How to re-chrome a 1986 Lincoln front bumber?

[RobClark]

Here is what the local re-chroming expert just told me:

We have a problem. It appears the bumber you have sent here is not made of steel. From the picture and your description I was unabe to see this. I am assuming the manufacturer has made it out of some alloy. We have never done a bumper made of this type before and am not set up to do so.

I sincerely apologise for this however I had no idea it was not made from steel, otherwise I would have suggested so to you.

The problem is that some of the chrome is lifting in one or two places where water has rested.

What I need to do now is find someone in AUSTRALIA (yes - that is where I am) that can do the job. I am not asking you guys to recommend someone.

But - rather:
- what material the bumper would be made out of
- what sort of company I should start looking in the Yellow pages for.

Thanks

Rob

[grandpaslincoln]

The bumper is made of aluminum. I would call around to different chroming places and ask them if they can rechrome an aluminum bumper

[Blaze86Vic]

Yep, aluminum.

[87_crown_vic]

look for a custom body shop since they do gold plating and stuff like that. at least the custom body shops around here do chroming and gold plating

[Lincolnmania]

base model towncars have steel chromed bumpers.......possibly could have one shipped from the usa...........if i find u one, can i trade you for some aussie cleveland parts hehe

[RobClark]

I am a bit confused:

grandpaslincoln = Aluminium
Blaze86Vic = Aluminium
linconmania = 'Steel Chromed'

What is it? Steel or Aluminium under the chrome?

[Archangel]

Rob, Town Cars got either steel or aluminum bumpers, nothing else. If yours isn't steel under the chrome, then it's aluminum.

[Lincolnmania]

rob
1986 and newer cartier and signature towncars got aluminun bumpers, the 1985 and 1986 base model towncar came with steel bumpers (gadget73's 86 towncar has steel bumpers) same as the 80-84 towncars had steel hoods, 85-89 towncars have aluminium hoods.......guess they were trying to reduce weight.

[gadget73]

Stick a magnet on it, and you'll know what it is made of. My original front bumper is steel, the back was steel too, but that was obvious from the big rust holes in it.