Can aluminum bumpers be straightened?

[marcd]

I've been looking to replace my front bumper, but am wondering if I could get it straightened. Since they couldn't re-chrome it, I wonder how it would look or if it is even possible. Anyone had this done?

[carrotman]

Most bumpers are steel or plastic, but any good welding shop should be able to craft a new one or repair your old bumper. You could have them craft up one with a hidden winch behind it and then have it chromed or painted black.

[joe]

Prolly cheaper to just get another one. I think theres one in the for sale forum.
I'm curious...they told you they can't re-chrome it?
You might want to try another shop that can at least tell chrome from aluminum. Your bumper never was chromed in the first place. It's polished alum then clear coated. The only one piece bumpers that were chromed were the ones in 1979. If you get yours fixed you can most certainly get it chromed though if you feel like spending the money.

[TexasJ10]

There was a bumper repair shop here in Houston that just closed. They had a number of dies that they could roll a bumper through and straighten it up perfectly. I guess with all the plastic and custom bumpers now, they couldn't make it anymore. You might contact a restoration company like http://www.4chrome.com/SERVICES.htm

[The Anti-Chrysler]

Originally posted by -joe:
Prolly cheaper to just get another one. I think theres one in the for sale forum.
I'm curious...they told you they can't re-chrome it?
You might want to try another shop that can at least tell chrome from aluminum. Your bumper never was chromed in the first place. It's polished alum then clear coated. The only one piece bumpers that were chromed were the ones in 1979. If you get yours fixed you can most certainly get it chromed though if you feel like spending the money.So that's why all the '79's I've seen have peeled off chrome..... :rolleyes:

[marcd]

I guess I wasn't clear. What I meant is, since it is aluminum, and not chrome plated steel, it would not be re-chromed after it was straightened to hide the "wrinkles." But it sounds like people are saying once it is straightened, you won't be able to tell. I assumed there would be creases in the metal.

Shipping is the only issue with some of the bumpers I've seen for sale, and haven't seen any for sale new. Saw some at the yard, but couldn't get them off w/o an impact wrench. I'll call a bumper shop and see what they can do and what they charge.