Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I need my bumpers re chromed on my 53 patrician . No one is Oklahoma City does big stuff anymore. They are redoing all the small stuff, but won't touch the bumpers.

Have not used them personally, but know of many good comments of Speed & Sport in Texas. Don't know how far they are from you.

Talked to Speed shop yesterday. $550 per bumper.

Might try Hanlon- ph 8042332021-several years ago they did a bumper ~$400. I shipped it ups~$35.
They are all expensive due to enviromental regulations.

Might try Bumper Boyz in CA. They go around to all the car shows and often have rechromed in stock or will pick up/drop off yours at a show to save freight. They seemed very reasonable, parts looked good. They have a listing of in-stock Packard items.
There's another shop specializing in bumpers, tricityplating, in TN. (tricityplating.com) I'm thinking of using them when I get done customizing mine. They're only a few hours from here, so I can avoid shipping large objects.
I've been using Advanced Plating in Nashville for all the trim and so far, they've been excellent, show quality, and very reasonable. Turn around time is variable. I just shipped off the last 14 parts Tues.

Suggestion - before you ship your bumper, be sure to take numerous photos of both the front and back side. I have had two instances of bumper shops giving me a Ford or Chevy bumper instead of the Packard bumper I gave them.

Quality Plating in sterling Illinois. Ask for Gary Schultz (owner). Just had my front, dagmars and a very battered lower grill sheet metal done for $1100.

Gary is very knowledgeable and helpful as well as being pleasant.

Done several 50s cars in Chicago area that I know about.

Well thought of.

I use Van Nuys Plating in Van Nuys, CA for all my chrome plating, stainless polishing, potmetal, and cadmium. They're not cheap but EPA compliant. Pull up their web site and ask for owner Linda.

Bumper Boyz are very good for bumpers. If you have anything else you want to do along with your bumper, though, Vernes Chrome is the one I would recommend and use myself. They are the folks all the LA-area restoration shops use. They are mid-range when it comes to price but top-notch when it comes to quality. Yes, there are cheaper folks out there, and to be honest, bumpers are easy compared to pieces with intricate detail, but bad chrome guys can RUIN a piece. Vernes does the job right.

Chrome plating is mostly about the guy running the buffing wheel. You want experience and meticulous attention to detail.

Vernes Chrome Plating
1559 W. El Segundo Boulevard
Gardena, California 90249
323-754-4126

They have a huge collection of rechromed bumpers in stock as well, so they may be able to do an exchange with you to shorten the amount of waiting time...