I'm starting to get rust on the rear chrome bumper on my 97. I understand this is a common problem.

What do most people do when it's time to do something about it?

 

Yeah it's very common. Mine personally is pretty bad..it has rusted through in a few spots to where just the chrome part (almost like tin foil) is all thats left. You can actually stick your hand in it..

At first I thought about just buying a replacement one off of a parted-out truck (prob. one that is newer than mine). But I might consider just making a custom one out of steel

 

mine was rusted through when I got it, went to the junk yard and they had a perfect one. simple swap.

 

Yeah, I thought about making one out of steel too, but I wanted to see if I was missing another fix before I did.

 

How much was it?

 

How bad is the rust on the chrome? If its just surface rust try cleaning it first. When I detailed cars at the chrysler dealership I always used wax or chrome polish with a light grit steel wool. Then whipe off whats left after scrubbing. You can put a little elbow grease into it but not to much or you'll take the chrome right off (oops found that out the hard way) This is the way I clean anything thats chrome and only had a problem once

 

the PO of my truck put on new front and rear chrome bumpers before i bought it. Not one flaw in any of the chrome, and it cost him $250 for both in a scrapyard...and they really look brand new.

 

To far gone for this method I'm afraid, chrome is starting to peel away.

 

search http://car-part.com you most likely will have some good luck

 

You can get a brand new rear chrome bumper from ebay motor for about $400. But I know that if I ever need to replace my rear bumper that I'd get a roll pan. I like the way they look on are trucks and are a hell of alot cheaper than an oem replacement. Im just not sure if you can use a hitch with them