Body/Trim: 164: Aluminium bumper

[mrllppwales]

Hello, I have a 1969 ,164 there are quite a lot of scratches I tried polishing out the scratches with a cutting compound but there seems to be a clear coat which is very hard,has anyone else had a problem with this, (I,m referring to the bumper)

[mocambique-amazone]

Stop doing this
The bumpers are anodized Alloy.

You will destroy this thin skin.
To get anodized alloy clean you will funderstand special products.
The scratches will stay or you destroy the surface totally.

I own bumpers made of steel, different problems with them.
Good luck, Kay

[Triple-S]

Kay is right, those bumpers are anodised from new. From experience the fronts seem to be fairly scratch-resistant, but those back ones certainly aint! It might also be age-related, as those on my '68 145 (same rear bumper) are like yours I reckon, but my later 164E ('72) are quite good.
Perhaps anodising improved over the years: I wonder if it is a costly business getting them re-plated the professionally polished - its been a long time since I visited a platers.

P

[mocambique-amazone]

Hi Paul, this is very expensive.
Have a nice day, regards, Kay

[mrllppwales]

Thanks , I’m may go down the powder coating route.

[mocambique-amazone]

Originally Posted by mrllppwales

Thanks , I’m may go down the powder coating route.

Thinks about of to live with the scratches

Cons:
-Powder coating will loose some parts if the bumbers get hit
-The shine will be different, very different.
-Would you lift your Grandma because of some scratches?

Have a nice weekend, Kay