Author Topic: Bumpers  (Read 1730 times)

Leester

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Bumpers
« on: October 12, 2021, 14:40:55 »
I am looking to buy new bumpers for my '70 280SL but I don't plan to put bumper guards on. Does anyone know, if I order these from MB if they come drilled for the bumper guards or not? Would prefer they NOT be drilled.

Thanks in advance, Lee
Lee Backus
1963 220SE Cabriolet
1970 280SL (reassembling - hopefully soon)
1978 450SL (disassembled for paint)
1985 500SEC

Benz Dr.

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2021, 17:16:24 »
Why not find a good used set and have them plated?
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

TJMart

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2021, 20:18:21 »
The bumpers were drilled when the guards were installed so the bumpers would not be sold drilled by MB. I would suggest costing out a used set plus the cost of plating against a new set from MB if they are even available. A good chrome plating shop could make them better than new IMHO.
Tony
1970 280SL, 4 Speed

Leester

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2021, 23:52:55 »
Many thanks for your helpful replies.  Lee
Lee Backus
1963 220SE Cabriolet
1970 280SL (reassembling - hopefully soon)
1978 450SL (disassembled for paint)
1985 500SEC

mdsalemi

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2021, 11:13:20 »
Having had bumpers re-plated, 20 years ago, and taking advantage of a favorable exchange rate with Canada, it was well over $1000 to plate my original bumpers. I would imagine today the cost might be at least 2 to 3 times that. And yes a re-plated bumper will be significantly better than factory chrome.

One front bumper part, original, from Mercedes Benz, is still available and they are nearly $2000 each.

There are a very large number of both new and used bumpers available on eBay. It is difficult to tell from the listings whether or not they are factory OEM or reproductions. I would imagine in some cases the seller doesn’t even know.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
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johnk

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2021, 11:43:10 »
Good chrome shops are back-logged. Grafton custom chrome out by me is one of the best in the country but their waiting list is a year now.
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
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john.mancini

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2021, 01:13:09 »
Twenty years ago I took the original bumpers off of my low mileage 69 280SL. They were in near perfect condition, including the original paint on the inner surfaces. I did not want to risk them getting damaged so I put them away and bought a full set of repro front and rear bumpers. They fit and look great. You may want to try the repro route. Put the originals away and have them plated in the future.
John
68 280SL 906 Blue 4-sp
69 280SL 906 Blue
70 280SL 904 Blue
70 280SL 571 Red
70 280SL 040 Black 4-sp
66 230SL 162 Blue/Grey 
68 280SL 568 Red 4-sp
69 280SL 304 Horizon Blue
65 230SL 519 Red 4-sp
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SEB

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2021, 07:37:02 »
I think, to buy a good quality replica bumpers will be much cheaper and faster,  than to purchase used one and than to plate it with new chrome
Sebastian
1967 250 SL, 4 Speed, Euro spec, Tunis beige (462H),

Leester

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Re: Bumpers
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2021, 12:29:28 »
Thanks everyone. Just to close the loop I can confirm what TJMart posted, new bumpers come un-drilled. By sheer coincidence, the day after I posted I was able to acquire NOS rear bumpers at a favorable price. There was only one set available. Now on to fronts.

I have always heard that original chrome holds up better than re-chrome. From your postings it appears that this may not be correct.

Thanks as always.
Lee Backus
1963 220SE Cabriolet
1970 280SL (reassembling - hopefully soon)
1978 450SL (disassembled for paint)
1985 500SEC