Inexpensive Chrome Bumper plug alternative

[HKS]

I recently picked up a 71 510 and the first thing i had to do was remove the bumper guards. In doing so  I couldn't stand the visually unappealing holes left behind so I was left with three options. The first was to take the bumpers to a fabricator and weld up the holes and rechrome them. $$$$ Not to mention the condition of the chrome was still good.  The second was to use stainless steel bulk head fittings which would be too "bulky" and stand out like a sore thumb. The third was to use some caps that you can pick up at any hardware or local Home Depot like I did.

Sorry if this has mod has been covered in the past. I tried searching but haven't come across the same. Not to mention I am new to this forum. Let me know what you guys think!

Those holes are complete eye sores!

Home Depot didn't have chome ones, only zinc plated but these looks much better than using bulk head screws I had initially planned to use. These came in at $1.77 a piece and fit perfectly. If anyone finds a set of chome plated ones let me know.

 

 

To my suprise, Home depot did sell a packet of chome ones I could use for the license plate holes. A pack of 5 for $3.78 I chose the smaller 1/4 inch for a cleaner look.

The smaller size required flaring the ends but you can also bend the tabs from behind the bumper to promote a good fit.

Both sets of plugs installed

Including the rear. They look a bit off in color with my camera (flash ON) but they are perhaps some metal polish will take care of that.

 

 

[datzenmike]

Chrome carriage bolts might work also. Just glue them in place?

[HKS]

I thought of gluing some plastic covers in place but I liked the fact that these are metal/ had to be pressed in and seem to be able to withstand the elements.

[ProjectFeint]

I used carriage bolts when I removed my bumper over-riders, this is a sweet deal though for those extra holes though. Good info

[tr8er]

Thanks.

[flatcat19]

Good thinking. 

[Ranman72]

we like this 

there are always other things besides the black plastic ones 

thanks for sharing 

[qwik510]

I used something like these on my 240Z bumper. They are chrome and cheap and shipped to my door. 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-BUG-GHIA-BUS-CHROME-BUMPER-BOLTS-SHORT-EMPI-98-1014-/161119350146?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2583762d82&vxp=mtr

 

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/VW-BUG-GHIA-BUS-CHROME-BUMPER-BOLTS-SHORT-EMPI-98-1014-/00/s/OTU0WDEzMDA=/z/x48AAOxy1JBSS5EV/$(KGrHqZ,!nYFIu3D-pPJBSS5EVEPtg~~60_57.JPG

 

[HKS]

Quik: I had initially thought about using those pieces you mentioned above but the chome plugs are thinner and less contoured in dimensions, not to mention they flow better with the bumpers overall appearance.