Rear Bumper Rechrome

[JLPurcell]

I just recieved a rear bumper I purchased on ebay for my 1972 Z. It is not exactly what I expected. I knew it was going to have to be rechromed but I was not expecting the condition of the inside to be as it is. I asked the seller if the inside had any rust and the answer was "the inside shines". Well after the seller wire brushed it and put some kind of clear coat on it, it shines. It is still a good solid straight bumper. Back to my question; is there any prep work I should do or have done on the interior of the bumper prior to the rechrome? I want the bumper to be as new when I get it back. Can someone help me with this, is there an existing thread on this? Thanks! JLP

[EScanlon]

I would suggest you first find a plater in your area that SPECIALIZES in Auto Restoration Chroming. They'll usually have that in their ad on the Yellow Pages.

Let HIM tell you what he would have you do or not. Many times inexperience is more expensive than to have it done by the pro's. Ask him also if he offers any kind of straightening, welding, filling etc. If he's just a plater, ask him whose work he deals with and who is the best if more than one. Many times you'll find that John over in that town does exactly what you want.

As far as to what YOU could do, other than remove it from the car (done) and take it to the plater (to do).... you get my drift?

Enrique

[JLPurcell]

I would suggest you first find a plater in your area that SPECIALIZES in Auto Restoration Chroming. They'll usually have that in their ad on the Yellow Pages.

Let HIM tell you what he would have you do or not. Many times inexperience is more expensive than to have it done by the pro's. Ask him also if he offers any kind of straightening, welding, filling etc. If he's just a plater, ask him whose work he deals with and who is the best if more than one. Many times you'll find that John over in that town does exactly what you want.

As far as to what YOU could do, other than remove it from the car (done) and take it to the plater (to do).... you get my drift?

Enrique

Thanks!!! My local speed shop has suggested a plater, I'll talk to him. Now, I have a new front bumper complete (bumper, guards, rubber). Where can I buy new rubber for the rear bumper. I noticed that VB offers the rear bumper rubber but not for the guards. LMK Thanks again, JLP

[26th-Z]

Jerry,

Start with a web search on chrome plating and read up on the subject. Then contact a few different platers and discuss your project and their services including pricing. Most platers won't quote you over the phone. A leap of faith is probably going to be involved. But read up on the process and the different types of services you can find. Discuss in full the type of work you think you will need and what your expectations are. Then decide who to deal with. There is cheap, thin plating like Nissan provided, and there is thick lucious chrome plating for museum pieces. I found a place in Alabama I will probably use. I know there is a drop dead fantastic place up around Philidelphia, but they were the priciest I found. Most plating shops will strip, weld, fill and grind.

(edit) Sorry, I had to loose an eBay auction while I was writing this. :mad:

The chrome plating that Nissan used is very thin and the base metals are thin. That is why they rust. Most chrome shops are going to provide a better result. As they say; "It's all in the prep work". And finally, I think it is still cheaper to buy new bumpers than to have them re-chromed.

Rubber is getting harder and harder to find. I imagine someone will start making repro rubber soon.

[JLPurcell]

Jerry,

Start with a web search on chrome plating and read up on the subject. Then contact a few different platers and discuss your project and their services including pricing. Most platers won't quote you over the phone. A leap of faith is probably going to be involved. But read up on the process and the different types of services you can find. Discuss in full the type of work you think you will need and what your expectations are. Then decide who to deal with. There is cheap, thin plating like Nissan provided, and there is thick lucious chrome plating for museum pieces. I found a place in Alabama I will probably use. I know there is a drop dead fantastic place up around Philidelphia, but they were the priciest I found. Most plating shops will strip, weld, fill and grind.

Hello Chris, Thanks for the help. I think I've decided to put the 72 back together mild comp and selling (or trading) #29 and trying to find an unmolesed low milage 72 or earlier and keep it stock. Thoughts? JLP

[JLPurcell]

Chris, just got the rest of your message. VB offers rear bumper ends but not the center section. Does anyone sell the center section? Thanks JLP

[26th-Z]

I thought you were headed that way when you first wrote me. Lets see if we can't find 29th a good home. I must say that over the past year or so, I have seen quite a few nice cars trade hands. Keep your eyes peeled.

[MikeW]

Does anyone sell the center section?

The rear bumper center section has been NLA for a while. You'll occasionally see NOS center sections on eBay. They tend to go for $250-$300.

[gnosez]

check with Mike McGinnis at www.zzxdatsun.com for rear guard rubber

[JLPurcell]

check with Mike McGinnis at www.zzxdatsun.com for rear guard rubber

Thanks for the QT on the web site. I can see they are going to get lots of my money. They have white headliners and other HTF stuff I don't have yet.

JLP

[26th-Z]

Have you talked to Les Canaday? http://www.classicdatsun.com/ Try John Jefferies http://www.baddogparts.com/index.htm

[sblake01]

.......Lets see if we can't find 29th a good home...

Now, if he sells 29th and later on 28th turns up, just think of the opportunity you will have missed. :devious: