Should I ditch the chrome bumpers?

[vegeetz]

Short story, I got rear ended 6 months ago (not my fault). My chrome bumper in the rear took most of the hit. Body shop fixed my tail and got me a new bumper and two weeks later someone backed up in to my parked car in the Fry's Electronics parking lot. Now there are two dings in it and it KILLS ME to see it everyday.

Should I just take out the chrome and go with a non chrome bumper that can take these 5-6 mph hits? Or just suck it up and buy a aftermarket chrome bumper and replace it?

 

[AZ4FNER]

Get an aftermarket armored bumper and worry no more.

 

[vegeetz]

any links to these bumpers? i am running a 2k 4runner, cylinder so i dont want to add any extra weight to slow me down lol.

 

[AZ4FNER]

If adding weight is a concern, than an armored bumper is not for you. Just get used to the delicate stock bumpers having imperfections.

There is a bumper thread already posted for examples of armored:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102876-bumper-list.html?highlight=bumper

Good luck.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

The non-chrome bumpers for 3rd Gens are still metal. You'll have the same issue regardless. It seems as if you're under the the impression that the painted bumpers are plastic, they are not. If appearance is a big concern, stick with chrome. At least they won't show all the little marks that a painted bumper will.

 

[fightman80]

If you are a REAL off-roader, then buy the off-road bumper. But if you're more like me, and use it mainly for daily driving....don't waste you money.

I personally like the chrome. It's surface is far more durable than a painted one, you can buff out light scratches, and it won't chip like paint does. However, it is only thin sheet metal construction, so it will dent easily just like the painted bumper.

Bottom line, if you want more protection from re -**** - ed (did on purpose to spell that wrong...lol) drivers, park farther away. I did that for years, working at a Grocery Store, and kept those suckers away from my rig!

 

[vegeetz]

well that is something to think about. thanks for the input guys.

 

[maxspeed96ct]

I went from chrome to body color and couldnt be happier.

But I dont offroad, i just think body color looks cleaner.