Cheap faux chrome options

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.

chrome paint...$4/can

Flat black. Murdered out.

Powdercoated chrome. Better yet, PC chrome with a translucent black PC on top.

What color is the car?

Dan

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.

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.

I'm with Tommy. Black will look better than cheesy spray chrome.

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.

Paint them dull silver, and tell everyone they're lightweight fiberglass racing bumpers.

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....

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.

Nerf Bars?

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.

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.

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...

I'm starting to love Rustoleum's Hammered Finish paints for surfaces that are less than perfect.

Won't look like chrome, though.

In reply to John Brown:

I do say, sir, your neon wheels are stunning!

Joey

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?

I know you didn't ask, but I think '02s look really good bumper-less.

Otherwise, my vote is matte black too.

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.

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

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...

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