[Wakepowell]

I have a mint '70 rear bumper that I would like replated for my Judge. Does anyone have a recommended chrome shop? I want to ensure that the bumper I get back is the one I send them and not a '71 or '72 bumper. Also any input on pricing would be appreciated.

Thanks

[paint guy]

Recently had my 69 bumper replated by Keystone Automotive in Mpls(I believe they are nation-wide,but not sure)They sent it to Northstar plating in Brainerd,Mn.Absolutely perfect,IMO.cost was just under $500.I did recieve the exact same bumper that I gave them.

[Bet Winner]

I used Tri-City Plating Company in TN and got the bumper back a few weeks ago. I took a strong light to look at it, and it looks good. The cost was a little under $500.

[TEG]

1969 bumper. AIH in Dubuque, Iowa. Show chrome (got to tour the facility, very impressive). $875. Haven't received it yet but another forum member has had great luck. No offensive to anyone, but I have heard the Northstar can be hit or miss. I am happy for those who had a great job done.

[GOATFF71]

I agree with TEG,

AIH is top quality and you are definately going to get back the same item you send them. I've had several items done by them and know others that send them stuff and I have never heard anyone complain about anything, they aren't fast but they are good.

If you're interested their number is 1-800-782-8235.

[2002Z4CSS]

Originally Posted by Wakepowell

I have a mint '70 rear bumper that I would like replated for my Judge. Does anyone have a recommended chrome shop? I want to ensure that the bumper I get back is the one I send them and not a '71 or '72 bumper. Also any input on pricing would be appreciated.

Thanks

What is the difference between a 1970 rear bumper and a 1971-1972 bumper?

[Tim john]

AIH, Hands down my prefered choice as well for chrome restoration also D&S metal finishers out of Holyoke Mass.. Absolutely beautiful work by both places. You get what you pay for, quality is not cheap.


Tim john---

[Judge273]

The Finishing Touch...Awesome, Top quality, best facility in midwest. Expensive, YES!
http://www.thefinishingtouchinc.com/about.html

Did my GT-37 original bumpers, bench shifter, metal work, etc. Ver Nice!

[Wakepowell]

Originally Posted by 2002Z4CSS

What is the difference between a 1970 rear bumper and a 1971-1972 bumper?

The '71 and '72 bumpers have notches in the top of the bumper on each side of the license plate to accomodate the optional bumper guards. These notches are only noticable when the trunk lid is open.

Thanks for all the suggestions on chrome shops. I'll start calling around today.

[north]

Besides, its good to keep your original bumpers anyhow, one of these days some one will figure out what those codes mean!

[2002Z4CSS]

Originally Posted by Wakepowell

The '71 and '72 bumpers have notches in the top of the bumper on each side of the license plate to accomodate the optional bumper guards. These notches are only noticable when the trunk lid is open.

Thanks for all the suggestions on chrome shops. I'll start calling around today.

Thanks for the information. I learned something today.

[Mark Simiele]

Pauls Chrome plating in PA and Graves Plating in AL did the work on my car and with the resto nearing 10 years old this year everything looks as it was just done, perfect work. No chrome plating is cheap and like everyone else said, cheap is not good with chrome work, especially on a bumper which is a focal point of your car. I learned from my initial cheap lession and wont go there again with chrome work.

[My442]

Ask which process they use: trivalent or hexavalent.

One process is double plated, the other is triple.

Guess which one cost more????

[bulletpruf]

Another vote for Tri-City. Reasonable prices and turnaround is pretty quick, too.

Scott

[6 Grrrs]

I just sent mine out to Keystone Automotive per suggestions on here. $480 each. I'm crossing my fingers they look as expected. They assure me that I will get my bumpers in return. The local Keystone rep is a friend of a friend. I'm hoping he is correct. My bumpers were straight & fit my car perfectly. The front had a few small dents, the rear looks like it was replated many years ago.

[gloryrestoparts]

Originally Posted by Judge273

The Finishing Touch...Awesome, Top quality, best facility in midwest. Expensive, YES!
http://www.thefinishingtouchinc.com/about.html

Did my GT-37 original bumpers, bench shifter, metal work, etc. Ver Nice!

I had a chrome air cleaner lid for my 69 W-31 done by The Finishing Touch. OUTSTANDING. but not cheap. Made me wonder what it would cost to have them do a bumper. Then I heard last summer what Mike paid to have his bumper done there and I'm in shock. With all due respect, I'll keep that number to myself. But I have ABSOLUTELY no doubt how nice that bumper is (I haven't seen it in person if anyone is wondering). I took a tour of their facility when I dropped off my air cleaner lid. Real neat to see what all is done.

[paint guy]

Originally Posted by My442

Ask which process they use: trivalent or hexavalent.

One process is double plated, the other is triple.

Guess which one cost more????

This statement is not entirely correct,as the reactions in a chrome bath during plating are three for hexavalent,and two for trivalent,the first reaction is to convert hexavalent to trivalent,but this does not mean parts are "double-plated"or 'triple-plated"with 2 or 3 chromium layers.The reason hex is more expensive than trivalent is because hex is a carcinogen,hence disposal costs are higher,also requires more electricity to plate.Tri-valent can and will perform as well or better in salt fog tests,has been used to plate truck bumpers(among many other transportation applications)for many years.My source for this info is from the April,2008 issue of Paint and Coatings Journal(author Mark Shario)

[tripower]

Originally Posted by paint guy

Recently had my 69 bumper replated by Keystone Automotive in Mpls(I believe they are nation-wide,but not sure)They sent it to Northstar plating in Brainerd,Mn.Absolutely perfect,IMO.cost was just under $500.I did recieve the exact same bumper that I gave them.

Ditto on this. Sent them my ruffed up 66 rear bumper and it came back in concors condition. Zero flaws. They re-do your bumper too, not an exchange. I've been to several plating shops in the Chicago area and nothing compares to Keystone in MN.