new bumpers

I'm looking for some advise on purchasing some new bumpers for my 230 sl.  I have priced out new originals at over $2000.00 front and back.  My car is going to be a driver not a concours car.  I plan on painting the car and putting the old bumpers back on just won't work.  Does anyone have any experience with the stainless steel bumpers or the reproductions that are out their? if so could you please make a recommendation on the brand and were you purchased, ideally in the U.S.

Thanks

Hi--

I bought some stainless repros from Harrington (a UK company) through eBay. You can find them through eBay international or at http://www.groupharrington.com/

The bumpers are apparently hand-made in Vietnam.

They look like jewels!!

Joe

Michael,  don't forget to get a quote on rechroming your existing bumpers.  They will fix any dents and holes as part of the process.
Marcus

I agree with Jordan.  I would think really hard about having your original bumpers re-chromed.

Hi Michael

I just got 3 of the four pieces on my car re chromed. The originals were straight, with slight dings which was my reason for rechroming them, but no rust. I didn't send them out, but got them done here in Denver. Overall, I am quite satisfied. The process they used, however, is not the triple chrome generally used on concourse cars (the first copper step is omitted). They turned out fine though. I was charged $200 per piece, which is only a bit less than the cost of a repro stainless one, but I rest knowing I have my originals back on the car. I suspect triple show plating would be quite a bit more.

So, depending on how much work yours would be to straighten, I would recommend keeping the originals. Just MY thoughts though...

Bernd

Anyone know how to tell if we really have originals on our cars?

Look underneath, factory bumpers have ivory colored paint on the undersides.

Original Bumpers:

Best indicator is to look at the bolt holders inside the bumper.

The MB part number is embossed near each bolt hole.

Richard M, NYC

That's true for the front bumpers, no numbers on the rear bumpers.

I am pretty sure the paintcode for the inside of the bumpers is  the old "weissgrau"  = DB 158   white grey

Yes, white gray 158 is the correct color (and almond rustoleum in a rattle can is a very, very good substitute)

I just recently purchased four new factory bumpers from David Gallon.  Even with his generous discount, they were over $3500.  Rechroming is a very reasonable option.

Unless your bumpers are near perfect for plating but just dull, you can't beat the repro option. I recomemnd the steel ones which are high quality and sell for @250.00 a section. So $1,000.00 would cover front and back. When I do my car that's what I plan on doing.

If you do go the repro route, please keep the originals so that the car stays original and complete.  I would also strongly suggest getting a quote to re-chrome the originals.