Re Chroming Front Bumper And Grill

[Pengue]

I've got a 1971 280SL and I am considering having both the front bumper and grill re chromed.  From a distance they both look great but under an led light you can see (after 48 years) the fine surface scratches.  The rest of the chrome on the car is perfect.

I got a quote of about $5,000 from a very reputable automotive restoration shop located here in Connecticut; and I'm trying to figure out if this is reasonable.  Any thoughts or input would be appreciated.

[MikeSimon]

I guess it very much depends where you are and who you get a quote like this from. Here where I live, we have quite a few excellent chrome plating businesses and I would probably have to pay about half of that for two front bumper halves and a complete grill of 4 or 5 pieces. $5,000.- seems to be influenced by the fact that it is for a classic Mercedes and the owner is perceived to have lots of money.

[Pengue]

I also reached out to a couple of local plating shops in the immediate area.  I was expecting something in the range of about $1,500.  The price includes 6 hours of labor to remove and reinstall which also seems excessive.

Thanks for the reality check!

[johnk]

I just paid $700 for both rear bumpers to be done at one of the best shops in the country. $4300 to do just the front seems very excessive to me.

[johnk]

I just paid $700 for both rear bumpers to be done at one of the best shops in the country. $4300 to do just the front seems very excessive to me.

Sorry I misread your note thanking you said front and rear bumpers. $5k still seems expensive.

[johnk]

I suggest you take pictures and send them to
Custom chrome I’m grafton Ohio for a quote. These pieces  are very easy to remove yourself.

[MikeSimon]

I second the place in Grafton, John! For their quality of work. However, they are on the high end of MY spectrum of price. Still, 5k they may not charge.

[Pengue]

I looked at their web site and they show that they have two grades:  high quality and show quality.  What grade did you go with?

I sent them an email with pictures but their web site says that they will not give any quotes without seeing the pieces in person. I asked for a ballpark number.  It's unrealistic to remove and ship major pieces of the car only for them to come back with a price that would not work for me. 

  Let's see what they come back with.  Thanks for all your help and input.

[johnk]

They didn’t offer me a choice but I will tell you the job was excellent. No scratches clear shine and you couldn’t see the dents any more.

[dpreston Virginia]

When I purchased my 69 280SL I had a crack in the surround. After thinking of repair and re-chrome I was concerned that the surround would not fit well. Re-chroming does add to the thickness of the part. I chose to go with a surround from the Mercedes Classic center. If it didn't fit well I could send it back. The grill fit perfectly and from your chrome quote the Classic Center grill is in your budget. I did get a discount from being a club member.

[MikeSimon]

I have a spare front bumper and a spare front grill. I really do not want to promise this, but if there is more interest and you guys have time until early next year, I am willing to take the parts to Grafton and have them look at it and give us a quote. It is 21 miles away from me.

[jeffc280sl]

its been 10 years since i did my chrome in Toronto.  one thing you may want to consider is the removal of bumperettes.  you can always drill out the bumper to reinstall if you want to return to original.  i like the look but recognize its your call

[johnk]

I have a spare front bumper and a spare front grill. I really do not want to promise this, but if there is more interest and you guys have time until early next year, I am willing to take the parts to Grafton and have them look at it and give us a quote. It is 21 miles away from me.

I am closer and can take mine up there next week if it helps for them to see the actual sizes. However I am guessing the prices vary based upon whether you have any dents or nicks in them. Mine is in very good shape.

[EeVeeWee]

In the Netherlands I paid €1300,- for re chroming the front bumper and four hub caps.
It was a decent method including copper layer, so $5,000 seems very expensive.

[Shvegel]

When you say "Restoration" shop I assume you are not dealing directly with a plating shop?  I think you could cut your price in half by doing that.   Plating shops generally have a pretty fussy clientele and usually don't stay in business by turning out junk.

[Pengue]

Attached are two close up photos: (1) the bumper and (2) the top of the grill.  I sent these out to the Jeff Cote at Mercedes Benz Classic Center in Irvine.  By the way I have met Jeff in person when I was out there; and he is super helpful! These close up are shown under a high led light and you can see the microscopic scratches.  Jeff suggestion was to leave well enough alone.  These microscopic scratches are the patina of a 50 year old 280 SL. I think he said, "it's original and the more original the better". 

I'm torn.  To the naked eye everything looks great; but when I take my light and interrogate, I see less than perfect

I did reach out to the guys in Grafton and they came back with $3,200 - $4,200.  Given they can not see the parts in person, they have to give themselves some flexibility.  The condition is excellent so my bet is it would be closer to the $3,200 = $2,000 less than the quote from Automotive Restoration.

Bottom line I need to think some more.  I so appreciate everyone's input.

Dan Pengue


 

[Norm]

Of course it is your car and only you can decide what is best for you.

That said, ask yourself if you want a "nice looking 50 year old car" or "a 50 year old car that looks like new"?  Then, how does the car look over all as is?  Like new or nice looking?

Regarding the grill surround, I was concerned that a re-chrome might not fit as expected so I went the new route with the Classic Center.  Very pleased with the fit.  I had no flaws in the barrel or star but I did re-chrome the bumpers and again, pleased with the results.

I agree with John K that this is a pretty easy removal job.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Norm

[Shvegel]

Don’t misplace the washers and screws...ouch.

[johnk]

Have you tried having them buffed? Could be a lot cheaper with decent results.

[Pengue]

I've used metal polish and from any distance they both look really good.  It's just when you get really close and put them under a light.  Sadly I am very anal and want perfection.  It ll comes down to price.  I will keep everyone posted. 

As an FYI how do you add pictures and signatures (details about your car) to your profile?

[johnk]

I've used metal polish and from any distance they both look really good.  It's just when you get really close and put them under a light.  Sadly I am very anal and want perfection.  It ll comes down to price.  I will keep everyone posted. 
As an FYI how do you add pictures and signatures (details about your car) to your profile?

No I am talking about professional high speed buffing nothing like you or I could do. They should be able to tell you if they can remove those fine scratches or not.

[winston the browndog]

AS far as the grill goes , You can get one from Mercedes , new for $3,200.00 .

[wjsvb]

Unfortunately, if one is anal, the new (renewed) chrome might look out of place alongside the formerly near perfect paint etc. on the car.  You know what comes next...

[Pengue]

I'm biting the bullet and sending the parts out to Custom Chrome Plating in Grafton, OH.  Spoke with them a couple of times and I'm confident they are the right guys.  Work is scheduled to be completed in late March.  Can't wait to see the finished product.  Thanks for everyone's input and advice.

[johnk]

Good luck Pengue send us picks when it’s done!

John