10 replies to this topic

[l_bratch]

One too many people have bumped into my rear bumper and dented it for my liking, so I'd like to replace it. I see that both chrome and stainless steel bumpers are readily available, however I'm not sure what my existing bumpers are. My front bumper is flawless so doesn't need replacing, so I want to get one that looks the same for the rear, not a different shade or anything. The bumpers are currently the original ones that would have been fitted onto a 1995 Mini Cooper Si.

So I suppose I'd like to know:

1. Would these have been chrome or stainless steel?
2. Do chrome and stainless steel actually look different to one another?

Thank you
Luke

[ricky_mini]

i dont know about your car, but mine were chrome from the factory, but as its a 95 id imagine if it was chromed there would be some signs of rusting on the underside of it by now.

aftermarket stainless steel arent as shiny and "mirror finished" as chrome, i believe the rover stainless ones were polished too? not sure if they're available anymore. last time i was looking minispares had some original rover "seconds" that had slight damage not noticeable when on the car.

[Burnard]

well mini sport claim to sell 'origional stainless steel bumpers'.

But they were origionally chromed, i wasnt aware they were ever stainless from factory.

I have stainless bumpers on mine. they arent mirror finish but they are still very shiny.

[jay30]

Standard bumpers are chrome but the likes of Mini Spares do Stainless Steel to the original pattern ie with the rolled edges.

[leaky]

well mini sport claim to sell 'origional stainless steel bumpers'.

But they were origionally chromed, i wasnt aware they were ever stainless from factory.

I have stainless bumpers on mine. they arent mirror finish but they are still very shiny.

I think rover ones were. I remember reading somewhere that an extra on the coopers where stainless over rides with corner bars. So I'm guessing the bumpers were stainless as well. Also one of the people at L2B were selling gen stainless bumpers and overriders for £250.

[InnoCali]

My Mini40...when I had it...had stainless as original (1999).

[lewis]

someone correct me if i am wrong but they were fitted on the mpi, spi and the mainstream coopers as an optional extra or as standard

if you look on the underside of the bumpers the chrome one will have some surface rust/pitting

but yes if you can afford it get both as stainless steel and store the chrome one.

i see your from jersey too! im back on the island mid july so pm me and join the local clubs meet

[l_bratch]

There's absolutely no rust on either bumper, even underneath. Presumably they're stainless steel. They are pretty shiny though - I can see my reflection staring back at me!

[jay30]

Cool! Learn something new every day

Edited by jay30, 22 June 2010 - 11:43 AM.

[lewis]

they are most likely stainless steel then as with typical rover the chrome ones would have rusted underneath! along with there doors, headlamp rims and rear subframes lol