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Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 24 2018, 10:01 PM

SO.....
Long story short Mike Warhurst (Warpig) had helped to broker a deal for stainless bumpers that looks like it's well....dead.

I'm looking into making front and rear bumpers off shore with a company that a student of mine's uncle owns. They have experience in stamping and have pressed big enough to do these. QC is an issue that will need to be addressed, and at 1st it will be late bumpers. They are very labor intensive to do, but if there is an interest I will visit the factory and see what we can do. I plan to actually ship over front and rear clips to check fits. That and final payment will be made in person as they are packed to insure no surprises.

I'm shooting for about $800-900 a set but would need to do about 50 sets to make it work. I will also be offering discounted rubber bumper tops for those that want it to help make this work.

So, lets start again.
Who would be interested at that level?

Posted by: timothy_nd28 Jan 24 2018, 10:09 PM

You had me at "SO", I'm in.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jan 24 2018, 10:13 PM

+1

Please put me down for two 1970-1972 front bumpers if the piece is s a perfect match for the factory piece.

Also interested in a 1970-1971 rear bumper when/if you do those. No hurry and no pressure, and very thankful you are looking at doing this.

Would also consider an upcharge for show chrome if that is possible.



pete

Posted by: JRust Jan 24 2018, 11:01 PM

I am in for early bumpers

Posted by: pete000 Jan 24 2018, 11:35 PM

I need two early front bumpers !

Posted by: Chris914n6 Jan 25 2018, 01:39 AM

Before committing, I'd do a poll for rears: early, late, first available.

I've got a nice driver pair off the 72 that will likely go back on when it's done being restomodded. On my backdated 75 it doesn't really matter but since it sounds like a -6 it might be fun to have the early bumper

It sounds counter intuitive given the production numbers, but the big bucks are going into -6 swaps. Plus a supply of new ones will put good used ones on the market.

Either way, the front bumpers are going to be the better seller, specially if you have a local guy doing the GT mod.

Posted by: mb911 Jan 25 2018, 05:12 AM

Early bumpers please..

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 25 2018, 07:00 AM

Early set please. Mark, I have a car at Cary's. You are welcome to the tail section if you need it. It's a 74.

Posted by: LowBridge Jan 25 2018, 07:00 AM

I would be in on this GB.. 1 set

Posted by: BeatNavy Jan 25 2018, 07:17 AM

I am interested and will be watching. I could possibly be in for two sets (early) as we get more info.

Posted by: drifter914 Jan 25 2018, 08:29 AM

I suggest you guys re-read Mark's post before you rush him with all your "early" orders. He clearly states it will be "late only to start".
Obviously big demand here for early stuff tho...

Posted by: 76-914 Jan 25 2018, 10:02 AM

Polished SS or CP steel?

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 25 2018, 10:23 AM

These will be steel chrome plated.
As far as early vs late on the bumpers if I got enough early I'd go that way. So open to looking at it, really a matter of economics.
Mark

Posted by: walterolin Jan 25 2018, 10:41 AM

Early (1970), both front and back.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jan 25 2018, 10:48 AM

Maybe worth doing a poll and then a GB thread?

What would you buy:

-One 1970-1972 front bumper, one 1970-1971 rear bumper
-One 1970-1972 front bumper, one 1972-1973 rear bumper
-Two 1970-1972 front bumpers

(The nice thing is the bumper guard holes should be easy to add to the front bumpers above, or the rear 1972-1973 bumpers)

Fwiw, I've grown to like the 1970 rear bumper's aesthetics, with the more GT bumper-like angles around the license plate. It's technically incorrect for my car (which is plenty incorrect anyway), but it's been on there for 23 years—ever since a guy at the 1995 Parade wanted to trade rear bumpers and proceeded to tell me my 914 didn't deserve an early rear bumper. It suddenly looked GREAT to me.

Posted by: rgolia Jan 25 2018, 10:52 AM

late front would work for me.

Posted by: timothy_nd28 Jan 25 2018, 11:00 AM

You should also poll the option of a 916 front bumper that's steel and chromed

Posted by: KELTY360 Jan 25 2018, 11:17 AM

That thing would look like a '58 Buick.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 25 2018, 11:33 AM

Too late to add the poll, but if there is enough interest we would contact everyone via PM to figure out where to go 1st.
My suspicion is that we will be able to make the front easy enough, adding the holes could be done after stamping with a jig. There are plenty of late to make it from. The expense is in the tooling.

That gets us to an early / late question for the rear.

If we do the early 1st the market is smaller, we would probably have to increase the cost. However, many may not care if they put an early rear on a late car if it's perfect.

There will be a few that will want the late for the late car. It becomes a matter of having a conversation with those that are interested to determine the path. A poll is binary, I suspect that we may have more success at this if we ask for some level of commitment then see where the cards fall. I have an idea, but may be way off base.

Posted by: jim912928 Jan 25 2018, 11:46 AM

i'd be in for a set....not sure I care if early or late matters for me as I'm taking off the big rubber bumpers on a 75

Posted by: Justinp71 Jan 25 2018, 12:06 PM

Can someone educate me? What is the difference between early and late bumpers besides the holes for the bumper tits?

I would definitely be interested in the future for an option of the GT style with the oil cooler opening if that is offered.

Posted by: rmdinmd Jan 25 2018, 01:44 PM

So has Mark H said whether the GB he was working on is dead or not? I sent him a PM a week or so ago and his thread was brought back up but no word from him.
I am interested in new bumpers (front and back) but don't want to leave anyone hanging. Not a concurs guy so early or late would work for me, car is a 74.

Posted by: wes Jan 25 2018, 02:22 PM

I’d be in for the early (no tit holes) front chrome preferably GT style.

Posted by: rdauenhauer Jan 25 2018, 02:42 PM

Most folks are mostly concerned with the holes.
But /6 guys (gals) are also after the "sharp" style rear.

Posted by: burton73 Jan 25 2018, 04:34 PM

As there are lots of rears around (13 on EBay today) as compared to the fronts (1 at buy it now $700) , maybe you could look at the feasibly of doing just the fronts to start. Yes the 1970 rears are harder to get but there are still some out there. Lots of 71-74 rears for sale that people could just refinish.

I have a good 1970 rear that could re-plate it to make it primo and a 1970 front that has a dent in it that can be straightened out so I would look at that cost versus one of yours.

It always has to pencil out. Many people like to back date there 75-76 cars.

Trying to help you with an idea.

Bob B

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jan 25 2018, 06:38 PM

^ Good points all. There are smarter people here than me on such matters, but my sense is that early rear bumpers are MUCH more desirable and "chased after" than the 1972-1974 rears (regardless of holes, which as you state can be added). From what I have seen, there are also a number of 914-6s and conversion cars (not to mention early 4s) that have nice late bumpers on them right now. Perhaps these would be loosened and put onto the market if early bumpers became available again?

My vote would be:

First offering:
1970-1974 front bumper (drilled for 1973-1974 as option)
1970-1971 rear bumper

Second offering:
1972-1974 rear bumper (drilled for 1974 as option)
1970-1974 front bumper with GT inlet made to fit GT valance

Thoughts offered very respectfully!! It's one thing to arm-chair it, another entirely to make the hard calls.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jan 25 2018, 07:04 PM

actually a mild steel bumper could be stamped out quickly at a relatively inexpensive price. It is the chromium steel and the plating that makes the venture expensive.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jan 25 2018, 07:24 PM

^

Keys to the exercise are 1) quality (correctness, fit, etc), and 2) taking advantage of the fact that all of us poor sops working with old bumpers have to pay a chrome shop to strip, straighten, rectify, and otherwise prep old bumpers...if that can be done. And then hope they fit when all is said or done. Or go back and forth with the car to the chrome shop at various points in between.

The idea of a repro bumper in the original materials (or something quite like them) that fits the way the original factory piece does and looks indistinguishable—that can be ordered from a shelf—is seriously alluring. Mikey will get my business if he proceeds and the quality of his work meets expectaions/hopes.

Posted by: Chris914n6 Jan 25 2018, 08:15 PM

Can't be that bad if I can buy a BigAssBumper for my Chevy c10 for $200.

Posted by: burton73 Jan 25 2018, 08:44 PM

When you are in Asia everything you see made of bright steel on cars or trucks is Stainless. Bumpers and racks on trucks. I have traveled a lot in Toyland and Southern China. Toyota trucks with shells turned into 15 person, local 10Baht taxis and and 3 wheel Tuk, Tuks

There is some cheep Stainless Steel that rusts. I got some industrial Stainless Steel over locks for my yard locking door and it started to surface rust right after the first rain. I use Stainless Steel on thermometers that I make in China and the good stainless Steel we use comes from Japan.

It does not rust.

Bob B



Attached image(s)

Posted by: r_towle Jan 25 2018, 09:46 PM

Two brand new steel bumpers, just stamped.
Actually, one front and two rears, early.
No chrome needed.
Been waiting, let me know.
I do not want stainless,

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 26 2018, 02:02 AM

I have heard nothing from Mark Henery. The current offering is a diversion away from the original planed stainless GB offering. I do believe that he was working on some special options with variation for oil coolers on his. It may not be dead as it appears that his contact was not Harrington.

If you want the stainless this will not be the direction I'm going.

Posted by: djway Jan 26 2018, 03:48 AM

One of the big Vietnam stainless mfgs was a real hit and miss. In the Karmann Ghia world the mounts were wrong. One guy even went to Nam with correct bumpers and had an appointment to meet. The meet apparently never happened and he was going to import a large lot. I have heard that other bumpers they had fit very nice such as the type 3 and some early bug. I think the T3 bumpers shipped to so cal were around $800

Posted by: falcor75 Jan 26 2018, 04:24 AM

In general for outdoors use you want a 316 based Stainless steel, same as used for marine applications. 304 might work but in coastal places with salt in the air it will eventually suffer from staining at least if stuck outdoors/uncleaned for periods of time.

The thing to know is that the standards for these stainless steels are VERY wide and of course the cheapest places will alloy them as cheaply as possibly while still being within the standard. Thats why you will see very different corrosion results between a US/European made Stainless steel and a Chinese/Asian steel (Japan excluded as they know what they're doing at least when it comes to steel production)

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 26 2018, 10:53 AM

We use 316 for all or our railing cable fittings. It polishes up nice and will slightly brown over time if exposed to high salt air environments. We have installations all over the world and many in Hawaii where this is an issue. I can tell you that it will dull, but you can re polish it. However, it's getting dull, the rest of your 914 is getting eaten up.
The 304/5 is softer and machines more easily, it will polish up nicely, but will brown easily in same harsh environment. It is significantly cheaper, but we don't use it, as it's never worth the hassle. We did also learn that when we buy it to get the mill certs so there is no "confusion".

Posted by: amfab Jan 26 2018, 06:26 PM

I am in for a set. Stainless or chrome as long as the price is right, Chrome would match the 914rubber fog Light grills better though. I don't mind the later rear bumpers, as long as there are not holes everywhere. I like the option of getting rid of the holes.

I do not want to leave Mark H hanging if his GB is coming to fruition. I hoe there will be an update because of all of this

-Andrew

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 26 2018, 06:55 PM

Let me provide clarification on this. I will not be doing stainless. And by all means if Mark's Group by is open I would advise you to buy from him as he it started this.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jan 26 2018, 08:18 PM

Yes, can we dump any mention of stainless steel bumpers in this thread?

There are threads for those products. No offense to anyone—not least Mark!—but I suspect those here are interested in chrome 914 bumpers that are an exact match for their dented/rusted/wavy/thrice-chromed/etc originals in shape as well as materials and finish. None of the stainless steel bumpers I have seen match the appearance of the factory bumpers. The "color" is incorrect, and so are the ends under the rubber bumper top.

To me, it's a very big deal that 914rubber.com is contemplating this project.

Posted by: pete000 Jan 26 2018, 09:44 PM

Count me in for two early front steel bumpers when ever they happen !

Posted by: 76-914 Jan 26 2018, 09:52 PM

Who can say no to shiny new chrome? I'm in for a pair.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jan 26 2018, 10:00 PM

Wow. Seems like there's a ready market for two-packs of chrome front bumpers done well.

So maybe the first offering doesn't even include rear bumpers? One stamping would allow for 1970-1972, 1973-1974 (with holes added), and back-dated 1975-1976.

Posted by: Mitox Jan 26 2018, 10:15 PM

I would be in for a set of early front and early rear.

In my perfect world they would not be chromed, and the front would have the GT style for the oil cooler inlet.

Posted by: CMONNETT Jan 27 2018, 07:57 AM

I could really use a set for my 73 in chrome.

Posted by: mb911 Jan 27 2018, 08:36 AM

Mark Henry had the buck he created it would be interesting to see where that is and then a potential for someone to offer the mod?? I know I would consider buying a bunch of bare steel fronts and do the mods and resell. Might be an option..

Posted by: 76-914 Jan 27 2018, 08:39 AM

Cibolo! Hah! We may be the only 2 people on the forum who know where Cibolo is. I used to live around the corner on Main St. in Schertz. 40 yrs ago. I would imagine that Cibolol, Schertz and Universal City are one town now.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 27 2018, 09:46 AM

Sounds like an option we could do.
mark

Posted by: burton73 Jan 27 2018, 10:25 AM

Mark Henry, Call out for Mark Henry.

What is up?

Bob B

Posted by: JOEPROPER Jan 27 2018, 10:27 AM

I had expressed interest with the Mark Henry offer / possibility and haven't heard if he's still doing this or not... I am interested in bumpers and would like to deal with a reputable member of this community but am not interested in being inconsiderate by putting MH off because of his absence to the conversation.

Only reasons for this reply is to show my interest in bumpers and be fair and considerate to the other member that sparked my interest.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jan 27 2018, 07:10 PM

Honorable, and respected (!), response.

I too expressed interest in Mark Henry's potential offering—for a few reasons that I suspect may be shared by others:
1. For many years, there have been no attractive options available to replace my 914's chrome front bumper
2. Mark's "GT-style" front bumper in stainless steel would have been an obviously unoriginal part, so I felt materials/finishes/details could differ a bit. At that point, I figured I may as well match a rear bumper to it.
3. Mark's predicted price range was attractive

But the project seemed to go sideways when two suppliers from Vietnam began to accuse one another of unethical behavior…I found it hard to know who to believe, and frankly neither came off looking all that great. I felt bad for Mark in the midst of that given his investment to that point (money and time), and watched the thread to see what would happen. It seemed like Mark was left holding the bag, and the thread died (IIRC).

And now a product to fill the void that left me looking for alternatives is offered, and by a vendor who is well known and well regarded within the community? I'm in. If there's some way that 914rubber.com can work with Mark to make a chrome "GT" bumper in steel, I would view that as a win-win. I might buy one of those, as well. Just because a cool part is suddenly back on the market doesn't mean it will be around later when we need it....and front bumpers are one of the highest-risk parts on a 914.

Posted by: wes Jan 27 2018, 07:53 PM

Posted by: Halfnelson Jan 28 2018, 10:49 AM

I'm definitely interested, but UK based... Any idea on shipping?

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 28 2018, 11:15 AM

I'm sure there are enough folks that need them we can consolidate a shipment. I have someone over there that could help.
Mark

Posted by: djway Jan 28 2018, 04:57 PM

Interested but you are killing me man LOL cash flow going to Oregon at an alarming rate

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 28 2018, 05:42 PM

You have some time to set some cash aside. These are a ways out.

Posted by: brant Jan 28 2018, 05:50 PM

Please put me on the list

Posted by: mb911 Jan 28 2018, 06:20 PM

What you think Mark time wise ? Summer, next fall? Just gauging it for my car..

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 28 2018, 06:29 PM

I'd say fall. I did get an into to my friends uncle. He has a heavy equipment manufacturing facility. After a brief conversation he said for the quality I will need that he would refer me to an associate that does make these type of parts for other cars. He will also help out as needed. He appreciated the time I took to help his nephew through his ratings and is currently flying for Air China.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 28 2018, 10:01 PM

Just a thought for everyone. Ever try to drill chrome? Better order what you need before chrome.

Posted by: ConeDodger Jan 28 2018, 10:06 PM

Just a concern. Has anyone else noticed that Mark Henry hasn’t logged on in a week? I think that’s unusual for him. Welfare check?

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 28 2018, 10:20 PM

Yes I was wondering. I have heard nothing from him.

Posted by: burton73 Jan 28 2018, 11:00 PM

I have in a past life tried to drill Stainless Steel and got nowhere. It may have been me but it was so hard to drill a SS pan that burned my drill bits up. It could have been me of the fact that I was very young and was not doing it right.

Bob B

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 29 2018, 02:25 AM

SS you can drill with a good bit and cutting oil. The chrome will chip, so the option for no chrome with primer may be good.

Posted by: rmdinmd Jan 29 2018, 05:51 AM

You need a good sharp bit, oil and go slow. heat will kill the bit. for larger holes try a smaller "pilot" bit (it's just a bit about 1/3 to 1/2 the diameter of hole to be drilled). We will drill 3/8 inch holes and WD40 works fine for that.

Posted by: rgolia Jul 16 2018, 01:01 PM

Any update on this? I recently removed the tatas from my 74 and found some small dents, no doubt from being tapped while parked back in the seventies. I love the no tata look but not the dents. Need front and back.

Posted by: SKL1 Jul 16 2018, 01:54 PM

I'd be in for an early front bumper with oil cooler cutout and holes for a license plate frame. And probably an early rear bumper with holes for license plate frame.

Posted by: burton73 Jul 16 2018, 02:20 PM

It’s been over 6 months so I take it that this is not happening. I just bought a 70 front chrome to send out for reworking with my rear 70 chrome for my 1970 – 4

So Mark I am not in for any now!

Bob B

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 16 2018, 04:35 PM

Just waiting for tge exclusive to expire.
It's an annual thing.

Posted by: jim_hoyland Jul 16 2018, 05:49 PM

Interested....

Posted by: pete000 Jul 16 2018, 06:28 PM

I would still be in for two early fronts...

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 16 2018, 06:45 PM

Still in for two early fronts if the bumpers are accurate and the quality is high.

Reworking my old one is not that interesting to me...

Posted by: jet1 Jul 16 2018, 08:42 PM

I am interested. Hope it works out.

Posted by: Mark Henry Jul 22 2018, 01:33 PM

I haven't been in contact with PTT for some time, they said they had a bunch done last time we talked.
Basically it's a quality control issue and to a much smaller extent of logistics.
I was hoping to get them to the point where I could ship direct, but with the QC issues that wasn't happening.

I could never get a straight answer from them on QC, the bumpers weren't that bad, but the top holes and mounting holes were slightly off and the big one was the fog light grill openings wasn't fully cut out which is a poop load of work to do right. This all made for 8-10 plus hours/set on my end and that would be before any custom holes for tits, etc. I would be making no profit at all on each set, in fact I'd be lucky if I was making $15/hr per set. Hard to justify when I have all kinds of 996 and aircooled engine work at my shop rate.
I asked them to send samples that I would pay for when they passed QC and didn't hear much after that.

In the end I was out $4.5K for 3 passable sets and wasn't willing to go any further.

The one GT set I'm keeping, I have one set that will look perfect installed and one set that has slight blemishes that are hard to see installed. I'll offer those 2 sets up for sale, maybe in the fall when I have more time to make sure they are good.
So I'm hoping to recoup some of my money.

Basically it came down to I rather lose some coin than to piss off all my 914world friends with a sub-par product, just for a couple of bucks.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 22 2018, 10:26 PM

Mark tried to make this work and until he threw in the towel I stayed out of it.
There are 2 different sources here. One the primary manufacturer and 2 the guys Mark was dealing with. The primary manufacturer gave AA the exclusive for 1 year and as soon as that expires we will work as a co op and look to bring in and distribute to those that need them on a GB. The period has to expire before we can do this.
I applaud marks efforts to try to make this happen, but I think he was wise to cut bait on this one. At least from the gray market "manufacturer".

Posted by: JmuRiz Jul 23 2018, 07:18 AM

Thanks for chiming in with the details Mark, looks like I'll be ordering a set from 914rubber

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 23 2018, 08:16 AM

we have our own exclusive tooling with the guys for these bumpers so will always have them available

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 23 2018, 10:03 AM

I have an offer from their tooling and was told that for the next year that it was not available. Same folks that do the Harrington bumpers.

Posted by: Coondog Jul 23 2018, 10:36 AM

If I had it all over to do again I think I would have went with fiberglass bumpers. If someone has a pic of James Patrick’s flared six that was at his shop when we did the tour please post. His bumpers were fiberglass. Great look and finish.

Posted by: gandalf_025 Jul 23 2018, 10:47 AM

I was lucky enough to be able to buy my bumpers directly from Harrington
Before that option got taken away. Great price and Free Shipping and no
issues. Real nice people to do business with.
Too bad that option has been taken off the table for at least a year...

Posted by: mepstein Jul 23 2018, 10:57 AM

I’ve never seen a glass bumper that didn’t require major work.

Posted by: steuspeed Jul 23 2018, 11:30 AM

I would be interested in a front with plate and no tits.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 23 2018, 11:35 AM

I agree, plus no protection

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 23 2018, 11:36 AM

We have plenty of sets floating over, they will be here in September

Posted by: amfab Jul 23 2018, 05:54 PM

Thank you for trying Mark.

I will be in for a front and back when the GB comes up Mike.

-Andrew

Posted by: Coondog Jul 23 2018, 06:19 PM

Bumper protection isnt the first thing that comes to mind when driving a 914. This car has no protection other then putting it on its roof and if that happens your screwed anyway.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 23 2018, 06:52 PM

Have to say the stainless bumpers have nearly zero appeal to me, being obviously incorrect. Like the concept, but it's a proper repro that I am after.

Ah well...

I guess the 914 world will continue to have to try to dig up, straighten, and rechrome increasingly weak/rusty bumpers...

Posted by: Larmo63 Jul 23 2018, 11:14 PM

But, to each his own.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 24 2018, 05:26 AM

I still wish I knew of a quality rechroming place and we could organize an exchange program with them for 914 bumpers.

Posted by: Philip W. Jul 24 2018, 07:09 AM

regarding the rechrome, since you are in WI, Keystone in Brainard MN has a good rep. I got their name from other members here , Bob B(bigkat) and a couple others. But searched for a while, and I just bought a rear bumper from sixaddict here in SC that was redone by a place in TN, called Tri-city Plating.(rear bumper) and looks amazing, so I sent my early front one there last week. $475. So once that comes back I will also send off my late front one that is on the car and the other rear one I have and I will be reselling one set to pay for the other.
Just FYI-

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 24 2018, 09:52 AM

We have a good one here locally, but they are not inexpensive. As the metal will often need to be reworked and polished there can be a lot of variation in the labor required to do them. This is one of the reasons that the prices are up there. I still prefer a re-chromed bumper, but at a certain price point the stainless makes sense.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 24 2018, 10:49 AM

we usually send ours to the bumper shop in California, they charge usually 275. plus shipping both ways. Much better to save your original chrome bumper than to purchase aftermarket ones. Of course mild steel painted bumpers cannot be chromed

Posted by: mepstein Jul 24 2018, 11:14 AM

Why not? At least one member here has done it and it looked great.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 24 2018, 11:26 AM

the steel bumpers are too soft to chrome and it will crack easily if chromed

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 24 2018, 12:29 PM

I would do this in a heartbeat if—and this is a big if, I think?—Tri-City had a jig or form to make sure my bumper is straight. It was actually a new piece in 1991 when I got it, with a small ding. It's picked up a ding and/or "push" since, but the real problem is it is tight at the center of the hood...suggesting the upper curvature around the hood/headlights needs to be re-formed. Then you start getting down the road of 2-3 visits to the chrome shop with the car (without a bumper on it...), etc.

Maybe finding a very good sample and sending both bumpers is a viable method, but the reality is my situation is rare: Most of the core bumpers left are pretty tired—rusty, reworked, and rechromed many times over 40 years.

It really would be wonderful to buy a truly good repro. I'd buy two if the quality and price are right. Kind of seems like this would be a project right up Restoration Design's alley—and it would be nice to do business with someone on the continent.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 24 2018, 12:49 PM

The stainless bumpers fit nicely and are readily available along with the top seals, bumper guards, chrome driving light and horn grilles along with the bumper mounting dog bones, the fog lights and all hardware. Why try to duplicate what is already being made?
The only thing that is can see is maybe making mild steel, but our people making the stainless said that it would be just as much to make the mild steel, which seems incorrect, but that is what they told me.
Since most would rather chrome, and usually the painted steel is repairable, I cannot see investing in producing the mild steel

We have of course many many many used rear bumpers perfectly rechromeable as well as mild steel refinish able. However we have very very few front bumpers of any kind, so finding good straight candidates to rechrome would be a real problem, hence the stainless

Posted by: mepstein Jul 24 2018, 01:01 PM

Are you saying they made bumpers with 2 different types of steel? My BS meter is buzzing.

Posted by: Philip W. Jul 24 2018, 01:47 PM

well if the fronts are that rare I guess I got lucky- I believe it, because it took me a year to find a decent one and then I ended up with a local guy that got some 914 parts mixed up with a lot of 911 parts he bought(truck load) and the front one was an early one with a very nice topper, OEM, small scratch and very small dent, . I don't think either one has been redone before. I do see a lot more rear ones tha front ones for sale in places such as ebay.
I test fit them all before sending off for chrome- perfect fit each of them. But with the shortage of nice bumpers out there its great to have an option of getting a nice looking SS bumper , but at the same time a repro chromed bumper would be nice as well. I think those two things can exist at the same time, different market. BUT is it cost effective?, might not be a large enough market for it, I don't know.

Posted by: burton73 Jul 24 2018, 02:10 PM

Well I am not sure what is bull or not but,
I now have a set of 1970 chrome bumpers that are ready for re chroming. I got a better front from EBay for $200 delivered and the rear is good from my 1970 -4 cylinder car. Good to go on my 6

I looked up the Bumper Shop in CA that was close to my work and they said they do Georges Bumpers. I also looked up their reviews on Yelp and it was not great but there were only 2 reviews.

They want $330. Per bumper so I will do 2 fronts and the one rear that was on my car.

The owner said they do the work on the bumbler there as far as straightening out and dent repair and then their plating shop is in father outside of town. He said he has the jigs to get them right.

$660. For a pair does not sound bad. A 10 Min drive from my shop.

Bob B

Posted by: Larmo63 Jul 24 2018, 02:14 PM

I bought a very nice early rear (hard corner) bumper recently, and it came with a killer front bumper that needs to be chromed, but it's straight.

The weird thing about it is it looks like the square holes where the capture nuts install were never knocked out at the factory. You can see small squares where they knock out, but they haven't been knocked out.

They don't look welded, or re-done to my eye.

This thread reminds me that I need to go get it re-chromed.

I use Verne's Plating up off of the Long Beach freeway in L.A.

Posted by: pete000 Jul 24 2018, 02:34 PM

I have three early front bumpers and a couple square corner early rears, all need a little metal work and plating. I haven't found any shops in southern CA. Most say the 914 bumpers are too thin to rework. I even asked Vern's and they weren't too interested.

I would love to know where the place is that does it for $275 including shipping !!!!!
I have never been quoted anything less than $475

I would be up for a group buy refinishing deal. I think Bruce did a refinish group buy years ago.

Posted by: burton73 Jul 24 2018, 02:41 PM

If the place that does Georges says $275. for him, plus shipping. I would guess that is a bulk deal. $330 for one or two sounds like the regular price.

Who did the group deal, Vern's?

That was a while ago.

Bob B

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 24 2018, 03:13 PM

Bob id be down with sending a few out. At that price you cant loose.

Posted by: Rand Jul 24 2018, 03:31 PM

Sorry if this is sort of a hijack, but I have to throw it in now and then hoping you'll still consider it...
I want plastic bumpers, light weight and less expensive than fiberglass. Just a quick vacuum mold, right?
Thanks for bringing great 914 products to us.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 24 2018, 04:04 PM

you are right Rand, the parts would be very inexpensive to produce, it is making the vacuum mold that would be expensive. As you probably know we have the original aluminum vwporsche vacuum tooling for the ABS raised letter rocker panels to make exact original pieces is very very inexpensive, however, I would be afraid to ask how much that tooling would be to make these days maybe 75,000 dollars!!!!!

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 24 2018, 04:04 PM

Sorry, George, but the stainless bumpers just don't look right to these eyes. That's not to say they don't look good, or aren't a good product for a lot of customers—but the way they wrap around the corners of the body is different, the color is different (being stainless), etc.—and Mark's point about the holes lining up for the rubber as well as the foglight grilles give me pause as well, though the latter may be limited to the prototypes he was looking at.

The "many many many used rear bumpers" in perfectly rechromable shape tells the tale: The 914 world needs a proper repro front available in mild steel and fresh chrome to go with all of those good used rears. It's kind of our Alfa Spider nose panel: Damage is inevitable as the fleet ages. I'd love to buy two new ones: One to use, one as a backup while the first one goes in for straightening and rechroming when the need arises.


This. So very this.

Original rear 914 bumpers can be found without too much trouble. It's the fronts that are hard to come by. have really only seen one great 1970-1972 front bumper in chrome for sale in the last 3-5 years, and the guy selling deemed my car unworthy (as was his right, I suppose). It and a really nice rear went to a -6 restoration, so they did go to a good cause. I haven't seen anything since, and the hassle factor with re-doing mine means it's never been done. The $475 for a (good) redo doesn't seem out of line to me...nor would quite a bit more for a GOOD repro in chrome.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 24 2018, 04:39 PM

we have our own molds with them, they fit great, however you are right about the absolute chrome look, they are certainly different if one is compared to the other

Posted by: worn Jul 24 2018, 05:25 PM

I have the stainless on the TR6. It will never polish like chrome. But on the other hand I know I can metal finish them if I have too. Depends to some extent on the paint color next to the bumper too.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 24 2018, 05:45 PM

Another good reason for new chrome front bumpers: For those of us with early rear bumpers with the hard edges, color match becomes an issue when you can't do stainless front and rear.

A single stamping of a new front bumper would service:
1970-1972 914 & 914-6
1973-1974 914 (with four more holes drilled)
1973-1974 914 owners that want to backdate their bumpers
1975-1976 914 owners that want to backdate their bumpers

There's definitely a hole in the market here...the key will be a product that is truly a good repro—one that should probably be done using an NOS front bumper to make sure it's dead on.

Posted by: mepstein Jul 24 2018, 05:51 PM

Been Pete at RD for years.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 24 2018, 05:59 PM

Good to know I am not the only one! Seems like a perfect product for his company, and if chrome is the stopping point, why not supply them ready to chrome...to be shipped to your chrome shop of choice. I bet chrome shops would be thrilled to work with a new piece ready to go...

Posted by: Mitox Jul 24 2018, 06:29 PM

Or ready to paint; I’d like primed or bare steel.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 24 2018, 08:01 PM

If its a matter of commitment
I will commit to the tooling in steel like OEM. We had jumped around with the company in Vietnam, that went sifeways when AA locked up the market
So yes these are oficially on the list. 1st late bumpers, and we will go from there.

Posted by: SKL1 Jul 24 2018, 11:29 PM

With all your connections in the Porsche world Pete, you can't find someone to make us good 914 bumpers?????

(BTW, loved the latest issue of 000, as usual)

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 25 2018, 09:50 AM

The problem isn't just stamping them, it's the finishing and handling of these.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 25 2018, 10:12 AM

I would think if we could find someone to stamp the steel the rest would be easy at least in my area.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 25 2018, 11:14 AM

lets make something that has not been made yet, for example we are now in the process of making fenders and cowl patch repair panels

by the way, tow hooks would be exact and plated but would have to cost 35 bucks each, anyone still interested at that price? (tooling is over 3500 to do it correctly and then we would have to purchase 500 of them!!!!!)

Posted by: gandalf_025 Jul 25 2018, 11:14 AM

Just have to sit back and wait for the exlusive deal to expire and then you can call Harrington and see what they are willing to do..
As I said before....They were great to deal with when I bought
my Bumpers directly....
My so called ugly, bad fitting ,junk stainless ones....

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 25 2018, 11:18 AM

Yes, perhaps—but I am not sure my connections are worth more than those of Mikey or mepstein, as they are closer to manufacturing.

I know and like Peter over at Restoration Design, but we've only spoken at an event or two. My sense is he runs a good business supplying things that are hard for us to get otherwise, and possibly better and more accurate than offerings from other vendors. I suspct this would be a product that would be right up his alley, especially if 914 world could supply his team with a NOS or otherwise *perfect* original factory front bumper (not redone or rebent) to work from.

I also have to think he'd sell more of them than a lot of the steel parts his team currently makes, but would also have to defer to his wisdom and experience in this sphere. BUT, if he could supply the bumper in two finishes (ready for the chrome shop and primered for paint), I have to think a lot of us would be very interested. I wonder if a group buy would get him over the hump on this? So long as the price is reasonable and the quality is high, I would put my name down for two right now. I am sure there are others who would buy 1-2 of them, as well.

Posted by: Ferg Jul 25 2018, 11:22 AM

Posted by: pete000 Jul 25 2018, 11:32 AM

Lets hope that Porsche Classic will hear our needs and bite the bullet and tool up the bumpers again as a factory replacement part. Dream on I say. Some one with some pull should call them.

Posted by: mepstein Jul 25 2018, 11:54 AM

I bet it would be a lot less from RD.
Pete told me it’s a a very big expense to do such a large pressing. He has to prioritize what to make for all the different models.
I’ll wait to see if 914rubber can make a connection with the Harrington supplier.

Posted by: Mark Henry Jul 25 2018, 12:32 PM

I can't speak for Pete at RD but the bumper is a complicated piece to press requiring multiple dies. Then it would need welding (brackets), custom hole drilling, QC checks, polishing and plating. Plating is highly regulated (expensive) in Canada, so he would likely need to ship to a US plating firm then return and a final QC check.

To RD quality standards I would assume the finished product would be a hefty price.

You may think there's a huge market but the truth is it's a low volume, low return product, especially for this crowd. I'd consider it a piss poor ROI on the tooling/costs involved.
I did talk to Pete on this and at the time he wasn't at all interested. They're much too busy making dies for 356 and 911 panels, which at this time I would consider their core business revenue generators.

Really the 914 crowd owes a debt of gratitude to Pete, as his love for the 914 is the driving force at RD behind the large number of 914 parts they make.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 25 2018, 12:44 PM

Great perspective, Mark. Thank you for adding it to this discussion and all makes sense.

I seem to remember the last time Porsche had front bumpers available, they were $1200.00 in primer without any rubber, grills, etc.—which I thought nutty but perhaps a result of the time they'd been in storage. Maybe it had more to do with what you've said above, though I suspect the stainless bumpers are roughly as difficult to make in terms of stamping and welding. Would be interesting to hear Pete weigh in on this, as I doubt there are many (any?) in North America who can speak as authoritatively to this subject. Curious how a 914 bumper would stack up next to some of the more complex inner panels he makes for 356s and 911s...and what the market looks like in his view for each category. You may well be right about margins, but there's only one way to find out if there's a viable market and floating a possible group buy at a projected price point would be an indicator. 914world.com is definitely the place to do it.

Workaround for chroming might be to...not offer them in chrome. Only ready for chrome, putting that on the customer to figure out—especially if it's a hassle in Canada. I would pay good money for a core ready for chroming, especially if said core reduced the amount of work the chrome shop had to do.

The fact Pete loves 914s is indeed a great thing, and perhaps the strongest indicator that we may be stuck with scrounging up so-so cores or buying incorrect stainless steel bumpers from Vietnam as the only option. I have no doubt that the 356, 912, and 911 crowds are bigger spenders, though the number of six-figure 914 builds has been climbing in recent years (I know of several off the top of my head), and there are a lot more builds and runners out there in need of a good front bumper...

Posted by: mb911 Jul 25 2018, 01:21 PM

And George that tow hook for 35 is a deal.. I would buy one.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 25 2018, 02:08 PM

Ah, and many thanks! Thank you for supporting 000!

Posted by: rgalla9146 Jul 25 2018, 03:07 PM

My BS meter just redlined.
So.....in 1970 Porsche decided .....hmmmmm lets make the painted bumpers
softer....or .....lets make the chrome pumpers stronger...not too likely.
apparently george has been teaching his employees the same story.
Years ago at Hershey his associate told me my perfect painted early rear bumper wasn't very desirable or suitable for chroming.
His offer was an insult. He approached me four times.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 25 2018, 03:39 PM

^ Good point. It does seem a bit odd that Porsche would make the bumpers in two kinds of steel. I seem to remember my friend Ernie bought one of the last factory fronts in primer, had its license plate holes closed up, and then had it chromed. BUT I'd be very open to hearing from Pete at RD or someone who has experience with what's possible with mild steel.

Not sure why we're talking about trailer hitches or cowl parts (talk about a small take rate!) in a thread about a possible group buy of repro 914 bumpers in steel and/or chrome. Let's stay on topic.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 25 2018, 04:08 PM

go measure a painted bumper and then measure a chrome bumper. The chrome bumper is thicker Than the metal one. THEN compare the rigidity of the two, the painted steel bumper is noticeably lighter and flimsier than the chrome bumper

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 25 2018, 04:11 PM

Honest question, as I am here to learn about something I don't know: Do the multiple plating layers play a role in this?

Posted by: mb911 Jul 25 2018, 04:22 PM

That's what I was wondering as well. From a manufacturing perspective it would really be a pia to switch out coils of different thickness to run the different bumper finishes.. I also believe the dies would have had to be different based thickness of materials to minimize burs and damage to the dies.

Posted by: bigkensteele Jul 25 2018, 04:58 PM

Not sure how it couldn't. Ever handled a piece of chrome that has flaked off something. It is thicker than you might think and rigid.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 25 2018, 05:10 PM

A subject worthy of your name, Ken.

"Chromium plating is used for both decorative and industrial purposes. Decorative applications are used both for aesthetic reasons, as well as to strengthen the object to which the chromium is electroplated…"
https://theydiffer.com/difference-between-stainless-steel-and-chrome/

Several good viewpoints here:
https://www.finishing.com/128/77.shtml

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 25 2018, 05:15 PM

My painted bupers (that are OEM painted) don't appear to be lighter, I have had the front off and it wasn't noticeably lighter, but I wasn't specifically checking it out.

Posted by: wes Jul 25 2018, 11:33 PM

Am I right in thinking the GT cars all had painted bumpers? In racing liter is better right?

Posted by: mb911 Jul 26 2018, 04:54 AM

Those were all fiberglass.

Posted by: rgalla9146 Jul 26 2018, 05:03 AM

Of course.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 26 2018, 05:29 AM

So a thought just came to mind.. Are we talking .005 or .050 of inch difference in thickness? That's what I would like to know.. I would guess we're talking .005 of an inch give or take..

Posted by: Mitox Jul 26 2018, 05:52 AM

Typically the underlying plating (copper & nickel) and the top chrome layer combined is around .005 thickness; sometimes a little less.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 26 2018, 09:58 AM

yup chrome bumpers are tougher

Posted by: mepstein Jul 26 2018, 10:56 AM

No argument there. I’m just waiting for any proof that painted and chrome bumpers differ in any way but the coating.

Posted by: rgalla9146 Jul 26 2018, 12:04 PM

Well....


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Posted by: rgalla9146 Jul 26 2018, 12:09 PM

And...

So chrome plating adds less than a pound and a tenth of a mm thickness.
Much tougher and not as flimsey ?
Mild steel vs. what ?

And yes, that is a Detecto scale.


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Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 26 2018, 01:08 PM

several different 914 bumpers measured from my "collection" [attachmentid=660
795]


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Posted by: burton73 Jul 26 2018, 01:43 PM

George,

You have quite the stash of bumpers.

Bob Burton

Posted by: mb911 Jul 26 2018, 01:51 PM

Ok I have to ask..

Does everyone understand that steel comes in a specific standard thickness based off of a scale?

If we use this as an example

Cold rolled 16ga is 1/16" thick .

Hot rolled 16 ga is 1/16" thick..

17 ga is thinner but standard size

18 ga is thinner yet same as above

And it goes on and on. There wouldn't be a 17.5 ga or a 19.5 ga in the standard english measurement scale..

The same goes for metric materials. Then the dies would have to be made for a specific thickness to be pressed,sheared, etc..

My guess is porsche had 1 maybe 2 total die sets to punch out 100,000 bumpers.. At least thats how it works in modern manufacturing..



My thought is the chroming changed the hardness of the bumper which is much like heat treating..

Posted by: mb911 Jul 26 2018, 01:53 PM

Oh and of course they would have probably only modded the dies for model years..

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 26 2018, 02:15 PM

you are certainly the authority when it comes to steel Ben, I will defer to. you

Posted by: Chris914n6 Jul 26 2018, 03:33 PM

The lip is not going to be an accurate measurement point having been bent stretched and compressed into shape.

Posted by: Mark Henry Jul 26 2018, 03:46 PM

I doubt if there is a special steel/difference for chrome, but I could see the press QC cherry picking the best, straightest bumpers for chroming.
When you chrome a bumper the base is polished/finished to the point of looking like a finished bumper, so it stands to reason the above is true.

The same logic that the factory would cherry pick the straightest tubs for black paint orders.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 26 2018, 04:07 PM

I do also think the chroming process would harden the steel to certain degree and that would lend to George's theory..

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 26 2018, 04:24 PM

yes exactly, the rejects were the painted bumpers and then the chroming made the bumpers much harder than the mild steel ones.

Posted by: bigkensteele Jul 26 2018, 04:37 PM

OK, so it is settled. We still need a source for quality reproduction steel front bumpers.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 26 2018, 04:46 PM

I should go talk to my uncle's brother n law.. He has a tool and die company and might be willing to make something reasonable.

Might call them tomorrow.. Biggest issue is I have no bumpers as a sample. The stamping would be cheap. The die is the money.. My guess is that the die would not have to be as robust as a die to run 100k parts.

Posted by: Chris914n6 Jul 26 2018, 08:33 PM

Please do it. I'm tired of the blah blah about nobody being able to make a steel bumper with a chrome option.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 26 2018, 08:57 PM

Because of tbe thickness of the material, and material, you really cant do anything other than a fulk production die, hydrofor.ing will sasave so.e cost, but you are looming at a 85k tool at best. Also the parts may be cheap to stamp but will require fabrication and prep for final finishing. Paint is obviously less as you can hide so.e of your sins, but the metal must be polished before its chromed, so you will have a significant expense in tooling, production and finishing before you can turn your 1st dollar.
Talk to Mark Henery about finishing, i suspect even the stainless takes 3 hours min.
I was willing to undertake this, but not really feeling the suport to drop over 100k beacuse 10 guys want cheaper bumpers.
If mb911 wants to do these, Id certainly be willing to help consolidate and ship. As well at take inventory, but I can make a lot of orher parts for 100k.

Posted by: rgolia Jul 27 2018, 04:21 AM

Mark - That makes sense to me. So isn’t George having these made? If the quality is there it sounds like the place to go. These are clearly not cheap to make right.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 27 2018, 05:42 AM

I am not committing to anything here. Just making a call.. But even still I have nothing to show them.

There is no way I could take it on my self anyway.. I would need investors.. I also like the idea of just Raw steel and let the end user do what they want with it.

Posted by: rgalla9146 Jul 27 2018, 06:03 AM

Fantastic !
From your inventory I would like to buy a good usable front bumper, painted or chrome.
Please provide pictures and price.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 27 2018, 06:46 AM

That's a great point. George you probably have enough bumpers for all of us to redo..

Posted by: gandalf_025 Jul 27 2018, 07:18 AM

He sells Bumpers On E-bay all the time. Check out the pictures they
post of them and the asking Prices

Posted by: mb911 Jul 27 2018, 07:42 AM

Just checked.. Darn a bit much for cores for my car.. Mark Epstein has me covered though.. Now back to finding costs on dies..

My suspicion is that a person would sell 30 bumpers right away then sit on the balance for a while.. Much like my heat exchangers..

Posted by: mepstein Jul 27 2018, 07:50 AM

rcotten951 on ebay has a chrome front for 300 and rear for 55. $100 shipping each isn't cheap. It's actually really easy to ship bumpers and dashes. All the shipping stores only cary 4 foot rectangular boxes. Go to a ski/snowboard shop and get a snowboard box to fit. shipping should be about $50 x country.

Ben - yes, got you covered and your dad. These days it's cheaper to buy a rusty car and part it out than to buy used parts, piece by piece.


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Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 27 2018, 08:05 AM

a good 914 parts car is a real bargain as expensive as the replacement parts are these days, however too many have been out in the weather and so hammered that nothing is good (like our 147 that have been out there so long, hardly a good part in them)

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Jul 27 2018, 10:37 AM

^ Was wondering if I wanted to buy that bumper on eBay until I looked at it.

The dings are a relative non-issue, and its backside looked pretty good. It might even be straight and fit the body well. Then I spotted the rust cracking through the chrome at the bottom. Might be a non-issue, but my search for a great 1970-1972 front bumper or a good core (or a new core) continues. Even if I find one and have it done, I am still a buyer for a new spare to hang on the wall. Seems like a good idea to me given how vulnerable these bumpers are.

Have parts, will trade or pay cash…

Posted by: mepstein Jul 27 2018, 10:55 AM

If I did want chrome bumpers, I would find a good core, send it out to the best bumper chrome shop I could find and let them do their thing. The way we take care of our cars now, a great chrome job should last a lifetime. Whether its $300 or $600 won't make much difference over the next 40 years but the best chrome shops are usually called the best for a reason. It's a labor intensive process to do it right.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 27 2018, 11:15 AM

totally agree, every original factory chrome bumper must be saved. We have made several GT chrome bumpers from smashed ones, sectioning them together and then having the bumper shop refinish then, have one on my 72 914-6. Looks great and I saved a salvage bumper rather than cut a good rechromeable one

Posted by: burton73 Jul 27 2018, 09:44 PM

Just to show a nice front GT. Great platers in Sandy
Bob B

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 27 2018, 11:32 PM

He has a company in Vietnam that was making for Harrington, that has offered an exclusive for a specified period of time.

I figured easy enough to to a GB that I was setting up with another member that has contacts in Vietnam. Have a contract and everything, just didn't execute before AA did.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 28 2018, 06:34 AM

I did find out a die might be less expensive then I thought.. Might even have an investor.. Mark we should talk next week to see if this is worth doing.. We can definitely do this together..

Posted by: gandalf_025 Jul 28 2018, 10:10 AM

For anyone here that might be interested in the Stainless Bumper option..
Here is a picture of a Harrington Bumper on the back of my car.
Yeah, I know it is a later bumper on an early car.. I don't care..
I have the original bumper put away and it will always stay with the car.
In case someone thinks these bumpers don't look right.. Here is the picture.

Personally, I'd wait till the "Exclusive Deal" with a U.S. Vendor ends and then
buy them directly from the manufacturer..

Oh, yeah.... That is a 914 rubber bumper top and it too is a reproduction item..
Superior to the original also..

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 28 2018, 12:04 PM

we have our own molds at Harrington and with the rate we buy will always have a deal with them, plus stupidly the markup is so little that our accountant is always complaining.


Just the fact that they wanted to do the mild steel for the same price, and also that someone else over there took their molds and was trying to sell to someone else here tells you that something is going on over there.

They sent us some bumpers from another one of their 914 molds and they fit like CRAP!!! We spent a lot of time fitting them to different cars and trying to show how they were off, but it is hard without having a car to fit them on while one is making corrections, and I know that they do not have a car there.
Also I do not know if they are using our molds to sell to others in Europe, as quite frankly I do not trust them that much, like many other suppliers.
Finally we spent many many hours and dollars of expense sending bumpers back and forth until we got our mold correct, and got great bumpers

We are happy that Harrington made these as it is a much needed part for our 914 community and hope that others will make parts as well, but not duplicate what someone is already making. The market is too small and too many parts are needed.

Posted by: mb911 Jul 28 2018, 12:11 PM

To be clear I would not be duplicating a stainless bumper.. I was thinking raw steel for the end user to do what they like with them..

It maybe a pipe dream and never develop.. We will see.