Rechromed Bumpers/Dash panels/ Bushings

[JRSully]

I am sure that these topics have been kicked around like an old shoe, but I am new to the site and you folks sound unbelievably knowledgeable.!! Doing a 70 Nova L78 resto, Bumpers; Buy rechromed (Bumper Boyz or someone else, 2 yr warranty) or buy repro.?? heard the thickness is lighter on the repops, can anyone recommend a electro/plastic plater to do the dash panel, or is thier someway I can do it myself and achieve a factory appearance.??? and lastly who makes the best subframe bushing kit.??? heard there can be problems with sheetmetal alignment from inferior kits. I appreciate all responses in advance. Thanks

Jim

[RonNova396L34]

Jim,
First, on the bumpers. I purchased reproduction bumpers and they don't fit exact at least not on my car. I kept my original bumpers and I will rechrome them when I repaint the car. I'd rechrome your originals if you have them. I'm not sure about the dash. I'll have to do some checking. Lastly, on the subframe bushings. I bought a subframe body mount bushing kit from Classic Indrustries. I also got their bolt kit. Just remember to save your originals because you will need to save the thick washer on the bushings underneath the firewall. The thick washers do not come with the kit so without them you will have possible problems with how everything lines up. Other than that my subframe mounted fine on my car when I reconnected it to the body. Also remember to count and label your shims on the upper control arms so you know how many to put where. I was dead on when I took the car to be aligned because I labeled and baged them. Then they didn't have to scratch anything trying to put extra shims in.
Ron [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[68l30]

For the dash resto try Henry over at Southside Restorations 614/443-3428.He does a super job on Camaro clusters and should be able to help.I haven't heard any positives on the bumper guy's you mentioned... [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif[/img] .I would have your cores rechromed at a local plater if possible.Talk to fellow enthusiasts in your area to find a quality shop.In Cleveland we have several,from extremly high cost and quality to a fair price and a nice job.Just remember the old saying..You get what you pay for.Good luck.......


Steve

[RonNova396L34]

Jim
Also remember to save the clip that holds everything together on the radiator support. That clip also is not in any kit. If you have back issues of NNN, go to November 1998 page 13. It has a nice picture of that clip. I have no way of posting that picture. Greg?
Ron

[Nova Research Project]

Ron,

You mean this one? It is available. I have seen it in at least one Camaro catalog.

Jim,

I bought "the good" repro's and the ends are not quite right. Sort of like if you took the exsisting bumpers and dropped them backside down and flattened the ends. I was not pleased and will redo my original ones.

Greg

[Unreal]

Henry did my instrument housing and horn shroud, and they turned out great.

[micky69396]

JIM, TRI-CITY PLATING IN ELIZABETHTON TN DOES A NICE JOB AND FAST TURN AROUND, i USE THEM FOR A LOT OF STUFF. IF YOU WANT THE NUMBER LET ME KNOW.

[RonNova396L34]

Greg,
Looks like I stand corrected. I see them in a Camaro catalog also. I still would try to use the originals if possible.
Ron

[JRSully]

Ron, Greg, and everyone else, Thanks for your input, planned on getting two rechromed bumpers form Bumper Boyz, heard they are decent, 2 yr warranty, about $140.oo per bumper with core exchange, Ron I did save those clips, Thanks, have two other parts cars to pull them off of, if needed. I will call Henry regarding the plating. thanks again everyone.!