C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

[Donald H.]

As I have mentioned on other threads that I started, this is my first car restoration, so maybe I am expecting to much. But I just got my bumpers back from chroming and am very disappointed. I have attached a picture, but not sure if what I am seeing shows up well in the photo. It seems to be brownish blotches under the chrome, like after the nickel plating and buffing, or whatever the process is, they were not clean good before the chrome layer was applied.

I have not looked at all the parts yet, but the blotches are on both rear bumperettes in multiple places and on one of the front bumpers. I have also a lot of small pock marks on one of the front bumpers?????

I just paid the chromer over $1,000 to chrome the front and rear bumpers (not including the front bumperettes and license plate mounting which I had to replace). So for 2 front bumpers, 2 rear bumpers, and 2 rear bumperettes.

Are my quality expectations to much?

[Tom L.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

I had a similarly poor experience with a chrome shop in Philadelphia. Three original pieces were destroyed. Four had to be redone by the same shop and two are at another chrome shop now to be repaired ('70 egg crate fender grills with so much material plated to them that the don't fit in the fenders anymore). Since that experience, I've been using Paul's Chrome in central PA with very good results.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

Tom,

Yes, I recently sent my C1 window posts and door posts to Paul's. Since they are pot metal I didn't trust anyone one else.

However, I assume any competent chromer could do the bumpers. As a matter of fact, before I sent stuff, I spoke to the owner and he said he did show quality work and made sure things were done right, because he wanted to maintain his reputation and didn't want customers bad mouthing his work. I hope to hear back from them. I called and left a message, but they may be already gone for the weekend.

Can you see the brownish blotch in the photo I attached. Again, my question is am I expecting to much? I was hoping to get like new bumpers with clear and compete chrome.

[Tom L.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

I can clearly see the spot. Your expectations of better reults are very reasonable. I'd just stick with Paul's.

[Loren L.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

I began having much better "luck" with chromers when I decided it was worth my time and $$ to take bumpers to a seperate facilty for sandblasting, making sure that they were clean and then taking them to the chromer. They pay the lip service "Sandblasting is included" but invariably don't get the job done.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

Donald,

I see it in your picture. Are you sure it's under the chrome?

It's possible it is residue left over from the final buffing process. I had a similar issue on a 57 tail light done at my chrome shop and when I showed them, they re-buffed the area with the brown spot and it came out fine.

Hopefully it's the same issue with yours. Either way, the parts should not have been shipped back to you in that condition.

Rich

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

Donald,

I see it in your picture. Are you sure it's under the chrome?

It's possible it is residue left over from the final buffing process. I had a similar issue on a 57 tail light done at my chrome shop and when I showed them, they re-buffed the area with the brown spot and it came out fine.

Hopefully it's the same issue with yours. Either way, the parts should not have been shipped back to you in that condition.

Rich

I'm not sure whether it is under or on top of the chrome layer. I have tried to wipe it with a soft cotton cloth with no affect. Hopefully it is in top and the chromer will be able to buff it out.

Thanks,
Don

[Paul J.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

Don, that's pretty awful. Your expectations are not too high. Those need to go back to the plater.

Paul

[Terry R.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

Hi Don When I had my chroming done on my '62 one of the bumpers had a brown spot so I called the plater and they told me to take a 50/50 solution of vinegar/water and wipe it down. The spot disappeared and has not come back. Worth a try. Good Luck

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

Hopefully I hear from the plater on Monday. If not I will give the vinegar and water solution a try

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 (1960) bumpers back from chromer and I am not happy

As I have mentioned on other threads that I started, this is my first car restoration, so maybe I am expecting to much. But I just got my bumpers back from chroming and am very disappointed. I have attached a picture, but not sure if what I am seeing shows up well in the photo. It seems to be brownish blotches under the chrome, like after the nickel plating and buffing, or whatever the process is, they were not clean good before the chrome layer was applied.

I have not looked at all the parts yet, but the blotches are on both rear bumperettes in multiple places and on one of the front bumpers. I have also a lot of small pock marks on one of the front bumpers?????

I just paid the chromer over $1,000 to chrome the front and rear bumpers (not including the front bumperettes and license plate mounting which I had to replace). So for 2 front bumpers, 2 rear bumpers, and 2 rear bumperettes.

Are my quality expectations to much?

Don------


Although I don't know if it applies here, one thing to keep in mind: chrome alone will not "fill in" or "cover up" imperfections such as pitting, gouges, scrapes, etc. in the base metal. If those are present, they must be dealt with BEFORE the piece is chrome plated. I don't think your "brown spot" has anything to do with this, but the "pock marks" might. However, if that's the case, a chrome plater should have advised you of that before plating the pieces. Depending upon the extent of any damage to the base metal, it can get pretty expensive to get it repaired, though.

Also, I don't think the vinegar and water solution will cause any damage to the bumper, so you could try it now. If you want to be sure, just apply some to a chromed area on the back of the bumper first and see if any problem is caused there. I'd be amazed if it did.