this usual?

Jeez at that price you could buy a new stainless steel bumper!!

[Oldbluoval]

You’ll have to clean up the bumpers some to know.
If they are loaded with pits on the surface you’d likely be better off buying new.
Yes replating can be more than new due to prep work. New are new metal with little if any prep. Also, new are often just chrome on metal but don’t last a long time; not triple chrome

[J Franklin]

Are the new bumpers as tough and protective as an original FORD bumper? I wonder.

[kbinde2]

If the bumper wasn't prepped well before the flat black was applied, with some research, elbow-grease and a little luck on your side.. I would try to work with what you have. You say you have time, and the funds can go quickly with a restoration..IMO do what you can, and see just what you are working with.!

[McMimmcs]

Before this question can be answered you must know the condition of the bumper before the paint was applied. So you must remove the paint.

[Mister Moose]

As a data point my bumpers were original, flaking, and pitted. The plating estimate was also stupid high. I bought stainless bumpers for far less, and kept the old original ones in the barn "just in case". I can't win any blue ribbons at Hershey with it, but that's not my goal. The stainless bumpers, new in 1998, still look flawless.

Triple plating FYI refers to both the number of layers and the type. As far as I know the best plating is copper, followed by nickel, followed by chrome.

The plating company I used is well known and does a lot of restoration work. They did a fabulous job on bringing back the stainless radiator shell , cowl band and the headlights. (They did chrome the instrument panel, brake and shifter.)

Unfortunately chrome plating is not a DIY process on the scale of a 6 foot bumper no matter how much time you have.

If the previous owner painted the bumpers, it's very doubtful they were in very good shape. 20 minutes on a test patch with paint remover will tell you what you want to know.

[chrs1961815]

"Triple chrome" plating is kind of a rather dumb term these days as it is nothing special - every chrome place does it. They copper plate and grind to fill pits and imperfections and buff that. It might take several layers. Then they do the nickel and chrome. The nickel is like a base for the chrome I do think.

When these cars were new (and all vintage cars) the chrome parts were just flash plated with chrome after being buffed - they didn't need copper on new parts.

[Oldbluoval]

Chrs...
Not exactly...there is copper seen on original bumpers as the chrome fails. Plus copper seen on folding irons and lots of other parts
Can’t attest to nickel except on folding irons which I restore regularly

[chrs1961815]

Okay you would know better - I know on later cars like 50s onward they sometimes didn't use copper.

[jseaw]

Looks what I need to do is first clean up the bumpers so there usability can be determined and that will lead me to my next move. Thanks everybody!

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by jseaw

Looks what I need to do is first clean up the bumpers so there usability can be determined and that will lead me to my next move. Thanks everybody!

easy cleanup idea ive used on chrome plated plastic to remove spray-paint: we all know how well brake fluid ruins car paint - guess what it also loves to remove and also not hurt whats underneath it? yup spray-paint off of chrome. (wearing gloves) Try a small spot with some fluid on a rag, let it sit on the paint a few minutes then try just wiping it off with a terry cloth (not the good bathtowels!), might have to try a soft bristle brush to help it come off.

[Tom Wesenberg]

If money is tight and you want a quick fix, Rustoleum makes a chrome paint that would look better than black.

[bavArian]

Didn't all non-commercial '30 and '31 models have stainless bumpers? If so why not just grind and polish it IF the surface is still reasonably flat.

[Chris in WNC]

When I got correct rear bumperettes for our Town Sedan, I had them re-plated by a local (Jacksonville FL) shop that was recommended.
Not cheap.
Later discovered re-plated originals were available at Bert's for about half the cost.
Check with them.

[Oldbluoval]

BavA…..never hear of that…never seen an original Ford SS bumper