How do i remove chrome from bumpers?

[XcumminsX]

I was wondering if it is possible to remove all of the chrome off of my bumpers then paint them to match my truck... I know the chrome is fake so there must be a way to get it off. Anyone know how? I can go buy the sport front bumper not painted yet and i havent seen an aftermarket bumper that looks like my stock one to paint... . I do not want any of those monster bumpers so please dont recomend it (just trying to save a post or 2)



P. s. Truck is an 03



Thanks



Nick

 

[Wheaties]

Okay, I'll be a wise guy and take a stab at it:



Maybe you could get Carmella to lick the chrome off your bumper?



Sorry, couldn't resist



In all honesty, the right acid bath should etch it off. Check with a shop that chromes stuff. I bet they have a way to get it to come off as well.



Matt

 

[Philip]

Check with a local body shop. Find the addres of the nearest bumper rehab company. They will have the means of dechroming your bumper.



If you go this route. Make sure to use metal stamps and put your name inside of the bumper to make sure they do not give you back one that was straightened.

 

[XcumminsX]

is there any chemical that may get chrome off?

 

[Tardog]

What about a light sandblasting (could vary the texture with different grit). This way you would have a very good surface for primer/paint adhesion? just a thought. It should take a shop that is set up no more than 1 hour in and out when off the truck?

 

[parcher]

A friend of mine has a 440 6-pack challenger. First owner had some very rare parts chrome plated. My friend sandblasted the chrome off this he said "took for-^%#&^$%@#-EVER! These were small underhood parts and took WAY too much time. A chrome shop would have had the stuff off in no time.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Are your bumpers similar to ones on a Ram work truck? Maybe a swap? Just a thought.

 

[MABurns]

Cheaper probably to see yours and get new "Sport" ones.



Or do like previously mentioned. Find somebody with a ST and make there day and give them chrome front and rear bumpers. Paint their STs.

 

[kboettcher]

Don't foget... ... chromium is considered a toxic waste and I think the fumes probably are in the removal process also. I don't think this is something you should be trying to do in ones back yard... not with chemicals anyway

 

[Dane]

You don't have to remove the chrome unless it's rusty or peeling. A self etching primer will work just fine. This is something you should have a body shop do unless you have experience with autobody painting imo.

 

[XcumminsX]

So on a stock chrome bumper they can paint over it?

 

[propuller]

What you need to do is have a body shop lightly sand blast the chrome just enough to dull it but do not go through the chrome. If you go through the chrome then you need to take it to a chrome shop & have them chemically dip the bumper to remove all the chrome. This will allow the primer to stick but i would still use a good self etching primer. Then you can refinish as you want. I have done several chrome bumpers using this method & it works as good as raw steel painted parts. I was a body man for a number of years & i have alot of experiance at this sort of thing.



Kurt

 

[XcumminsX]

awesome thanks alot guys. I really wish dodge just made my truck in patriot blue w/ the sport option... i wouldnt have to go threw this crap. .



Thanks



Nick

 

[Philip]

You can try dulling it down with a sandblaster. But don't hold your breath on getting primer to stick very good. The only primer I would try would be epoxy only. I am not sure how it would hold. The brass to chrome will be a good bond. But I wonder how epoxy will hold when it has a different expansion rate from the chrome base it is on top of.

 

[DavidPope]

You could try sucking it off?

:--)

 

[krs]

The two other posters recommending a self etching primer are right. It'll work if anyone will do it for you. It's two part toxic stuff so use a good cartridge type mask at least if you try it and definitely have the parts sand blasted or otherwise roughed up before that. Chrome is hard stuff and there will be a layer of copper along with maybe one other plating below the chrome.



I like the idea of finding someone with an ST model truck ( if they've been able to sell one) and trading parts with him. The ST owner will be ecstatic because his current bumpers and grill are butt ugly and you'll have parts that are much more ready to paint, even better than etch primed ones would be.



They don't offer sport trim package in Patriot blue?? Rrrrr.

 

[TexEdwards]

sell your chrome bumpers to a body shop, ( lots better if you have a friend that is a body shop owner) then have him order you the bumper for a sport model and both of you will come out money ahead. I traded my power joke bumper even money for a really sharp new front replacement winch bumper.