MTFCA Forum

Looking for some opinions and input regarding bumpers for my 26 Coupe. I put reproduction bumpers on the back.
Since then I have acquired an original set with brackets for the front and was just going to hang on to them. Paid $400.00.
I have decided to put front bumpers on to mount some signal lights.
The originals are in great shape and I got a quote to nickel or chrome plate them at $550.00 plus shipping, there and back, which
could add another $100 bucks. Is it really worth it to get them re-plated and would it add any value to the car.
I can get another reproduction set for $420. Again, just looking for some opinions and input.

Bill H.

How bad is the plating currently?

I suppose it would depend on how close the repro bumpers are to the original. If you re=plate them, they won't be completely original again anyway. Replate is much better looking than black.
Norm

Weren't they Nickle originally?

John Codman wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 26, 2024 11:21 am

Weren't they Nickle originally?

Absolutely, they were nickle, originally. If I were putting these on a restored car that would ever go through MTFCA or MTFCI judging, then I'd get the originals replated and use them. On my 27 coupe, all my brackets are originals and I have a set of replated bars (front and rear), but I have a set of the stainless steel bars which I will keep on it unless I decide to change them out. The car will never be judged and is a driver, so I don't want to risk damage to them in case of contact with a fixed object, or deterioration of the plating from weather exposure.

I think Model T Woods just made my mind up when he talked about damaging them.
He is absolutely right about that. When I have an extra 600 bucks I am going to get the
originals re-plated but for now reproductions will be the way to go. I drive the car
a lot so it makes sense not to take any chances about hitting something or someone
else hitting them.