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Recovering and Recycling the Chrome from Car Bumpers

Is it worth while to strip chrome bumpers (from older cars with large chrome bumpers) to recycle the chrome plating?

Tim Devaney
auto hobbyist - Ridley, Pennsylvania
September 16, 2008

Hi, Tim. The thickness of the chrome plating is only several millionths of an inch, and chrome is not a precious metal, being worth only several dollars per pound.

Beneath the chrome, is nickel plating of about .0012" thickness, which is worth something like $7 per pound.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
September 23, 2008

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February 3, 2010

I have three 18" Chrome wheels that I just removed from my car. If I recycle them will I get any money for them?

Thanks,
Dana

Dana Smith
- Richmond, California

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February 4, 2010

Hi, Dana. There is no precious metal in a chromed wheel. They are probably worth nothing as metal. But they may be saleable as wheels. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.

Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
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We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.

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