Rusting 83 front bumper

[MikeValent]

Title describes the problem. Are these parts just plain steel, chromed? Or are they some cheap form of stainless?

From an Avanti mag about five years old I see that George Dimitsas advertised "new reproduction" center front bumpers made of 14 ga stainless. Anyone have any idea whether he might still have them or what they might cost?

[Ray K.]

My '82 (RQB 3420) is chromed steel. You can tell the difference between chromed steel and stainless by its appearance. Chromed steel (or better yet, "triple plate" consisting of copper, then nickel, topped with chrome) will take on a brilliant shine having a slightly bluish tone. Done right, you should have a mirror finish good enough to shave in. Stainless steel consists of an alloy of iron, nickel, and chrome. It does not take on as brilliant a shine as chrome, and will have a slightly yellowish cast when compared to chrome.

I can't help you on locating replacement parts. I would suggest finding a plating shop with experience with antique/classic cars.