Just wanted to ask what people's thoughts or experience on Stainless steel bumpers v's restored original.
Having restored a few VW's I've always restored original bumpers, but there seems to be a few Stainless Steel ones available and wanted to ask peoples experience with them.
How do they compare to original?
How well do they fit?
Is the s/s as strong as original bumpers?
I'd imagine S/S you could hammer out and repolish any damage?
I like the idea of a S/S especially the no rusting part, nearly all of the bumpers I've restored eventually start having small spots of surface rust and buffing them out is do able but annoying.
Cheers,
Elias
BizarreModeratorThe artist formerly known as blue74l
I have had several bumpers re-chromed, and the only re-rust problems have been on the inside
Usually taken about 3 years to raise its head, but a wire brush and retreat with Hammertone and good to go.
I tossed up the stainless alternative but decided to have the originals rechromed instead,I was impressed with the service there was a couple of small rust holes and driving light holes in the bar which were repaired prior to rechroming. Hamilton Chrome in Denison st Hamilton did the work and 3 years on they are still good.
Am also curious about the stainless ones... I went rechromed originals with my beetle but the price of the stainless is so cheap compared to rechroming.
hi, i got stainless, heaps lighter, not quite as good fitting and i say not nearly as strong, as originals. but im not planning on running into anything
I chromed the bumpers on my last ghia and on the current one. If you use triple chrome (Cu + Ni + Cr) then it will look great!. I use the guy in Queanbeyan to do the work. He's better than any of the Sydney shops
regarding the stainless ones for Karmann Ghias theres a lot of discussion about them on one of the US forums, possibly TheSamba. I get the impression the quality has improved.
I have fitted two set of the S/s bumpers and the quality seem extremely good, i was quoted $846 inc shipping for the bumpers front and rear including overridders and towel rails..... i was quoted $1500 for 1 bumper to re chrome..... i fitted my old ones and polished the hell out of them!!
Waiting for the piggy bank to grow and will go the S/S option.
Oh and finding a good chromer! 😂Ha!! most of the ones i used to use have all shut down.
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you." - Anonymous 🥷
squareback_81 wrote:Hi learner dubber, did you end up having any luck finding a good chromer in melbourne? Any recommendations?
Cheers
I haven't made any arrangements yet with anyone, I wasn't happy with the person who did my beetle bumpers, but it is pretty pricey to find a good one. These guys look okay, but never used them myself. http://www.vinneys.com.au/www.vinneys.com.au/index.html
From what I've been reading on the Samba the S/S aren't sounding too bad, especially for the price.
But it looks like all my funds are all going towards body panels and body work for the time being.
So no bumpers for awhile yet.
I just got a quote for $710USD for front and rear euro stainless bumpers - that's including delivery which is very very tempting compared to rechroming costs. At the moment my funds are also being directed towards body work so will post an update if I do decide to eventually go ahead with them.
empi wrote:I have fitted two set of the S/s bumpers and the quality seem extremely good, i was quoted $846 inc shipping for the bumpers front and rear including overridders and towel rails..... i was quoted $1500 for 1 bumper to re chrome..... i fitted my old ones and polished the hell out of them!!
Waiting for the piggy bank to grow and will go the S/S option.
Oh and finding a good chromer! 😂Ha!! most of the ones i used to use have all shut down.
what bumper was that? and who by?
71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE
squareback_81 wrote:Hi learner dubber, did you end up having any luck finding a good chromer in melbourne? Any recommendations?
Cheers
I haven't made any arrangements yet with anyone, I wasn't happy with the person who did my beetle bumpers, but it is pretty pricey to find a good one. These guys look okay, but never used them myself. http://www.vinneys.com.au/www.vinneys.com.au/index.html
From what I've been reading on the Samba the S/S aren't sounding too bad, especially for the price.
But it looks like all my funds are all going towards body panels and body work for the time being.
So no bumpers for awhile yet.
The only problem I has with Vinneys it theirs bumper look too good, much more straight, smooth and shinier than factory NOS. But I suppose no one would really complain about that 😂
They do it the old school way, beating back into shape, repair rust holes and pitting, metal finish, lead fill in some cases, thick copper plate, finish again to achieve finer finish. I think they do multiple copper plates as required, nickle and then thick razor blade like chrome.
they have jigs ("templates") for common bumpers and shapes.
71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE
I have a 69' KG and I did the same, should I get S/S or redo the originals.
I decided to go for the S/S, they fitted perfectly and have a fantastic polished finish.
I hope to sell the original ones one day which will off-set the purchase price of the S/S bars.
