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Post by gingerbeer62 on Nov 4, 2015 8:34:10 GMT
Looking at the pics on Gingerbeers62,s post they do look thinner. I did talk to them a long time ago and the gauge they use is thinner than the std P5 bumper and the grade of SS is softer than what is used on the std bumper. They look ok but the colour is not the same as Nickel Chrome so for me they are not "The Holy Grail" but they do the job This post from another Marque site :- On the recommendation of Forum members I've just purchased stainless steel bumpers from Harrington and I'm not particularly happy with them. The finish is NOT identical to chrome, it is exactly like bright Nickel plating, the metal is probably half the thickness and weight of the original steel, so very flimsy, the fit isn't great, I've spent an hour getting ti to bolt together and the captive nuts are 10mm Metric Coarse rather than 3/8" UNF, which is a nuisance on an all UNF or UNC car. They'll look okay but not original and they'll be easily damaged. With regards to your passed on post. Why would anyone expect the finish to be identical to Chrome ? - they are stainless steel. I would not expect the stainless trims on the car to look like chrome so why the bumpers. As for strength, I do feel that bumpers are there mainly as cosmetic but even so, they would still make a mess of a modern car Personally I think the fitting of stainless trims was a great idea by Rover and they always look good and of course don't rust. If trims were made of chromed steel, I doubt we would have any trims available to us now and we would be looking to get someone in another country to make them out of stainless. Cheers Colin
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Nov 4, 2015 9:18:40 GMT
I did talk to them a long time ago and the gauge they use is thinner than the std P5 bumper and the grade of SS is softer than what is used on the std bumper. They look ok but the colour is not the same as Nickel Chrome so for me they are not "The Holy Grail" but they do the job This post from another Marque site :- On the recommendation of Forum members I've just purchased stainless steel bumpers from Harrington and I'm not particularly happy with them. The finish is NOT identical to chrome, it is exactly like bright Nickel plating, the metal is probably half the thickness and weight of the original steel, so very flimsy, the fit isn't great, I've spent an hour getting ti to bolt together and the captive nuts are 10mm Metric Coarse rather than 3/8" UNF, which is a nuisance on an all UNF or UNC car. They'll look okay but not original and they'll be easily damaged. With regards to your passed on post. Why would anyone expect the finish to be identical to Chrome ? - they are stainless steel. I would not expect the stainless trims on the car to look like chrome so why the bumpers. As for strength, I do feel that bumpers are there mainly as cosmetic but even so, they would still make a mess of a modern car Personally I think the fitting of stainless trims was a great idea by Rover and they always look good and of course don't rust. If trims were made of chromed steel, I doubt we would have any trims available to us now and we would be looking to get someone in another country to make them out of stainless. Cheers Colin As I said Colin if YOU are happy with them that's all that matters
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2015 9:38:13 GMT
I'm quite happy with my stainless bumpers after taking time fitting them. I send photos and drawings to Group Harrington as they requested them to see if they could improve the fit and ease of fitting etc for future customers. They are not the same finish as the original chrome one,possibly because they aren't chrome. They are more ductile and thinner,because they are made from a thinner and more ductile material. I am happy with the fit (now) and appearance,I've yet to find anyone who rushes up to draw my attention to any difference (other than they are not rusty). I think we can see why people like Wadhams get fed up with the petty nit picking on this forum. Group Harrington supply a decent alternative product and (in my case anyway) after a slow start (which they explained) were quick to answer queries,keen to learn from my experience,and expressed a wish to improve what is already (in my opinion) a perfectly reasonable product.
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Post by gingerbeer62 on Nov 4, 2015 11:11:40 GMT
With regards to your passed on post. Why would anyone expect the finish to be identical to Chrome ? - they are stainless steel. I would not expect the stainless trims on the car to look like chrome so why the bumpers. As for strength, I do feel that bumpers are there mainly as cosmetic but even so, they would still make a mess of a modern car Personally I think the fitting of stainless trims was a great idea by Rover and they always look good and of course don't rust. If trims were made of chromed steel, I doubt we would have any trims available to us now and we would be looking to get someone in another country to make them out of stainless. Cheers Colin As I said Colin if YOU are happy with them that's all that matters Just for clarity - It was not you John that criticised the bumpers, you were referring to another person on another group. So my comments still stand and are not aimed at you. Cheers Colin
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Nov 4, 2015 11:23:18 GMT
As I said Colin if YOU are happy with them that's all that matters Just for clarity - It was not you John that criticised the bumpers, you were referring to another person on another group. So my comments still stand and are not aimed at you. Cheers Colin Thanks Colin I never took it personally enjoy your car just don't park in Supermarkets I used to in the 60's/70's but not now!! Well not with the Coupe!
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Post by guidedog on Nov 4, 2015 12:21:32 GMT
Hi Colin, With reference to the strength of your bumpers.Assuming grade 304 was used they have the tensile strength of 515 MPa. Steel bumper bars have the strength of 448 MPa. This is assuming that Rover used basic steel.Obviously this doesn't account for the difference in thickness but they will be stronger than they look. Can you see Rover using upgraded steel. Bob
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Nov 4, 2015 13:41:17 GMT
Hi Colin, With reference to the strength of your bumpers.Assuming grade 304 was used they have the tensile strength of 515 MPa. Steel bumper bars have the strength of 448 MPa. This is assuming that Rover used basic steel.Obviously this doesn't account for the difference in thickness but they will be stronger than they look. Can you see Rover using upgraded steel. Bob Hi Bob where did you get those figures from?
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Post by guidedog on Nov 4, 2015 14:02:07 GMT
I just Googled "Tensile steel strength" Then went to stainless == www.azom.com/article.aspx?articleID=965Sorry not into pasting & such unless its wallpaper. Looking it seems there are different strengths according where you look ? Bob
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Post by guidedog on Nov 4, 2015 14:21:28 GMT
Took a little sorting John I got there. Something else I've learnt.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Nov 4, 2015 15:07:15 GMT
Comparing the two is more or less impossible Bob There are set standards today which "should" be met for a particular grade of steel so it should be easy if you were doing it today The steel our bumpers are made from is a good grade steel if you have an old one run a sharp file over a none chrome piece I repaired one for a guy a few years ago and by the colour of the sparks it was good steel and it welded beautifully! Remember when our country used to make high grade steel My BBQ is stainless but if I leave it out it goes yellow on some pieces but not others
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Post by guidedog on Nov 4, 2015 15:15:48 GMT
Memories John memories reading your article reminded me of my time in toolroom. As you say there was good stuff around then ( 1950's). O'Dear I'm getting old. But it's better than the alternative.
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Post by gingerbeer62 on Apr 7, 2016 20:15:43 GMT
Blimey my rear bumper has been in the chromers longer than that!, Yes, I expected them to take longer than that. I actually paid on the 6th Oct and they arrived yesterday 2nd Nov. !! They seem to have got their act together in reference to earlier posts. When I have a go at fitting I will post results. Cheers Colin Well, finally got around to fitting the back bumper. Looks very nice I have to say. Any body got suggestion as to stainless polish? It was not too difficult to fit although I found that the actual rover brackets and posts gave the most trouble. Took it all out including the posts. Fettled and painted those and the brackets. Fitting the brackets required different size bolts than supplied as the brackets were slightly different shapes. Not Harrington's fault as not problems there with good sliding captive nuts. All lined up with a bit of washer packing etc. The front should be easier. Cheers Colin Miss the silver painted patch as per the first picture. Exhaust fell of when I leant on it !!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2016 6:50:23 GMT
I have front and rear on mine. I am very pleased with them. To polish any scratches out you need a power mop and proper polising compound. I found the polish used for PVC window frames works well (its like a watered down Tcut).
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Post by gingerbeer62 on Apr 8, 2016 8:09:19 GMT
I have front and rear on mine. I am very pleased with them. To polish any scratches out you need a power mop and proper polising compound. I found the polish used for PVC window frames works well (its like a watered down Tcut). Do you mean like "cream cleaner" ? That's what I use to clean plastic but you may be referring to another product ? Cheers Colin
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Post by daveh on Apr 8, 2016 17:45:10 GMT
i am considering stainless bumpers, does anyone know if Harrington have sorted the reports of the need for a a lot of manipulating to get there bumper to fit that has been reported. also i found this place for stainless bumpers www.bumperworld.eu/bumpers/rover/s/379 they are in the Netherlands, has anyone heard of this company used them read any posts elsewhere or have any info on their bumpers? all this is because the center section on the front bumper is pitted and i have a small 1/4" hole on the n/s of my rear bumper other than this the rest of the bumpers and chrome is in very good condition, after trying to get it repaired and re-chroming i found one place in the Manchester area who doesn't do repairs but wants £450 to re-chrome the rear bumper. some others in the Cheshire area have very high prices. and getting the rear bumper welded and getting one bumper and a center section stripped and chromed is a non runner at these prices, my concern is if it's a thin or poor quality re-chroming the problem will be back very quickly and it makes a full set of stainless bumpers at more or less the same cost worth considering.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2016 19:35:16 GMT
I think you'll find that bumper world and Harrington are the same. I found the amount of fettling to get a good fit acceptable, considering the bumpers aremade in sections then welded together they fit we'll. The cleaner I use was one made for PVC window frames you can buy purpose made stainless steel cleaner/polish, stainless steel goes dull if you use wax polishes and it scratches easier than chrome.
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Post by djm16 on Apr 8, 2016 21:56:37 GMT
Has anyone with a good rapport with Harringtons suggested to them that the extra £50 for heavier gauge steel would be money well spent?
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Post by petervdvelde on Apr 8, 2016 23:16:56 GMT
Dave,
Bumperworld is the representative for Harrington in Holland. I also bought a set of SS bumpers and trial fitted thewse tot the car. The front bumper fitted without any problem and the rear may need some adjustment to the brackets to get it 100%
All the issues, Cyf reported like poor fitting overriders, nuts welded in the wrong place have been solved. The overriders really fit well
DJM
Maybe the thickness is less then the original bupers but the bumpers don't feel flimsy. You cannot change the gauhe easily The manufacturer needs to adjust his pressing tools and have a much larger press to press the thicker steel.
Peter
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2016 7:42:20 GMT
I spoke to harrington a few times at some length before and after I bought the bumpers. I supplied them with photographs and drawings along with suggestions as to how the fit could be improved. The stainless they use is the thickest they can on the machinery they have. Although there was a delay in sending out my bumpers I was pleased with the results and consider them well worth the effort. Harrington sales director was polite and seemed keen to improve his product.
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Post by tarnowl on Apr 5, 2017 8:49:29 GMT
I spoke to harrington a few times at some length before and after I bought the bumpers. I supplied them with photographs and drawings along with suggestions as to how the fit could be improved. The stainless they use is the thickest they can on the machinery they have. Although there was a delay in sending out my bumpers I was pleased with the results and consider them well worth the effort. Harrington sales director was polite and seemed keen to improve his product. I have just received a new set of Harrigtons Bumpers for my P5B today! Weeha! or at least I hope weeha! they look great in the box and were well packed. I hope to start fitting them at the weekend and hope I have not issues. I will let you know how I get on.......... Regards, Tarnowl.
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Post by Simon H on Apr 5, 2017 23:03:14 GMT
I almost let out an audible "Yeeha!" when I saw this thread rejuvenated. Please keep us informed.
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Post by craigydee70 on Apr 6, 2017 9:15:09 GMT
Hi Cyf
many thanks for adding this thread as I have to have my rear bumper rechromed (due to reading your earlier threads rather than buy one of these), and I will come on to that.
Having purchased many parts in my day job in manufacturing operations from China this issue unfortunately does not surprise me in the least. It is really so simple to copy a drawing these days it's virtually impossible to get it wrong yet the Chinese still do.
What I have found in my trips to China is that they sometimes (hard to believe but very true), use a sub contractor to make it and they get ten or fifteen minutes to measure critical parts as the person that you are dealing with will not give them them drawing for fear of copy
This may sound ludicrous to some of you but in my most recent trip to China in late November 2016 I still get my eyes opened to some very inappropriate practices in very unsafe and sometimes life threatening situations.
Against my better judgement I was part of a team that shipped loads of tooling to the Far East twenty years ago as large corporations thought it wise to cut costs. False economy after years and years of problems.
In in other words, save your money, find a bumper that's rechromable and save your pennies for the day that you can give to a local company that does a good job.
My rear bumper is at Ashford Chroming in Kent --- "Carry On Chroming" as I have now dubbed them as they lost the order and are currently closed for half term!
More to follow
cheers Craig.
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Post by daveh on Apr 6, 2017 12:08:21 GMT
i can only comment on my bumpers from Harrington group. i got for a p5 saloon i found their service very fast i got the bumpers in ten days of the order the quality is first class and they are a great fit, when mine were fitted the metal support brackets were removed from the cars bumper posts and fitted loosely to the stainless bumpers and then the assembly was re fitted to the car and lined up and fully tightened i when for these bumpers because of the very high price of re chroming the bumpers, the Harrington bumpers gave me a saving of over £200. i would not hesitate to buy from Harrington again if i ever need bumpers again,
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Post by tarnowl on Apr 16, 2017 10:14:08 GMT
I almost let out an audible "Yeeha!" when I saw this thread rejuvenated. Please keep us informed. Hi Simon, Well, now the Harrigtons are fitted, I am very pleased with the result. They look great and, more importantly, they didn't require too much giggery pokery! I did have two minor issues though. It is of paramount importance that you check the bolt clearance for length on each bolt, particularly on the rear end mounts. These bolts must be shortened or you will find yourself pushing out the surface of the bumper! I was one bolt short, , which meant turning the whole garage upside down for a metric bolt on Easter weekend! But delighted now. Here are the photos. Attachment DeletedRegards, Tarnowl.
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Post by tarnowl on May 7, 2017 8:04:01 GMT
Looks like another supplier of SS bumpers has appeared. This one based in France but could just be part of the Harrington/Bumperworld "group". www.classic-parechocs.fr/en/32-roverOnly the P5B overrider shown. Yes, this enterprise is down near me in Southern France, at Villefranche de Rouergue. I contacted them when I was looking for a pair and believe them to be connected to Bumperworld. When I spoke to them, my understanding was that they were only finishing the bumpers there and that the fabrication was elsewhere. They were a few hundred Euros more expensive, so I didn't pursue the matter further and went with Harringtons, who were excellent. (Apart from being a bolt short!) Tarnowl.
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