Remove chrome off bumpers

[Ceedawg]

I want to paint my 70 Duster bumpers, dude wanted $400 each to remove the chrome to steel! I’m want a cheaper easier way, any ideas? I have sand blaster, if that will work (I have mask-hood and other safety equipment.
unless someone has some that’s been done. Central Va

 

[22dog22]

I just used an right angle grinder with a grinding pad to remove the chrome. I then used a good high build primer to smooth before paint with bumper black paint on my Cuda.

 

[mopar head]

I’m want a cheaper easier way

Don`t we all...
If the chrome is good just sand it up good for tooth and stage the paints.
If bad, peeling, rusty spots etc, blast the bad sections, grind sand blend the two and epoxy, fill, prime, paint.
Chrome is super tough.

 

[Ceedawg]

Don`t we all...
If the chrome is good just sand it up good for tooth and stage the paints.
If bad, peeling, rusty spots etc, blast the bad sections, grind sand blend the two and epoxy, fill, prime, paint.
Chrome is super tough.

They’re just dull no rust, it’s a race car that will be painted white-Jamaica blue, no chrome. The white bumpers would blend in well. Like this car, blue where black is

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Dig a hole the size of your bumper in a sand box or make a wooden box. Put a large plastic sheet over the hole and press it in. Lay your bumper in the plastic covered hole. Pour a mixture of muriatic acid in to cover the bumper. let it sit for about 2 - 3 hrs. It will start smoking don't breath it in wear a respirator. Take it out and rinse it off with a baking soda mixture. Sand it and put epoxy primer on it..

I am doing mine then modifying the ends to fit the indents in the fender closer on the demon and sharpening the lines, Then having it powder coated flat black. Then paint it body color .. I want to simulate a elastomer bumper with the demon sizzler grille paint

. I seen it done before on a local car years ago. But that is the way to remove the chrome.

You can save the acid in sealed buckets for later use.

Follow Safety warnings

Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid):

• How it works: Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that can dissolve the chrome plating.
  
  
• Concentration: A solution of about 30-40% concentration is typically used.
  
  
• Safety Precautions: It's corrosive and can be dangerous. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, and a respirator. It should not be used near cement as it can cause damage.
  
  
• Procedure: Mix hydrochloric acid with water in a plastic container and submerge the chrome-plated part. The time it takes to remove the chrome will vary.
  
  
• Caution: Be careful not to leave the part submerged too long, as it can damage the underlying metal.

 

[fishmens67]

Sand blaster

 

[Desoto291hemi]

Couldn’t you just scuff it really good and then have it powder coated ?

Tommy

 

[MDchanic]

Adding to OldManMoPar's post:

Sulfuric acid is very good for this, too. You can get it by pouring out all of those old batteries you've got lying around, or you can buy it at the auto parts store (yes, you can still buy battery acid).
His idea for making a temporary container the size of your bumper with sand is excellent, and is the sort of thing that will save you from having to use too much acid.

And be freaking careful, because that stuff can really burn you and is NOT something you want to breathe in.
And do actually wear goggles. One splash of that stuff in your eye and you're F__ked.

- Eric

 

[Mojoe9955]

In other words the bumper is pressed, in, the acid soaked sand?

 

[MDchanic]

In other words the bumper is pressed, in, the acid soaked sand?

No. The sand, or dirt is simply used for its quality of being stable but malleable.

Once an impression that will fit the "extra-large" item is created, impervious plastic is used to line the impression / hole, and that plastic is filled with acid, which will be a lot less acid than would be needed if you, for instance, used a big rectangular RubberMaid tub.

Juggling the acid back out of the hole and back into a container would be the hard part, and one where great caution is needed.

- Eric

 

[Mojoe9955]

I see now, I didn't understand the plastic sequencing.

 

[33IMP]

3 bumpers, crappy chrome. Sanded, primered and painted, 30 years ago. Still look okay. (DONT make needless work. Quality primer and paint and fly it!)
California chrome shop savings?: THOUSANDS!