Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Forty years ago, plastic surpassed steel as the most widely used ...

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Yours probably does, too.

Chrome bumpers made a quick exit from the automotive scene in the late '80s. In their place are elaborate, but flimsy, plastic covers hiding stamped-steel impact beams with a wide swath of Styrofoam ...