Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Ok, other than the introduction, this is my first post. It is a question. I assume most of us are on a limited budget or we'd be restoring Ferraris and Jags. When I did my 240Z, I bought refurbished bumpers from a Z car vendor but they were only so-so quality with a few pits and not very straight; however, the cost was only a few hundred dollars each.

I've never had anything chrome plated before and I'm a little shell shocked by some of the quotes I've got from chrome plating shops for re-chroming the bumpers, over-riders, headlight surrounds, hubcaps, various light housings, etc. I know some of the roadster vendors have new or refurbished parts available. I'm pretty sure items like tail lights are less expensive new than re-chromed but then new show chrome is usually better quality than OEM. I'm not sure which way to go with bumpers, hubcaps, grille, and headlight trim.

I was hoping that the roadster restorers that have had to deal with these issues could give me their opinion of what would be the best value. Which venders should I consider for aquiring these parts in new condition? Are there any particular plating shops I should try or stay away from?

Thanks, Steve.

Did you just imply restore a Roadster and limited budget in the same sentence? In all seriousness, the OEM chrome is nowhere near as nice as you can get with a good chrome shop. I had ALL the chrome re-done on my car, and it was not cheap. (like over 4K) That said, the bumpers were like $250 each, which I would much rather pay than for a new, OEM chrome unit. There is a big difference in apperance, IMHO. There are cheaper chrome options like "flash" chroming, but the long term durability is not there. I would say your best value if you still want chrome is to buy NOS stuff where possible. You will get decent chrome and probably good durability as the car will probably not see much water anymore, other than washings. I would have highly visible items like bumpers done by a chrome shop.

Mark

I bought NEW tail light assemblies and other parts from
https://ssl.autocenter.net/nissanparts/ ... rderplaced" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; they were cheaper on most things than the Datsun Parts dealers.

Just call them with the part number and they will tell you if they can get the part.

Chrome plating: I used http://www.aaplating.com/default.wc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; they were quite reasonable, less than anyone else I found. Call them and they will give you a quote over the phone...may change depending on condition after they see the part.

They also do trim repair and polishing for $15/ft.

Hope that helps,
Kim

Kim, what did the bumpers end up costing?

I didnt get my bumpers plated, but did get my headlight scoops, cowl, console plate.... there is a price list on the site for bumpers, Datsun Roadster isn't listed of course but you can get an idea of cost. Call they will give you a cost over the phone.
http://www.aaplating.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kim

Has anyone tried something other than chrome or stainless? My car is red and I keep wondering how the car would look if I painted the bumpers black or silver or replaced the bumbers with something else. Any thoughts (or pictures of other cheap attempts)?

thanks

The cheapest thing you can do on the front is remove the bumper. These cars look great without one. The rear doesn't look so good without one, unless you make a panel to cover the void.

I've seen quite a few attempts at painting or powder coating the bumpers on these cars and IHMO it looks awful. (Especially on red or dark colored cars.) White cars tend to pull it off a little better because of the contrast but for the most part it's the chrome and polished stainless that makes these cars pop.

My .02

Jon

This is what my silver car looks like with powder coated bumpers and trim!!