Chrome Bumper Trim

For most of automotive history chrome bumpers were standard equipment on cars. They not only protected the vulnerable sheet metal behind them, but also complemented the overall vehicle styling. Then during the 1970s automotive stylists got the idea that body-colored plastic over a metal reinforcement bar was a better look. By the 1990s the transformation was complete, and by then most cars looked like rolling monotone jellybeans.

Part of the reason for the changeover was economics. Those chrome metal bumpers could be scarred by even the slightest impact, requiring expensive repair or replacement, while plastic bumpers could flex during minor contact, and pop back into place. However, if you’ve seen the cracks in the paint that can result from such collisions, and know the cost to repair and paint the flexible plastic, you know that the economic benefit is more theory than reality.

Thankfully, the current generation of automotive stylists recognize the value of chrome to create contrast and interest in a vehicle’s form, which is why you’re seeing more and more chrome on newer cars. But you don’t have to buy a new car to enjoy the renaissance of chrome. The designers at our manufacturers analyzed the designs of many existing models and saw areas at the front and rear of these vehicles that could benefit from a brightness injection. Feast your eyes on the examples shown on this page and punch in your year, make, and model to see what’s available for your car.

Besides the unique style of the various caps, covers, plates, moldings, and trim pieces, and the way they perfectly accent vehicle styling, one of the first things you’ll notice is that this isn’t the same rust-prone chrome of yore. Most of our panels are made from stainless steel that is mirror polished to the degree that it’s virtually indistinguishable from chrome, and triple chrome plated ABS plastic. Stainless steel is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, and ABS plastic is impact, chemical, and heat resistant, and widely used by the auto manufacturers to create original equipment parts.

Another way our chrome bumper trim differs to your benefit is the method of attachment. You won’t find any complicated installation instructions, and there’s no need to drill any holes. In fact, you can leave your tools in the tool box because there aren’t even any fasteners to deal with. Our bumper trim is secured to your vehicle with 3M acrylic foam tape, the same adhesive used by the automakers to attach trim parts at the factory. Just thoroughly clean the area to make sure all dirt, oils and wax are removed, peel back the protective film from the adhesive, and press the part into place.

If you’re fortunate enough to own a chrome bumper classic, then you know that vintage bumpers are more than slabs of chromed metal, but often have moldings and bumper guards that unfortunately become corroded and pitted with age and exposure to the elements. Plating such parts can be prohibitively expensive and time consuming, but there’s no need to deal with the cost and hassle when we can supply you with quality reproduction moldings and bumper guards from the top restoration parts brands, companies that are officially licensed by the vehicle manufacturers. These components are authentic recreations of the original part, correct in every detail, so you can be assured of perfect fit and show winning appearance.