Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: scottjk on July 22, 2023, 13:59:15
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I'm looking to replace front/rear bumpers on my 280SL restoration. I'm bogged down with supply overload. Who currently makes the best reproduction? Chrome or Polished Stainless? I'm leaning toward KK.
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It's a common question. Many different suppliers mentioned over the years. But, I don't think anyone who has purchased these in lieu of OEM has provided a clear, in depth analysis of any reproductions.
Sure would be nice.
That being said, only the best quality stainless steel will have a "color" and quality when polished, to match chrome. It can be done; but it has to be a very good quality stainless. Not all stainless is equal, far from it. In my photo below, you can see the difference between a reproduction wheel cover (on the right), a thinner stainless stock, and not of the same grade as the OEM. The OEM is on the left; the color is warmer, more close in appearance to chrome plated steel. It also has a very high jewel-like polish finish. At the time I had these repros (long gone) I had a professional buffing wheel, rouge stick and polishing compounds, and try as I might could not get the repros to shine any more. Back they went.
So: not many are talking about their experiences with the reproduction bumper sets and providing detailed comparison photos of reproduction vs OEM.
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I'm looking to replace front/rear bumpers on my 280SL restoration. I'm bogged down with supply overload. Who currently makes the best reproduction? Chrome or Polished Stainless? I'm leaning toward KK.
I bought a set, front and rear from Vintage Europarts about 8 month ago. IMO they are as close as it gets to the original ones. Steel, chrome plated. I weight them as well with no weighable difference. I believe my original ones, depending on the angle you are looking at, have somewhat of a flatter surface. I don't think anybody will be able to tell a difference unless you put them next to each other. Certainly not looking down when mounted to the car.
(Personally, I wouldn't buy polished stainless steel for a number of reasons..)
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Any pics?
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Any pics?
I am looking for some of the pictures I took.
We discussed it here as well:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=35918.0
As mentioned, you can't see a difference on the pictures. There was another discussion on the chrome versus SS parts but I can find the thread any more.
Found it:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=35999.msg263281#msg263281
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What is the code for the whites/grey paint on the rear of these bumpers,does anyone know?
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DB 158 White Gray
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=10791.0
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Thank you