Need help on this one. Would anyone know were I can get, Front & Rear fibergl***, bumpers for a 63 Catalina chrome plated. Thanks for your time.
I don't think you will have much luck with chrome plating but look for the spray on chrome finish that has been discussed on here numerous times. Not cheap and durability is questionable.
I know a guy who does Plastic Chrome... real chrome--it'll carry a current. I talked to him about doing the rear bumper on my '57 Chevy, and he said it's not a good idea--the chrome is durable on parts that aren't getting used or touched much... such as interior parts. For exterior parts, the chrome just doesn't hold up too well, especially on something big like a bumper. You can call him and ask him yourself though. AutoInstruments: 276-647-5550 -Brad
If its "real Chrome" then it should be just as durable as if it was plated onto a steel bumper. This may actually be a Vacuum Metalize process. I say this because the name is AutoInstruments. Most interior parts for automotives especially the instruments were originally done this way. They are great for interior applications but can't handle the weathers direct exposure. I have plated non-metal substrates (on a small scale) with great success. When finished the chrome is just as durable regardless of what the material is underneath. In most instances the substrate being a non-metallic will allow it to be more durable because it will not corrode like a metallic would. I wish I could help with the bumpers but I am no where near able to handle such a project. I know there are places that can do it with great success and durability. The down side is most are more expensive than having a pair of steel bumpers done. Its a more tedious (time consuming) process. Best of luck in your search! Make sure you do plenty of research on a company that tells you they can. A cheaper route would be spray chrome. With a good clear coat the bumper should hold up like a painted one would. The down side is that the better the clear the less deep shine of a chrome appearance you have. Still a lot better than the "spray paint chrome" at hardware stores!
I'm still going down this road myself. Advanced Plating told me that they would do it but by the time they got done with it all my weight savings would be gone due to the buildup of material. Plastic Chrome Plating: This type of plating is very soft and won't hold up. It scratches, pits and stains very easilly. Powder coating: The F'gl*** won't hold up to the temperatures of the bake oven. Paint (even Chrome Paint): Always looks like a cheezy silver paint job. Now I once saw a video of a shop using something that appeared to be water being sprayed with a paint gun. After many steps (like around 8-10 different applications) the piece they were spraying looked like show chrome. I only saw this video once and never saw the name of the shop or what the process was called. I've been searching ever since
Theres a shop called "Accent Chrome" that specializes in spray chrome. They just did a entire Lexus in the spray chrome. Google the name should get you the contact info. - Mayor
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