I've noticed a lot of people are strongly one way or the other and I'm trying to make up my mind here. I have a 54 bel air bumper I was going to weld up as a cali style, post a tech on it (I do it a bit diffetently to add support, might interest some), then auction it off on the hamb as a donation. Now I can't rechrome it, the nearest place is over 500 miles away and costs $500. So that said, what do you think? Worth more stock with decent chrome? Worth more as a cali style?
Depends on what it's going on. I want a Cali style bumper for my '62 Impala. It would elimate the horizontal lines that clash with the vertical grille I put in.
I want to do this to my front bumper as well but I am going to paint it and maybe even flip it over. then lower it so that it sets level with the splash pan.
People weld up the 3-piece bumpers all the time, but I haven't heard of anyone cutting an 1-piece into thirds. I definitely prefer the 1-piece. However, if the chrome is good, maybe it's better to let the new owner decide which he/she prefers. Bryan
I thought you just wanted to flip it. Man I'm not sure that's gonna look like you expect. We needa take it off and flip it, get a look at it and then decide. Next time ya come by we'll do that. Anyone else turn the front upside down?
There should be a pic in this thread...I'm flying blind 'cause photobucket is blocked here at work: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1383916#post1383916 Bryan
The front bumper on my '49 Fleetline was flipped when I got it....probably by accident (the previous owner didn't know much about cars). I've always liked the flipped bumper on Watson's G****vine, so will probably keep it that way. So far as Cali bumper, I vote yes!
it all depends on the chrome on the 3 peice bumper. decent chrome, leave it alone. if I had a 3 piece bumper on my 49 I'd change it or weld it up. then again the only benifit I can see to a 3 peice bumper is is is easier and cheaper to ship
The chrome is decent as mentioned but I'm not Boyd so my "decent" would be his "junked." On most of it, it's worn down to the copper and has a few small places where it's pealing and such.
With that info, my preference would be to have it welded (in part 'cause I'm curious about the technique you mention). I have a one-piece rear bumper that has ****py chrome...I just sanded it down and primed it to match my car. I plan to get it chromed and wouldn't swap it for a three-piece unless the chrome was near-perfect. Once again, that's just my .02. Bryan
3 piece bumper is so smooth, very clean look. For a kustom it's a great subtle change. while you're at it, weld ip the bolts and have it replated totally smooth....oh yeah
Last BTTT just to top off the votes. So far looks like Cali style is in and I'll see what I can do about chroming it again but not sure. Soon as it's ready I'll be getting in touch with Ryan for the business end of it all. I'm sure we'll arrange it so he accepts the payment and I ship it when he confirms payment. Top the votes off.. I'm extremely impressed at the turn out. I really expected more people to be into a 3pc stock style.
Yeah while the three piece is cool in a traditional stock sense, the smooth flow of a solid bumper just adds that extra touch of cl*** to the overall look. And yeah, I'd be interested ina tech on this one too.
I just wrote a long post on the subject and then deleted it and started over. I just realized I'm totally undecided on the subject. I like 'em smoothed but I guess it depends on the style of car you're building and if you're willing to do both ends. Anyway go for it it'll be good tech and maybe someone here is after a smoothed bumper and doesn't feel like they can get it right.
Same here man, I'm undecided on the whole subject too. It's cool as hell for some applications but wouldn't make sense on others. It's simple enough to do that's for sure but a tech on it might help settle someone's fears of ruining a perfectly good bumper.
I found this pic on Aaron website (50chevy.com) a while ago and since than I've been thinking to do something similar.
I am all for the one-piece. FYI< seems like a tri five or olds bumper fits the body better in the rear. 53 olds rear bumper fits very nicely, here is a pic of the livingston chevy with one http://50chevy.com/photos/goodguys/good_guys_nationals_012 (Was narrowed to fit the chevy)
Your votes counted! Thanks for all the feedback. I got started on it today, it will be done in no time. and fyi, I have 3 pairs of welding gloves, none of which I can find. I'm sure my hands and arms will be a nice lobster red tomorrow.
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