Hey guys, Ive been seeing a lot of color matched bumpers as of late, and i really like that look. I would like to do it to my 71 skylark. Just wondering if we have to paint the stock chrome ones or is there a good aftermarket source you guys can recommend? Anybody done this before? Recommendations or tips?
Or less of a budget , we all ain't building show cars. I'm thinking maybe a media blasting , followed by 4 or more coats of epoxy primer, with lotsa wetsanding between coats. Use an appropriate epoxy primer color to match/get close to finish color. Finish as the body was done....Jim
Let's face it, usually when you see them you can tell it was to save money. There are certainly some customs where it is obvious it is part of the overall design and where great lengths were given to perfect finishes, but it's usually to cover up bad chrome
I don't like the look on a car that came with chrome bumpers as a rule, but I have seen a few that the look fits the car. That said, I am not going to insult anyone over the why, anymore than their choice of woman, firearm, or dog or dress. A man is his own, and his tastes should suit him. So, should we take a vote that anyone who cannot (afford or know how) or will not do a thing the the liking of others should be forbidden from such things? Yeah, it is almost obvious that it is an issue of money. But I rather see a ratted out ride still on the road, people still enjoying the freedom and the joy, than shiney new plastic cars, all looking the same and drones going along for the ride. I don't mean to come across snarky. I see a lot of things that I really don't like. But at the end of the thought, a man's property is his, and what he chooses to do, if it harms no other, is his business. As well as we all have our own opinions on this. Perhaps it is because I was broke and "did things" to get by, in order to be in it. To the OP, prep is key, you should remove all the plating, chrome/nickel/copper and get to the steel, then properly work out the imperfections. Then use proper etching solution, prime and paint. I have no idea of the cost, but if you have it done correctly by a shop, it might be almost half as much as a show chrome. But if you like the look, go for it. I just had a rear 1964 Skylark bumper done and it was $1166 for show chrome, pickup and return shipping included from Florida to Utah and back. (Ogden Chrome). All dents, dings and scratches removed, and straightened. It looks as good if not better then as it shipped on the car in 1964.
Olds did it but I thought it really hurt the car. I have heard many people say the same thing, "Too much yellow".
https://www.uniquemankato.com/vehicles/224/1970-oldsmobile-rallye-350 "...Oldsmobile built 3,547 copies of the Rallye 350--a relatively small number that might back up reports that dealers found it difficult to sell the wild-looking coupes, due at least in part to the yellow bumpers. We've heard that, in response to this, some dealers took off the urethane-coated pieces and installed standard chrome bumpers--so don't be too alarmed if you find an original car with chrome bumpers it may not necessarily be a fake. Several Olds experts corroborated the belief that chrome bumpers were retrofitted at dealerships, but there is no way of knowing for sure how many cars received this treatment...".
Can look awesome. Can look crap. All depends on the rest of the car. What I really don’t like is bumper-delete. I think the right bumper really sets off a car
Nothing wrong with doing it the way you want it! I personally thing it's too much colour. I like chrome on these old machines. I often see many cars at shows with the drip rail trim painted as well and missing well wheel trim. I find it doesn't look quite right to me. But my car isn't correct either. I have an aftermarket steering wheel and rims along with other things. I say go for it and enjoy it! It's yours!!
I’ve been considering this for the last few weeks too. I’ve been considering buying the fiberglass bumpers so as not to “ruin” good chrome bumpers. I imagine...not sure...I’d have to scuff the chrome to achieve good adhesion. This car has been an inspiration for my build...I think it helps to get the rocker moldings the same color as the bumpers...window trim and wheel well moldings too.
As a way to build a cheaper junior muscle car - so pretty much back to people to cheap to spring for chrome bumpers
I’d say buy these and paint them: http://www.vfnfiberglass.com/6772skylark.htm Think that’s what imadoo! But I’m looking for weight savings too.
