21 replies to this topic

[Steve220]

Hi all (mods, apologies if this is in the wrong section)

 

I'm in the constant midst of collecting parts for the Mini and am looking for certain bits and piece to replace tired or worn items. There are plenty of options to get them in either stainless steel or chrome. Now the benefits of stainless is obvious, however, I hear the finish isn't as good as the chrome. Does anyone have any comparison pictures of items such as bumpers, headlight rings etc? I'm looking more towards the traders on this one but if anyone has pictures of the stainless versions, it'd be greatly appreciated!

 

Regards

[AndyR]

I have had both ss and chrome parts in the past, and cant say i have noticed much difference in the finish.  Of course there is the colour difference between the two and the chrome naturally has more shine, so i wouldnt mix and match the two next to each other.  Its personal choice but i think the ss looks better on the mini, had i been building a hotrod i would want the sparkly chrome.  

 

Andy

[Steve220]

Andy, have you any pictures of your stainless parts that I could see?

[mab01uk]

Modern chrome plating is rarely of the same quality as parts from the 1960's.....most of it rusts even shut in a garage over winter. Chrome has a deeper shine than SS but as said not for long, most chrome parts and badges on modern cars like the BMW MINI are plated on plastic items so no rust!

[AndyR]

Im sure i can take some snaps for you tomorrow

 

Andy

[Spider]

If I remember, I'll get some photos.

 

Stainless won't polish up like Chrome, but I've found stuff like headlight Rims rust in short time, they don't seem to plate them with Copper first like they used to.

 

But, it's a double edged sword. You do need to be mindful and careful with Stainless to keep it insulted from any steel parts that it maybe in contact with as it will cause the steel to rust in short order.

[mk1leg]

go for SS as this does not rust......

[Midas Mk1]

Tried to fit some mini sport gen bumpers today, didn't stand a chance of fitting. Twisted wrong and no gradual curve, actually mad about it!

Funny how an original gen black bumper fits perfectly, aswell as an aftermarket stainless one, snapped a stud in the process so can't even take them back.

[David128]

stainless does rust depending on the quality, However is much more resistant, It is also possible to polish to a high shine finish, Treat the same as bodywork to finish

[mab01uk]

Tried to fit some mini sport gen bumpers today, didn't stand a chance of fitting. Twisted wrong and no gradual curve, actually mad about it!

Funny how an original gen black bumper fits perfectly, aswell as an aftermarket stainless one, snapped a stud in the process so can't even take them back.

 

These bumpers are worth the extra cost......

 

Minispares Genuine bumper that fits perfectly as per original ROVER bumpers.
"Better than the last genuine bumpers produced for Rover - BEWARE - most others on the market made in stainless are poor fitting--Although many look the correct shape they will only fit the front with manipulation, but are very difficult to fit on the rear as they are kinked.
This has rolled over ends for safety critical homologation(1996)and also allows extra clearance on fitment to the sportspack arches.The rolled over ends were never clean and always sligtly rippled. Made in Automotive stainless steel to a polished chrome like finish it still requires washing and cleaning very regularly owing to the areas where they are fitted. Fitted with fixing bolts but no nuts.
Better than the last Genuine stainless steel originals these are to the quality Pianoforte reached when first supplying Rover with the open ended bumper DPB10165 which replaced the steel chromed version.
Pianoforte then had tooling problems making GENUINE bumpers difficult to fit so Minispares have come to the rescue again taking 2 years to get it perfect in looks and fitting with the curled end edges made less dangerous than the originals.
Please note that most car parts are made in automotive 430 stainless which is magnetic as opposed to pure stainless which is not magnetic.
The same bumper with holes for the deluxe corner bars and overiders is available as 14A9871
Best finished bumper in the market place."

http://www.minispare...c/DPB10166.aspx

[Batmini]

Stainless bumper, seam mouldings and headlamp rings, chrome grill. Not much to choose between the chrome and stainless on shine.

Attached Files

•  100_5115.JPG   99.11K   25 downloads

[Daz1968]

Well I have new stainless genuine bumpers and my original 1962 chrome over riders on my mini and think the match is close enough, I tried looking for new chrome bumpers and unless you can find some nos 5 bolt ones there's nothing out there

[1984mini25]

Chrome has a deeper shine than SS but as said not for long...

 

You can polish chrome up to quite a deep shine, just by using soapy water and silvo metal polish (the liquid type), old school but works.

 

The bumpers and headlamp trims are genuine chrome and the grill surround is genuine stainless, and in no way was any of the bright work new before polishing.

 

Edited by 1984mini25, 12 December 2015 - 10:52 PM.

[CityEPete]

All stainless enjoying the bad weather without pitting

[Globule]

 

Chrome has a deeper shine than SS but as said not for long...

 

You can polish chrome up to quite a deep shine, just by using soapy water and silvo metal polish (the liquid type), old school but works.

 

The bumpers and headlamp trims are genuine chrome and the grill surround is genuine stainless, and in no way was any of the bright work new before polishing.

 

 

 

 

Please correct me if I am wrong, but aren't the grille surrounds aluminium? It has been a while since I went over to the Mk1 set-up.