Chrome Confusion

[Jim W.]

In regards to rechroming many major parts (bumpers,vent windows,hockey sticks, door handles, etc) I have done some extensive research in the archives but am still in a quandry. There are many plating companies in each of our localities across the country which can probably do an OK job, but several popular names always come up if we don't mind shipping out of state to get a tried and true premium result. There is always the discussion on hexavalent vs trivalent chromium process. The original hex-chrome is the prefered as it relates to durability and color hue, however one of the top name platers (Pauls) uses trivalent which produces a somewhat bluer mirror finish "show chrome". Does one judge better than the other? Is it really just a toss up and what only matters is that you dont mix the two on the same car? I get that. Also is the popular opinion to NOT take out the waviness of original bumpers? Do the judges prefer to see that still there since its original. I would think so, but some top named platers say they would even it out. Working on a 64. Comments please. Thanks, Jim

[Gene M.]

Re: Chrome Confusion

I think you will find the original equipment bumpers were fairly straight. The over the counter and replacement bumpers typically show more waves than the originals.

I suspect GM put the better stuff on the production builds and sent the crappy stuff for service.

[Joe L.]

Re: Chrome Confusion

I think you will find the original equipment bumpers were fairly straight. The over the counter and replacement bumpers typically show more waves than the originals.

I suspect GM put the better stuff on the production builds and sent the crappy stuff for service.

Gene------


I think it's more of a case of the fact that most SERVICE pieces we see are LATER SERVICE pieces, manufactured after, sometimes LONG after, the parts were used in PRODUCTION. By that time, the tooling was wearing out and was no longer capable of making parts of the same quality as was used when the cars were in PRODUCTION. After PRODUCTION requirements end, GM (or any auto manufacturer) is just not going to invest in new tooling or expensive refurbishment of tooling used to manufacture parts which, by then, are low volume, SERVICE pieces.

I think if one had purchased a SERVICE bumper for, say, a 1967 Corvette and purchased it in 1967, that bumper and the original bumper used in PRODUCTION would be the same quality. If one purchased that bumper in, say, 1989, it would likely not be the same quality.

[Mike M.]

Re: Chrome Confusion

Gene------


I think it's more of a case of the fact that most SERVICE pieces we see are LATER SERVICE pieces, manufactured after, sometimes LONG after, the parts were used in PRODUCTION. By that time, the tooling was wearing out and was no longer capable of making parts of the same quality as was used when the cars were in PRODUCTION. After PRODUCTION requirements end, GM (or any auto manufacturer) is just not going to invest in new tooling or expensive refurbishment of tooling used to manufacture parts which, by then, are low volume, SERVICE pieces.

I think if one had purchased a SERVICE bumper for, say, a 1967 Corvette and purchased it in 1967, that bumper and the original bumper used in PRODUCTION would be the same quality. If one purchased that bumper in, say, 1989, it would likely not be the same quality.

my experience with original production c-2 bumpers and over the counter service replacement bumpers i bought in the late 60's thru the 80's confirms joe's impressions stated above. mike