Early C3 Chrome re-plating

[Erik K.]

I have my 1972's chrome in the shop for re-plating and I've already read here that "street chrome" is more correct than "show chrome" for judging.

I'll have to think about that one. . .

My question, though, is what to do with the underside of the bumpers? Can I/should I paint or coat them with some sort of rust protector to prevent them from rotting out in the future?

I'm in CA so this isn't much of a problem but the front bumperettes do seem to collect water.

Thank you,

[steve wallach]

Re: Early C3 Chrome re-plating

I have had my bumpers re-chromed. I left the insides alone after they were re-chromed. I also live in SoCal...

Where are you having the chrome redone at?

Good Luck,

Steve

[David M.]

Re: Early C3 Chrome re-plating

IMO go with show triple plate chrome. You wont be disappointed and I'm sure you dont want to do it twice. As for the insides you can clear coat them. Use a high quality paint like rust-oleum clear.

[Erik K.]

Re: Early C3 Chrome re-plating

I'm using Superior Chrome in San Jose. They seem to do good work but I won't see my bumpers until next week sometime. I figure if the Harley guys go there then I can trust 'em, right?

Per Dave's suggestion I ended up sticking with the triple-chrome (copper-nickle-chrome) process and told them to do their best work.

It'll be superior to the stock parts (pardon the pun), of course, but after going over it in my head I decided that if the parts are being redone then they aren't stock anyway, so why not make them as good as possible? May the judges have mercy if I ever get that far.

I'll let you know what I think of the final result when I get them back. If it works out I've got a pile of other parts I may want them to address!

[D S.]

Re: Early C3 Chrome re-plating

My experiences with triple chrome is that it hides the details unique to specific parts such as valve covers (big block dripper dimples) and ignition shielding (serrations) so I have those flash chromed. Gives them that dullish chromed orange peel effect like they were supposed to be and like the JG says. The rest such as bumpers I have triple chromed. Some smaller pieces are lesser expensive to buy as reproductions than to rechrome. Since they won't be original anymore anyway.

[Erik K.]

Re: Early C3 Chrome re-plating

Well, as it turns out Superior Chrome finished early and got my parts back to me today!

The results are nothing short of awesome and I couldn't be happier.

I'm going to spray the backs with Rust-Oleum clear this weekend and reinstall them ASAP.

My only regret is that the rest of my car is going to look awful compared to these parts!

[Jim T.]

Re: Early C3 Chrome re-plating

Erik, reference holding water. The drain hole in the vertical bumpers will close up with debris and rust. Open up the hole larger for better drainage and use the protective coating.