HQ sedan rear Bumper

[Innuendo]

I've also toyed with the idea of cutting a bit out of the centre of the bumper to narrow it and get it fitting tighter, but the cost of re-chroming is getting ridiculous.

Unless you have a HQ Wagon rear bar it makes sense to shorten the bar. You must be careful to retain the ever so slight point. I've seen it done before and it was done straight and looked wrong. As you say re-chroming is expensive but finding a decent bar that doesn't really need re-chroming is nearly impossible anyway. Under "some" circumstances you might be able to get away with a painted bar.

Another thought I'd like to see someone have an attempt at is using a front bar to make some rear bumperettes (HJ to HZ) I reckon you could get a factory look. You'd get matching shapes and rubber (if you like) and be true to the model. As opposed to using HQ Bumperettes which share nothing in styling with the HJ-WB models.

I'm fresh out of HQ lower hinges that I'm willing to part with. Apparently though you can use door hinge re-bush/pin kits to fix the worn HQ lower tailgate hinges.

[Cocko750]

I agree with everything you say and one day (before I respray it) I'll cut that lip off and reshape the guards. I'd love a pair of HQ hinges, any idea where I can find some in serviceable condition? I've bought 3 sets and they are all bent/worn out/rusted.
I've also toyed with the idea of cutting a bit out of the centre of the bumper to narrow it and get it fitting tighter, but the cost of re-chroming is getting ridiculous.

I kept trimming bit by bit out of a sedan bar to get it tight to body , massaged the rear panel to resemble a wagon, but it was too tight, I used a rusty dented bar for this reason but it looked good to me. I also cut the stip of steel off and used the hz hinges ,looked fine, think they should work but have a pair I hq hinges soaking in diesel (a bit seized) and will try them also, but instead of chrome I will paint my bars and add the rubber stips.

[Big Rob]

Painted bars look good in some cases, sort of like a HZ GTS. But I've seen some horrors too. I do agree you need to use the rubber strips on a painted bar just to break it up.

I think some body-coloured bars look good, or the trend of painting the bar to look like alloy or brushed stainless can suit some cars.

I just had a thought too. Instead of re-chroming maybe those vinyl wraps could do the job.....??????