Rear Bumper Fit & Paint Question

[75DropTop]

I have just started my project on a 1975 Conv.

The rear bumper completely disintegrated and I am planning to replace it. I have removed all the remains for proper burial :L

The long term plan involves minimal engine, drive train, brake, etc rework. The interior is done.

Anyway, where I am leading now is installing a new rear bumper cover. I have no skill with fiberglass work, so I am not getting a straight glass one.

My choices are Ecklers True Flex or Urethane.

My questions are which & why? Do the new Urethane ones hold up better than the old ones? Can the Flex one be fitted easily enough?

And lastly...The paint on the rest is OK for now, but I will probably repaint as the last step. Could I (or more importantly) should I have the bumper cover painted before installation (since I am going to drive it for a while) or paint it after install.

Thanks for any advice. I am sure to be participating here for a while as this project continues.

 

[curtis]

The waviness and shear weakness of the urethane turned me off, especially when it busted all by itself in the garage last winter. I went with fiberglass from Mid America. after paint and finish had total around $800 for the project.

I suggest it be painted after install, that way paint can be blended to rest of the car.

 

[mike weyman]

If you have never changed out a bumper on one of these, i suggest you talk to someone who has done it. i did the two on mine and it was a trying experience.i found it harder than pulling and re-installing the engine.
you will find out that the bumper (even new) will not line up exactly. what i found out later was that you cover the bumper with masking tape and fill in the uneveness. i could explain it to death but i'm on the way out. if you need a better explanation . p.m. me and i'll let you in on the fun later.mike

 

[75DropTop]

I suggest it be painted after install, that way paint can be blended to rest of the car.

Had not thought about it that way. Thanks.

 

[curtis]

Mike is right. It is a pain in the a55 to change that thing out. It took me a day and a half for minor fitting (puttying) and another day to fix all the flaws inthe fiberglass before going to paint. Body shop did paint. Then a full afternoon to install it back on car. Mine was painted off the car. Should have been the other way cause at the seams, very small areas needed touched up too.