71 Corvette bumpers

[Kris S.]

I am nearing the end of the restoration of our 71 LS 6 and trying to decide on rechroming the bumpers or just buying new. If I buy new, who sells the best and do they fit well? Or who is a highly recommended chroming shop in the Midwest that is good and gets them done in a reasonable time?

[Mark E.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

Kris,

If the existing bumpers are in decent shape and fit well, re-chroming is probably the better route. This avoids issues with replacement part quality and fitment.

Surface prep is what distinguishes a nice chrome finish, so look for a shop willing to spend the required time.

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

Hi Kris,
If you mean by "nearing the end" of your restoration that the car is painted then I certainly believe having your originals re-chromed is the wise thing to do. You already know how they fit.
If you buy new and the fit isn't up to your expectation there are NOT a lot of "non-scary" things you can do to remedy the fit on an already painted body.
Re-chrome!
Regards,
Alan

[Eric E.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

I don't think I have ever read a post on chrome that said the replacements were better for restoration than OEMs.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

ReChrome the originals. Look up Browns Plating!

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

I am nearing the end of the restoration of our 71 LS 6 and trying to decide on rechroming the bumpers or just buying new. If I buy new, who sells the best and do they fit well? Or who is a highly recommended chroming shop in the Midwest that is good and gets them done in a reasonable time?

Be aware that only original bumpers have the flaws in the chrome from where they were hung on the armature during the plating process as well as where the chrome doesn't throw into the inner curves on the rear bumpers. Rechromed and reproduction bumpers will receive an originality deduction for lack of these flaws.

On the other hand if the car has a restored paint finish old original bumper will not flow with the rest of the exterior.

Good luck with your decision.

[Mark E.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

Forgot to mention that you'll also find replacement bumpers are amazingly expensive.

[Russ S.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

True, but so is rechroming.

Forgot to mention that you'll also find replacement bumpers are amazingly expensive.

[Kris S.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

Sent them off for rechroming. Thanks for all of the feedback.

[Thomas H.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

Forgot to mention that you'll also find replacement bumpers are amazingly expensive.

And probably won't fit as well as the originals.

[Calvin M.]

Re: 71 Corvette bumpers

Self serving, but here are some nos originals which will fit correctly...

https://www.ncrs.org/classified/index.php?a=2&b=1421