Front bumper replacement

[Bill 77]

Came across used front bumper the other day. Much better shape than original.Has anyone any helpful hints or advicethings I should know be I plunge into it. My bumper years are 75 to 79.Thanks again Bill

 

[Bill75]

Bumper stuff

Hello Bill,

Nice name! If the used bumper is a GM urethane and if it isn't cracked or brittle from age, I suspect you won't have too much trouble replacing it. However......if it's a fiberglass aftermarket, you most likely won't like the way they are designed to go on the car. Besides not fitting properly from every aspect, you may need to remove some of the front bumper internal parts on the car to get it on. Check out this thread, it starts out with a question about cost but has some good info.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63645&highlight=front+bumper+replacement

It's not too bad a job as far as wrenching is concerned, just be patient.

Good luck,

Bill

 

[jdp6000]

Bill,

Whats wrong with your original bumper? New technology can fix these bumpers...make them look like new. Do you really need to replace it???

Jim

 

[Bill 77]

Hey Bill Bumper is urethane but perfect.Everything looks real rusty under there .Every time I touch something on this car I wind up finding more to do . Paid short money for car so have to expect that.Next vette will be one some else has aleady fixed.Jim old bumper cracked with two big holes in it. Any way thanks guys .Americas first sports car still rules. Bill

 

[jdp6000]

I would get a factory bumper. If not new a good used one. It will fit better and go on easier. There are two metal brackets, one on each side they usually rust out. I couldn't find them at the dealer and had to have them fabicated.

Mine had a couple of tears in it but was repairable.

Jim

 

[Bill75]

I just saw this on ebay, but I agree with Jim 100%.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33640&item=7974865690&rd=1

 

[ed_in_pa]

Bill,

Whats wrong with your original bumper? New technology can fix these bumpers...make them look like new. Do you really need to replace it???

Jim

Jim,
What new technology are you talking about? I have some cracks in mine and thought the only option was to replace it.

 

[jdp6000]

I'm in the insurance business. In the old days when those bumpers were torn or punctured we replaced them. If the cracks or tears arn't bad we now fix them. Go to high end bodyshop and ask them if they can repair yours. I'm not sure what the producted is called. I'll try and find out and post later.

Jim

 

[Bob Chadwick]

They can be repaired but, unless you have the skills to do it yourself, you have to factor in the labor cost to repair v. the cost of a new one. I ended up replacing mine as it was cheaper to do so.

 

[jdp6000]

Bob,

I had my car painted recently. So removal and stipping of the bumper was part of the deal. Mine had a couple of cracks (6 inches or so) and a tear the size of a silver dollar. So I'm not sure what the cost of just the bumper repair would have been. I don't think it would be all that much now-a-days but I guess you never know. Here is an article
http://www.abrn.com/abrn/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=77631 on the process and how the technology has improved over the past couple of years. I think its worth asking before considering replacement. You would still have to Re & Re plus prep. and paint any new bumper...so I guess the question is how much to plastic weld the old???

Mine came out perfect by the way...then again my paint job was over $5000....oh Canadian dollars...so not really real money...

Jim