[T3] Chrome

[Dave Hall]

I concur with Jim - I was astonished how well bumpers could be straightened
simply by using a heavy duty G (C) clamp and wooden pads.  Just avoid the
temptation to use a hammer on any of it.  Obviously you won't get rid of
creasing, or heavy corrosion.  Our regular Type 3s didn't come with the
bumper rubber - just a length of black 3/4" tape - saves some worries!  

If you do find rubber strips in reasonable or NOS condition (eg in my
garage!), the ones that fit the sloping-ended front bumpers ('72-on) also
fit the rear bumper.  The straight end front bumper rubber fitted to '70-'71
is a bit longer.

Dave.
UK VW Type 3&4 Club
===================

-----Original Message-----
From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
[mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org] On Behalf Of Jim Adney
Sent: 24 September 2013 13:40
To: type3 at vwtype3.org
Subject: Re: [T3] Chrome

On 24 Sep 2013 at 6:55, Dennis Stiefel wrote:

> Graves Plating in Florence, Alabama replated all the chrome pieces on 
> my 60 T1.  They did a good job.  I would not hesitate to use them 
> again.  Here is their web address:
> 
> http://www.gravesplating.com/

> I guess it was you who was telling me about the place in Florence Marion.

Maybe I couldn't see it very well, but your chrome didn't look that bad to
me, Dennis. To rechrome those bumpers, you'd need to remove the rubber
strip, and you won't be able to do that without destroying it. And those
strips are irreplacable.

I found that I was able to get the vast majority of the bumps out of my
bumpers with the help of a hydraulic press and some carefully made wood
blocks. A couple shapes of blocks to fit inside and outside, around the
rubber strip, will do wonders if you're careful and willing to work slowly.

You'll want to take the bumper brackets off to do this, but that's pretty
easy, and that will let you straighten, sandblast, and paint the brackets
(black) if you haven't already.  

I did mine working by myself, but having a second person to help hold things
would have made it go a lot faster.

I'll bet you've got one of those presses in your shop.

When I was finished I wirebrushed and painted the insides with alum
Rustoleum with a brush. The finished product wasn't perfect, but they were a
terrific improvement over the bent up bumpers I started with. 

A little chrome polish on the outer face will help make any pits there seem
less obvious. You've probably already done that part.

--
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

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