I'm getting ready to refinish the exterior of my 77 (which had a really poor repaint at some point). We are going to strip the car before painting. Before I spend a lot of time stripping and prepping the urethane bumpers, should I consider fiberglass replacements? Given that a correct restoration is not an issue, I understand that the fiberglass bumpers look better and hold up better - although they won't stand up to any kind of collision. Any thoughts on the subject would be really appreciated. Thanks Steve
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Re: Looks like you've already got the long...
and the short of it, Steve. Before you invest any time in final prep, ensure the fiberglass bits actually fit your car. There are also the tru-flex fiberglass bumpers which, as I understand, do have some give in them but having a '72 I wouldn't have the occasion to comment. -
Re: Fiberglass vs urethane bumpers
I don't know about fiberglass bumpers, but I have had many people bump my urethane over the years in parking lots. The tip of the bumper is so low that people just don't see it when they park. There is always scrapes to the front tip no matter how carefully you park it and try to keep it away from others.
I could see that the fiberglass would probably have the tip crushed constantly, but then I don't have any experience with the fiberglass.
Steve L
73 coupe since newSteve L
73 coupe since new
Capital Corvette Club
Ottawa, CanadaComment
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Re: Well then...
Fiberglass will have some (very little) give to it but a peak at the nose will never survive KMart rash.Comment
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Re: Fiberglass vs urethane bumpers
We installed Eckler's rears on a '74 that my father-in-law had about 16 years ago. I still see the car around occasionally and it looks as good as the day it was painted. I don't think that the car ever gets parked where it's security is at risk though.Comment
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Re: Fiberglass vs urethane bumpers
About 4 years ago, I was stopped at a light and got hit pretty hard in the rear by a full size econoline van. So hard that me head hit the rear window frame. When I got of my car I saw the van with its parking light laying in pieces on the road, the chrome bumper pushed into the front tire. I expected to see my '76 vette extremely damaged. To my surprise, the woman driving the van drove the right corner of her van into the left side of my rear bumper. She happened to hit it right at the spot where the "shock absorber" connects the bumper to the frame. There was no damage to the rear. I had a 1/2" crack along the rear panel seam. The repair shop repaired the crack and replaced the bumper shock. The woman had to get the van towed because the bumper was preventing the tire from turning.
This experience sold me on the urethane bumper. I am currently restoring my car and bought an Eckler's urethane bumper that I just delivered with the car to the painter. (The front bumper is still available from GM).Comment
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