What was aluminum bumper finish, when new?

[kbmb02]

I’m restoring a set of aluminum bumpers (yes, the project / owner commands that).

Anodization was stripped off, they are now nicely polished. 

 

Does anyone know of / have photos of what the aluminum big bumpers looked like when brand new?

 

      Where they mirror shiny? (Which would suggest anodize over brite dip.)

      Or, were they semi-shiny? (Which would suggest anodize only.)

 

Some discussion in this topic, quite-sure chrome wasn’t the answer.

 

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/149129-aluminum-bumper-polish-question/

 

Thanks. -KB

 

[Conserv]

Ken

 

The factory finish was bright-dip anodization, and the bumpers could almost pass for chrome when new.  They were shiny.

 

Here's my '76 (VIN 2742541) in April 1977 (first and second photos) and in 2018 (third and fourth photos).  I had the bumpers re-anodized by the King of Trim, and I believe they are darned close to the original finish. Another high-end refinishing shop out of Massachusetts, claimed they could do bright-dip anodization, but their results were grainy, hazy, and much-too-dull for new bright dip anodization, so all re-anodizing shops are not created equal... ?

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

 

Edited July 15, 2019 by Conserv

[Delia]

The attached image of my 1974 2002 (#4225509) was taken in my backyard in the year 1975.   

[kbmb02]

The info I was looking for - thanks, @Conserv and thanks, @Delia (I like that vintage photo ... just after the Polaroid days?) -KB

[HBChris]

Speedway in Santa Ana can apply a ceramic clear coat to protect the polish.

[kbmb02]

17 hours ago, HBChris said:

Speedway in Santa Ana can apply a ceramic clear coat to protect the polish.

 

Thanks. If you have experience with this, what are benefits / drawbacks of ceramic clear coat vs ano process? -KB

[Conserv]

6 hours ago, kbmb02 said:

 

Thanks. If you have experience with this, what are benefits / drawbacks of ceramic clear coat vs ano process? -KB

 

Ken,

 

I can’t speak for ceramic clear coat, but bright-dip anodization will, over time, grow duller and cloudier. Waxing the car, garaging the car, will slow that process. Let me see if I can find a good photo of my bumpers after 40 years of natural aging...

 

Not a great photo, but here’s the ‘76’s original front bumper in July 2012, at 36 years of age. It’s still fairly shiny and reflective, but...less so (the holes were left from fog lights and fog light guards).

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

Edited July 16, 2019 by Conserv

[HBChris]

Ken,  The e9 guys have been using Speedway for years to polish and clear belt trim, window surrounds, and 2002 bumpers and belt trim, window sills and rear quarter sills and B pillar trim.  He also tumbles and clears valve covers, intake manifolds and such.  Incredibly durable, my belt trim is 13 years old now.  And I can wipe off my valve cover with a Kleenex.  Preserves OEM finish, I can’t stand powdercoat or paint on engine parts.  He also paints Alpinas.