Author Topic: General Dilema Chroming (Read 3880 times)

biffabeau · « **on:** July 20, 2019, 13:49:05 »

Afternoon
So I have taken my bumpers off. Front and rear. I though they are not in bad condition, really the Chrome has just worn thin.
So I have flatted them down before taking to the chromers, prior to asking for a price. There is one one or two places where the chrome has worn out. The bumpers are not too rust at all.
What I wouldn't mine a second opinion on is this:
I have seen that I can buy a complete new set of bumpers for US $636. I also spotted this site offering to sell galvanized bumpers for £660 plus post. From a company called Harrington, anyone heard of them? https://groupharrington.com/product/mercedes-pagoda-w113-bumpers/

I would love to hear peoples stories, good and bad and opinion? Is the new stuff as good quality or better? Galvanized sounds like a good idea?

Thank you

PS. i don't have a price for the galvanising yet.

Jordan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2019, 16:55:10 »

I had my original bumpers rechromed a number of years ago and it cost more than the new repro's that were being offered. I believe the reproductions are a thinner grade steel than the originals and they are a polished steel rather than galvanized. Others that have purchased them I'm sure will provide comment.

teahead · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2019, 18:27:09 »

stainless steel may not be as strong, nor as shiny as chrome.

EeVeeWee · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2019, 20:46:11 »

I had my original bumpers rechromed, just because the steel is thicker than from repro's.
And chrome looks better than stainless steel, in my opinion.

wwheeler · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2019, 21:03:30 »

The chrome will always look nicer than stainless. It just has that extra bling. That being said, if you are driving a car regularly and on the freeway, the stainless could be a good option. You won't have to worry about pitting your pristine chrome. You can always have the stainless polished back up inexpensively.

Minerva · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2019, 22:08:53 »

I've a set of bumpers on the way back from derby plating at the moment, along with a selection of other stuff, have used derby for many years, not the cheapest, not the quickest but by far the best.
Keith.

biffabeau · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2019, 10:53:54 »

They are being advertised as chromed, galvanized steel?

wwheeler · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2019, 16:13:53 »

In the US, galvanized is not a chrome finish. Galvanizing is an inexpensive surface treatment that resists rust. https://galvanizeit.org/inspection-course/galvanizing-process

It has a dull ,mottled appearance and not show quality in the least. I realize the parts of the world call different plating processes different names, but I just don't see how a chrome plated finish could be confused with Galvanizing.

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2019, 16:34:17 »

The only way to go is with original plated parts. I bought some of those $250.00 bumpers several years back and they were junk. Nothing fit and they started to rust in a couple of years. Don't bother; I know I won't ever again.

biffabeau · « **Reply #9 on:** July 22, 2019, 17:18:59 »

May I ask what you have been quoted to re-chrome the two back bumpers?
I have been quoted between £700 - £1000 +VAT for the front bumper and both rear quarters.
Thanks

biffabeau · « **Reply #10 on:** July 22, 2019, 17:42:02 »

The bumpers are galvanized then Chromed.

Take a look here. https://groupharrington.com/product/mercedes-pagoda-w113-bumpers/
i'm assuming nobody here has used this company and it's leaning towards re-chroming mine. They are actually in good condition, just thin on Chrome.

biffabeau · « **Reply #11 on:** July 22, 2019, 17:43:09 »

Noted. I think you had all changed my mind. Thanks.

Minerva · « **Reply #12 on:** July 22, 2019, 17:47:19 »

I'm getting more than the bumpers done,
Front and rear bumpers,
Screen top rail
Screen sides
Trims on soft top lid x 4
Boot lock cover
Tail light surrounds
Dummy stud for wheel change
Coming to 2600 or thereabouts.
Ball park figure with derby is 250 to 300 an item.

biffabeau · « **Reply #13 on:** July 23, 2019, 12:43:06 »

The people at retropower recomend Derby Chrome. So you should be onto a good job.
Trouble is that's a few hundred miles from me.

klc1967230sl · « **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2019, 20:56:11 »

I bought a set front bumpers from Uroparts for my 230SL and am pleased with them. I think I got them from an ebay vendor. Several ebay vendors carry Uro parts. They seem to be of good quality and very good value. Same with the Uro seal kit for my car.

https://www.uroparts.com/uro/inventory/show/7084f

klc1967230sl · « **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2019, 21:06:49 »

Here is a link for the uroparts front bumpers. They make the rear bumpers too.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Bumper-L-R-fits-Mercedes-230SL-250SL-280SL-1138800170-1138800270/401427306036?epid=1517794156&hash=item5d76ee9634:g:gKUAAOSwdZdbks1r

lowpad · « **Reply #16 on:** July 30, 2019, 21:36:54 »

Does anyone have a chromer in the Northeast US that they can recommend for bumpers? They're in good shape, but have some scratches that need attention. Thanks.

wayne R · « **Reply #17 on:** July 30, 2019, 22:56:58 »

A good source for chrome plating in New Zealand and Australia is
any of the big Harley Davidson outlet stores, they usually use the best
in that particular area, ., and they spend thousands on there motor cycles.

johnk · « **Reply #18 on:** July 31, 2019, 02:37:30 »

Quote from: lowpad on July 30, 2019, 21:36:54

Does anyone have a chromer in the Northeast US that they can recommend for bumpers? They're in good shape, but have some scratches that need attention. Thanks.

I bought two new rear bumpers from Millers for $500 and immediated returned them as the chrome work was definately cheap. Millers was very nice about it and said these were for people who needed soemthing cheeap. I then had my rear bumpers rechromed by Grafton Custom Chrome here in Cleveland for $700 and was extremely pleased. I have heard of mercedes restoration shops on the east coast that send all of their work here as do shops accross the country. Much of their work is for VERY expensive restoration shops but I found their prices to be better than the other quotes I had.

jeffc280sl · « **Reply #19 on:** July 31, 2019, 14:44:36 »

I had my factory bumpers rechromed about 15 years ago. For those that dislike the bumperets I suggest you have the existing holes filled and then rechrome. I like the look better and a new owner can always drill new holes if bumperets are desired again

gullwing71 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 09, 2019, 22:00:43 »

Just a curious thought....when you have your bumpers re-chromed /refinished what do you do to the inner side (opposite of chromed side)? Spray with a wax coating to prevent rust?

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #21 on:** August 09, 2019, 22:57:21 »

The inside or back side of the bumpers were painted in a sort of cream white color. Same paint that's on the back side of the small hub caps and the back side of the grill. I think it's DB 158 but I would check to be sure. Paint is flat with no real shine and more like primer.

Garry · « **Reply #22 on:** August 09, 2019, 23:03:27 »

I have used a rattle can of rust kill paint in a light colour that works well before refitting.

Garry

ejboyd5 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 09, 2019, 23:45:33 »

For painting bumper and hubcap interiors I've been happy with Krylon Ivory Gloss (#1604).

KevinC · « **Reply #24 on:** August 15, 2019, 16:30:19 »

I bought a set of polished stainless steel bumpers for my 107 last year from Vietnam. I wouldn't say that they aren't as shiny as chrome...

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Author Topic: General Dilema Chroming (Read 3880 times)

wayne R

jeffc280sl

gullwing71

KevinC