Here's the dilemma: I've got a set of small, pre-74 bumpers for my 2002 to replace the federally-mandated aluminum picnic tables. They aren't in the greatest shape - some surface rust in places, a few dents here and there. I can clean them up and straighten them, but the cost of rechroming is more than I can manage right now. So, what to do? I briefly considered painting them black, but I don't think I really want that look. Do any of the chrome paints out there actually stand up over time? I don't really care if it looks 100% like chrome; shiny and silver is close enough.
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April 22, 2010 8:52 a.m. 02Pilot Reader
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April 22, 2010 8:54 a.m. Raze HalfDork
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April 22, 2010 8:54 a.m. Tommy Suddard SonDork
Flat black. Murdered out.
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April 22, 2010 8:57 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork
Powdercoated chrome. Better yet, PC chrome with a translucent black PC on top.
What color is the car?
Dan
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April 22, 2010 9:24 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork
Krylon makes "Anodized finish" paint, and it's really damn cool. I bought some purple to play with. Not sure what i'm going to paint with it yet, but i'm psyched.
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April 22, 2010 9:34 a.m. John Brown SuperDork
Ben, if you get bored paint something with a coarse sparkle metallic paint and then second coat it with the Anodize finish.
I did up a set of Neon wheels with the amber color and they were quite stunning.
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April 22, 2010 9:39 a.m. Powar Dork
I'm with Tommy. Black will look better than cheesy spray chrome.
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April 22, 2010 9:44 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork
John Brown wrote:
Ben, if you get bored paint something with a coarse sparkle metallic paint and then second coat it with the Anodize finish.
I did up a set of Neon wheels with the amber color and they were quite stunning.
Pictures? Krylon also makes "Hammered" finish paint that i found pretty interesting. I'm trying to think of a theme for my engine bay, and considering painting my wheels some hideously bright disgusting color.
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April 22, 2010 9:46 a.m. stuart in mn SuperDork
Paint them dull silver, and tell everyone they're lightweight fiberglass racing bumpers.
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April 22, 2010 9:51 a.m. STS_ZX2 New Reader
If you change your mind and go with the flat black look, 3M Rubberized Undercoating leaves a very nice texture--kind of a soft wrinkle coat effect, that works very well on bumpers. It hides surface imperfections well and it is also more resistant to dings than plain paint.
I did that on my Celica back in the mid 80s....
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April 22, 2010 10:01 a.m. BoxheadTim Dork
If the chrome's damaged, I'd vote for scuffing them up properly and painting them matte black, too. Or body colour. Just keep in mind it'll flake off eventually.
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April 22, 2010 10:08 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork
Nerf Bars?
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April 22, 2010 10:17 a.m. 02Pilot Reader
Here's the car. I'm sure I could get away with the black, but I'm just not feeling it on a car of this vintage. Same for body color (way too 80s). Powdercoat might be a good option, if I can find somebody local to do it reasonably.
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April 22, 2010 10:24 a.m. BoxheadTim Dork
If you're thinking about getting them rechromed at some point, I'd stay away from powdercoating as it's harder to get off again. Plus paint is a lot easier to touch up, too.
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April 22, 2010 10:47 a.m. STS_ZX2 New Reader
Black bumpers on a yellow car (from the 70s)...that is veryperiod-correct.
Seriously--try the 3M stuff. Get it from a body shop supply place...
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April 22, 2010 11:15 a.m. Woody SuperDork
I'm starting to love Rustoleum's Hammered Finish paints for surfaces that are less than perfect.
Won't look like chrome, though.
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April 22, 2010 11:21 a.m. joey48442 SuperDork
In reply to John Brown:
I do say, sir, your neon wheels are stunning!
Joey
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April 22, 2010 11:25 a.m. ClemSparks SuperDork
John Brown wrote:
Ben, if you get bored paint something with a coarse sparkle metallic paint and then second coat it with the Anodize finish.
I did up a set of Neon wheels with the amber color and they were quite stunning.
Do they look like anodized bass-boat?
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April 22, 2010 11:39 a.m. Carson Dork
I know you didn't ask, but I think '02s look really good bumper-less.
Otherwise, my vote is matte black too.
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April 22, 2010 11:45 a.m. John Brown SuperDork
Not so much, but that is a flake of another color.
I actually used Duplicolor metallic silver wheel coating, the Anodizit amber/gold and then turned on the electric oven to the lowest temperature and allowed each wheel to bake for about 35 minutes.
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April 22, 2010 3:11 p.m. mkiisupra New Reader
STS_ZX2 wrote:
Black bumpers on a yellow car (from the 70s)...that is veryperiod-correct.
Seriously--try the 3M stuff. Get it from a body shop supply place...
+1000.
The first true mod I made to a car back at 15-16 was to take a friends VW Bug and remove trim, scuff with sandpaper, and shoot in black matte, along with the tails, and turn signals. Pretty wicked for a mid-80's project, very little risk, thanks to the article for 'blacking out chrome' from Brand X mag. BTW, it was also bright Toyota yellow as well.
Paint it Black, the song still rings true.
Eric G
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April 22, 2010 3:34 p.m. 44Dwarf HalfDork
I've got a front NOS early 2002 bumper (folded sheet metal not alum beam)think it has both bumerets but missing one rubber strip.. but its been 4 or 5 years since i've looked at it...
44
