Bumper repair/restore

[Cirrusaly]

Recently, I backed my 2019 27' FC into a fixed object, resulting in an impressive vertical crease about 12" from the left end, and the elongation/deformation of the mounting hole on the top left side. No other damage other than the ego "ouch."

I ordered a new bumper and DIY replacement was easy.

My question: Does anyone know a shop that would restore the damaged bumper to like new condition? I'd like to keep it for a spare.

Thanks,
David

[Rich W]

Hi David, have you checked with a local body shop? Ask them about straightening and re-chroming it for you. It may turn out to be more expensive than just buying a new one, but ask anyway. You might have to check a few to get different estimates.

[Al and Missy]

I hung the curbside end of the bumper on my Safari 25 on a concrete column in my driveway. The end of the bumper was pulled out and the top mounting hole puled completely out. I removed the bumper and got it reasonably straight by bracing it between two heavy objects and pulling the other end to get it close. Then a friend with a hydraulic press flattened out the creases in the top and bottom. Almost invisible afterwards.

[Cirrusaly]

Originally Posted by richw46

Hi David, have you checked with a local body shop? Ask them about straightening and re-chroming it for you. It may turn out to be more expensive than just buying a new one, but ask anyway. You might have to check a few to get different estimates.

I called a couple places locally, but no luck so far. They aren’t Airstream oriented. Maybe I’m not describing the problem correctly to them. I should maybe just take the piece by so they can see it. [emoji16]

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Cirrusaly

I called a couple places locally, but no luck so far. They aren’t Airstream oriented. Maybe I’m not describing the problem correctly to them. I should maybe just take the piece by so they can see it. [emoji16]

All those classic cars you see in car shows must be getting repaired somewhere. Seems to me that you would just need the tools to bang out dents and press out the creases, then rechrome the thing. I'm just spitballing here, never had to have it done. It may be cheaper to just buy a new one. The classic car restores are probably limited in what's available for replacement.

I agree, take the spare to a shop and see what they say. I needed a repair on my wife's new car once, someone hit it when it was 3 weeks old. I called the Mercedes dealership and asked them who they use. I had it repaired there, it was a '91 Camry, and we still have it. The paint started to look different just last year. They did a really nice job.
Just FYI: https://www.advancedplating.com/site/restoration/

[57Vintage]

You need a shop that repairs bumpers, which is usually the chrome plating company, not a body shop. I would suggest you contact this company in Miami. If they don't do repairs themselves they can direct you to someone in the area.

https://www.thechromeplatingshop.com/

[Cirrusaly]

Originally Posted by 57Vintage

You need a shop that repairs bumpers, which is usually the chrome plating company, not a body shop. I would suggest you contact this company in Miami. If they don't do repairs themselves they can direct you to someone in the area.



https://www.thechromeplatingshop.com/

Thank you.

[Cirrusaly]

Originally Posted by richw46

All those classic cars you see in car shows must be getting repaired somewhere. Seems to me that you would just need the tools to bang out dents and press out the creases, then rechrome the thing. I'm just spitballing here, never had to have it done. It may be cheaper to just buy a new one. The classic car restores are probably limited in what's available for replacement.

I agree, take the spare to a shop and see what they say. I needed a repair on my wife's new car once, someone hit it when it was 3 weeks old. I called the Mercedes dealership and asked them who they use. I had it repaired there, it was a '91 Camry, and we still have it. The paint started to look different just last year. They did a really nice job.
Just FYI: https://www.advancedplating.com/site/restoration/

Thanks