74 Rear Bumper panel:

[Norman S.]

The rear trailing edge of the original bumper panel on my 1974 has about a 2 foot scrape across it about 1/16 thick where the guy backed into his concrete garage wall.
I'm not a body man.
With that 1974 plastic material, can it be repaired with sanding and filler like any other panel?
Is there any special filler that should be used?
Or would you recommend to replace it with one of the new fiberglass panels?
Thanks.
Norm

[Tom H.]

Re: 74 Rear Bumper panel:

Hi Norm !

I am no body man, but I've had many bumpers fixed. If your bumper is still nice and flexible with no cracks or breaks, I would say any GOOD body man should be able to make a successful repair to your bumper without total replacement.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 74 Rear Bumper panel:

If you have the original rear 74 bumper it is one of the few left without cracks. I like the idea of a repair but be aware that the money spent will be lost if you let the car get in cold weather or hot hot sun it will fall apart. I have seen almost every 74 going for a Bowtie Award have the bumpers get cracks and some pieces fall off in some cases. It is only a matter of time till your bumper cracks beyond repair and it could happen if a body tries a repair. Any good body man won't work on it if they know the history of this part or they will tell you up front you may need a new bumper if it falls apart.

[Martin N.]

Re: 74 Rear Bumper panel:

If you have the original rear 74 bumper it is one of the few left without cracks. I like the idea of a repair but be aware that the money spent will be lost if you let the car get in cold weather or hot hot sun it will fall apart. I have seen almost every 74 going for a Bowtie Award have the bumpers get cracks and some pieces fall off in some cases. It is only a matter of time till your bumper cracks beyond repair and it could happen if a body tries a repair. Any good body man won't work on it if they know the history of this part or they will tell you up front you may need a new bumper if it falls apart.

What Lyle discribes here is exactly what happen to my 74 rear bumper cover. I switched it out for a fiberglas 2-piece and am more than satisfied with the results.

Marty