I'm going to be removing the rear chrome bumper from my 1994 F-150 to paint it. But first, I want to get the chrome off of it, if possible.

The chrome is already flaking off at some of the edges, and there is some mild surface rust around the license plate lights. I thought of sandblasting the chrome off, but I'm not sure if this is the best idea.

The chrome isn't very thick, as this bumper is one of those that comes from LMC Truck. It does have the diamond tread, which I believe would make it harder to sand, but I'm all for it...

In the end, I want this bumper to be color coated and cleared, just like the rest of the truck.

Thanks for any insight!

Nightrain

 

Hey nightrain, if I may piggyback. I was looking to find out the best prep for chrome that is pretty much intact. I want to do the same thing with mine, but it is in pretty good shape. Hope we get some info. Digger

 

I'm sure we'll get some info soon... There's alot of smart cookies in here.

Nightrain

 

TTT.

Nightrain

 

Don't mean to interupt here, but have you thought about trying to nab up a regular painted unit from the junkyard? Maybe if you could locate a decent donor in painted fashion, you can blast and prepare it the way you wish, while your current one sits pretty on your rig till your ready. Just flinging ideas here.

 

Thanks for the advice, moparmark. It's just that I have a good idea for this specific bumper...

The chrome is already flaking off, and I've totally destroyed the "step" by towing with it. So, what I plan to do is take a torch and cut-out the "step", leaving an earlier "styleside bumper" look. In my head, it looks pretty good. I guess we'll see how it turns out when it's all said and done...

I do know one thing... I despise roll pans. Ain't gonna be one of those on my rig...

Nightrain

 

Barring having a large vat of chrome stripper (hydrochloric acid) to dip your chrome bumper into, sandblasting is the best way to strip chrome. If you do have the acid, it will not strip the nickel plate on the bumper and it is not imperative to remove it as paint will stick to nickel but if the nickel is peeling, as it sounds like it is, then might as well blast it off as well.

just an fyi for others reading this thread on chrome stripping, if you're planning on having something re-chromed, do not sandblast or do any other prep work on your parts unless specifically told to do so by the plater. It makes the job like 10 times harder and they will likely charge you accordingly, I know I always charged at least double when sandblasted parts were brought in.

 

So, blasting will take it away, nickel and all?

I knew there was bare metal under there somewhere... lol.

Nightrain

 

Mine isnt as bad as Nightrains, just want to make the chrome paintable. There isnt too many painted bumpers around the yards for SDs. I figured with good conditions, it could just be 360 or 400 grit sanded, then prepped like anything else. Or, should I blast off everything? Not really looking forward to that.

 

Sandblasting will remove the nickel; if it is a thin layer and poorer quality plate, such as in a cheaper re-pro bumper, it might not take much ro remove the nickel but a good quality nickel plate might take a while to take off.

You'll be able to tell when you start blasting, if it is going to peel easily by whether or not it bubbles up. If the nickel isn't bubbling there's really no need to strip it all off. You'll be able to tell when all the chrome is off by the color change from bright whiteish/blue, to a dull yellow.

Paint doesn't generally adhere well to chrome, so you'd have to be very diligent in sanding the chrome off, not easy on the checker plate and creases/corners of a bumper.

 

Thanks for all of the advice, furball69.

I appreciate it all!

Nightrain

 

Well, doesn't look like I've got to worry about this now...

I've got a buddy with a '94 F-150 XL that has the factory "grey" steel step bumper on it. He's wanting to trade for my chrome one, and I agreed.

Now all I have to do is sand n' paint...



Thanks again, fellas!

Nightrain

 

Wish I was that lucky. Looks like a trip to the silica yard for me! Thanks for the advice!