Chrome question ????????

[saltshaker]

I am puzzled between chroming my rear bumper or buying a new one.....1972 TR6
Anyone have an idea what chroming costs?? I'm looking for some where in the southeast???

 

[DNK]

Do the Google thing on SS bumpers or check the archives here.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Dan,
Two Chrome shops here in Florence. Very expensive to chrome anything now. New chrome bumpers are not as good but are cheaper than having old one rechromed.

Marv

 

[dougstr6]

We have a shop in Southwestern Ontario thats real reasonable (happens to be a TR6 owner!).

My rear bumper was damaged beyond repair and had to buy a new replacement. My chrome guy was quite impressed by the quality and you can't tell any difference in the chrome on the side pieces (re-done) from the centre bar (new).

If you are considering stainless steel every component must be replaced as they do look different.

 

[CJD]

In general, a good chrome shop will give you a much better product than the repo's. Re-chroming involves removing the old chrome, then adding 3 different metals, including chrome, and polishing after each step. Most repo's cut corners and only provide 2 - or sometimes a single - plating process that are usually thinner. The repo's will very definitely rust through long before a good re-chrome.

So it really comes down to whether you think it's worth paying a little more for a more durable part...plus, I have not been impressed with the repo part fit during my TR3 restoration. The originals came off, so you always know they will go back on. That's a big plus!

John

 

[dougstr6]

In my case 75 TR6 centre bars are very scarce - and no repos are made. The reinforcing metal they put behind the 75 /6 bumpers traped dirt real nice and made sure the spares supply have rotted away by now...

I went with a "New" 73 bumper and punched holes into it to mount the Triumph "plinth" in the middle.

 

[AlWallace]

I do not want to derail the thread but Doug if could you let me know the chrome shop you mentioned. I have a few pieces that are in need of help! Thanks.
Al

 

[TR3driver]

Re-chroming involves removing the old chrome, then adding 3 different metals, including chrome, and polishing after each step.

While I agree that is by far the best process, not all rechromers will follow it. I've seen a surprising number of bumpers where they tried to plate over the existing chrome, or skip the initial copper layer(s).

It has particularly become a problem in CA, because the traditional acid plating baths are nearly illegal. Ever hear of Erin Brockovich? The poison in the water was from a traditional chrome plating bath.

So a lot of shops will try to use alternate processes, like trivalent chrome (confusingly called tri-chrome) or ion deposition. The ion deposition guys think they can plate over anything. Which is true enough (ever wonder how they chrome plate plastic?), it just may not stick.

I'm not saying they are all bad, just that you can't assume any rechromer will do the job "right". And the ones that do, tend to charge more.

 

[RossL]

I bought SS for my TR6 from Harrington. www.groupharrington.com/

I decided to go with SS because my bumpers had a couple of dings that needed to be repaired with added to the cost of chrome. Most chrome shops are giving a one year warranty, which I didn't like.

I read the new repros were not that good. I can't say for sure.

I've been happy with the SS.

If you belong to a club, they will give you a discount

 

[dougstr6]

Al,

The chrome shop is Superior Metal Finishing in London off the 401:

Steve and Wally (his dad) Smith are the owners.

They generally do factory look chrome, not show chrome.

Very reasonable.

 

[saltshaker]

London, CT???

 

[DNK]

Yea, it's next to Glasgow

 

[Guest]

Ross, that's a good lookin' machine you got there Sparky!

15"s or 16"s? Rewinds?