For years I figured I would be buying a repro rear bumper and pad for my '70 SS. After seeing a comment that said the repro pads have white lettering instead of the "off-white" original color (not to mention the fact that I would know it wasn't the original items) I begun to think about trying to remove and reuse the pad, then get the bumper properly rechromed.

Questions:

What is the trick to removing the pad so that it can be used again? and should it be left to a pro to do?

Also is it silly to have the original bumper rechromed (for who knows how many hundreds of dollars) or are the ones from Bumper Boyz and Ausleys just as good?

'70 Fanatic

Widetires22,

I removed my original rubber pad last summer for the same reason, my bumper was very pitted but nothing was wrong with the pad. Here's what I did with a suggestion from someone here and it turned out great:

After removing the bumper, I heated the back side of the bumper with a handheld torch starting at one end of the pad. I was careful not to apply too much heat that the rubber would melt but just enough to make the 32 year old glue or whatever they used lose it's grip. I had my wife(great assistant and not bad looking either) use a putty knife carefully to get under the pad on that heated end. Once we got it started she just pulled and I gave her the heat(no sexual pun intended) and it came off clean. You'll know when to apply more heat because it will pull harder since the glue didn't let go yet. I then purchased a Goodyear bumper(good quality and nice fit) and used clear silicone caulk to reattach. Looks great and saved me $100 not having to buy a new pad.
As far as rechroming your old bumper, I think most guys here will tell you to get it rechromed vs. buying a reproduction but that's your personal preferance. I kept my original just in case!

Good Luck smile.gif

Use heat from the backside and also use a putty knife to help remove the glue from the pad and bumper. Be very careful on the heat it doesnt take much. On the bumpers get a rechrome! You are worried about a repro pad but not repro bumper?! The chrome work can make or break the car in my opinion. Had mine done for 350 a piece by Northstar in Minn and will knock the socks off any repro. Be carefull when dealing with Bumper Boyz. Got to meet and talk to 2 of their employees, left shaking my head thinking they were more interested in getting drunk then representing their company and trying to make a sale. Not impressed at ALL, seems like am not the only one that thinks that too...Eric

There is a place local to me in New York called King's Bumper Co. that I plan to check out. They've been in the business for 30 years. They do triple plating (Copper, double nickel, then the chrome).

Anything in particular that I should look for or ask about when I visit their shop?

Thanks!

I may be too late for my 2 cents, there is a place in Newark, in New Jersey called Keystone Plating, I had my 1950 Ford bumpers done there and was very pleased with their work. The shop boss took me on a tour of the shop showing me the complete operation. When he did the job for me , they cleaned up some stainless pieces at no extra charge. I liked them and feel they did right by me. Email me if you need the phone number and address....Good Luck....qqnick

FYI,Keystone is no longer at Newark location. They are now working out of Kenilworth.They now send out chrome work to one of thier other facilaties after doing prep work.
Call Vic 908-276-4447 or 800-339-8381....Jim