74 front bumper

[Todd L.]

Looking for advice, I will be returning from Afghanistan in a few months and need to put a front bumper on the car to make it drivable (there are other parts as well) Should I spend the money on the Urethane as original, or buy a "flex-fit" or even a fiberglass bumper? The rear bumper already rotted off and it came with a fiberglass two piece look alike. I don't know if I will eventually replace it or not.
Like I said I want to get it on the road while I gather parts/tools/space to do the frame off. How bad of a hit do you take for judging for a non-urethane bumper?
Any recommendations as to where to order the bumper?

Thanks

[Robert R.]

Re: 74 front bumper

Todd,
There has been a lot of previous discussion on the merits of either type. The Urethene Front bumper is still available but a bit expensive and you will still need to add a flex agent to the paint.
The Tru Flex a lesser cost (around $300), is available from a number of parts dealers, and can be painted without needing the flex agent.

It all depends on what is more important to you and your car. If judging is the path, go with the original style Urethene, if not, the Tru Flex will look very nice and maintain the same color as the body for years to come.

The rear is another matter as you will find that the replacements are now for '74s are one piece, but still have the seam molded into it verse the original two piece bumper.

I am assuming that your time in Afghanistan is for service to our country.
If so, a big Thanks, and hope that the time for your return is soon.

Bob

[Todd L.]

Re: 74 front bumper

I brought some of my Catalogs with me, and I see in the Paragon catalog, a Flex fiberglass front bumper for $320.00, I have a one piece rear bumper already with the seem in the middle. Paragon also has a two piece 74 bumper, will a two piece look more authentic? In my manuals and books, I do not see a procedure for fitting a bumper, front or rear; is this a difficult task? If I remember correctly in the AIM or another source, certain parts were painted off the car prior to installation. Was the bumpers part of these items?

It is for our great country, your welcome, and thank you.

Todd

[Pat M.]

Re: 74 front bumper

Thank you for your service, Todd.

[Robert R.]

Re: 74 front bumper

Todd,
Just checked Paragon's site and yes they do have a two piece Tru Flex Rear Bumper cover. As my experience is with a '73 I relayed what last I knew.
As to attatching the front bumper, we did trial fit to make sure it looked right; did some filing and then painted the bumper separate from the body.
Then attached the painted bumper. There is a retainer kit that is available to accomplish this as well.

There were some posts that said that even the one piece with the seam looked good. But if there is now a two piece version available, why not go that route?

Paragon does a nice job as to order / delivery and does offer, on some items, a discount by mentioning that one is a NCRS member.

Stay safe and hope to see your completed '74 on the road.

Bob