Front bumper choices?

[The73vetteman]

I need a new front bumper for my '73 but I'm confused by the choices - 'Truflex', fiberglass, flexfit, urethane, and prices from $300 to $580. What have you all used and what are the pros and cons of each?

John

 

[George Black]

This is one of those subjects (like paint) where you will get numeous opinions!

Fiberglass bumpers can be made to perfectly fit the body by sanding, filling, etc. However, they can not absorb any impact without damage. But they look great and paint matches the body!

Urethane bumpers will absorb low speed impact, but may warp over time and some have a marginal fit. They do not fit as well as fiberglass bumpers.

Truflex is somewhat of a mix of both fiberglass and urethane. Paint matching is easier than with urethane. They are mainly fiberglass material, but do have some type of resin which makes them ALOT more flexible than true 100% fiberglass. However, they are not flexible like factory original urethane. Cost is about $300.00 for a front bumper.

I would obtain the opinion of someone that has worked with/installed Truflexon on a corvette--I have not. I hear very good things from people that have them on their cars, but a body shop person should have some good advice on this topic.

 

[Stallion]

I think it's one of those things that the main question is if you drive the Corvette. If you drive it, you are obviously more likely to get in a little fender bender, and a fiberglass bumper will just shatter. But then again, if it's a trailor-queen, then fiberglass, as said above, doesn't warp and the paint fades at the same rate as the rest of the body.

 

[George Black]

Stallion has a good point to consider re the use of your car. However, remember that your rear end is already fiberglass on your 1973! (Those 73 chrome bumpers look good but ----). I think that the Truflex is a good compromise between 100% fiberglass and 100% urethane--unless some knowledgable body shop says that it is a bad choice for some reason.


I think that Truflex and Flex Fit are essentially the same product, just two different major companies make them. I am sure each says their product is better. Another reason to get input from a body shop with experience.

 

[curtis]

I used a fiberglass rear from Mid America on my car. I couldn't believe how good it fit. just smoothed the edges and bolted it on after painting. the old urethane had almost rotted away and split everywhere during the winter in my garage.

 

[Stallion]

It split? I can't see how that could happen. I didn't know urethane "split". Maybe it was really really dry in your garage?? :confused

 

[Raidervette]

I put flex fit on my 74 this spring, my friend put a urathene front bumper on his 74 last year. My opinion, they both fit good,they were both a pain to put on, and he paid around $145.00 more for his bumper. I went with the flex fit because I did not want it to crack and rot apart like the old one did. I also know that the paint won't fade on the flex fit.

 

[curtis]

the splits and cracks all developed from the top of every light onthe rear and went up to the top edge of the cover. Looked like h***. Temperature got to 25 below for a week and I think that is when the thing started to bust up.

 

[thesurvivor]

My '73 original bumper has had it. The solvents within the urethane started to migrate to the surface about 10 years ago. I kept cleaning it to make it presentable, but it cracked - vertically - down the center of the nose while in the garage one hot summer here in St. Louis. The sides of the surfaces above the grilles have cracked, and it has become brittle to the touch. She achieved Bloomington Gold Survivor in 2000 with the bad appearance, and maybe I'll add an NCRS award before I replace it. It just depends on how long I can put up with the appearance on an otherwise good-looking (NOT perfect) Corvette.

I have a fiberglass one waiting in my basement.....I thought of Tru-flex, but wound up with the 'glass.