Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Just curious as to how big a hit on judging for a tru-flex front bumper? They have a little 'give', actually more than my dried out urethane one. Do judges push on them to get an idea of how 'urethane like' they are?
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Considering how prone the originals are to cracking as they age a judge wouldn't be very wise if he was to press on one to determine if it was original or not. The judging standard is "to appear as original". That doesn't really answer your question. -
Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
There's very little reason to touch any part of a car while judging, pushing on a bumper to see how flexible it is would be a no-no.
The tru-flex bumpers might be detectable by other means though.Comment
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
So anyone out there top flight a 73-82 with one?
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Why ask what others have experienced? Go to the horses mouth and figure out how the part SHOULD judge.
The NCRS policy on replacement parts (not described separately) in the Standard Deduction section of the NCRS Judging Reference Manual, is pretty simple.
Allocate the originality points associated with that part into a 5-axis universe based on Finish, Date, Installation, Configuration and Completeness. Now, deduct 20% of the available points for each axis that the replacement part violates compared to the factory original...
By going this route, you'll be in a position to 'discuss' the deduction intelligently with the judge(s) you encounter. And, you'll not be biased by reports of what happened to this/that guy with other judges at some other meet way back when...Comment
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Rich I think what Jack is saying you could do the judging on your own. If you have the judging guide you could use that to check the description of the bumper make the appropriate deductions for the 5 areas.
With what you have stated if the material is incorrect that is part of the configuration so 20% deduct then the date would be incorrect 20%. But if it is installed correctly and complete plus the finish is correct then your deduction would be 40% of the available originality points. You can use the sample judging sheets and the judging guide plus the method Jack described you would have a fairly close idea how the entire car would score.
Plus most of the time owner who do this are harder on the car then judges are. If you do not have the judging guide for your year I would suggest you should get one. A very inexpensive resource to help you attain your goal.
I have seen cars Top Flight with this type of replacement bumper.
Here is a link to the scoring sheets: https://www.ncrs.org/membership/scoresheets.html
Paul 18046Comment
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Just was curious was all I asked! I have limited funds for parts was all, and a NOS urethane bumper is a pricey one! I've been squirreling away NOS parts (18 years worth) for a nut & bolt resto someday! I've managed some scarce parts (for a '73 anyway) NOS diverter valve (72-73 454 only), door panels, coolant recovery tank (73 only), egr valve (73 454 only) complete suspension and on and on. Have to draw the line somewhere!?! Hard to buy another urethane one after watching the last one self destruct!
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Thanks Paul, that sounds like a good approach! I have the judging manual, just no judging sheets.
I live in the boondocks so getting to shows tough.Trying to make a 'punchlist' of final parts to find. They sure aren't getting any cheaper! I'll get there, just going to take me a little longer.
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Rich,
You can obtain copies of the judging sheets right here! Just go to the home page and click on Judging Awards. About a third of the way down the page you will see a link to download the sheets. Great to have. Chip.Comment
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
Purchasing a NOS urethane bumper is a fools errand. Even if they were for sale for a dime a dozen, it would not be worth it. The materials used to make those bumpers were not able to survive 35+ years, so even NOS examples, were they available, would be on the verge of crumbling if not already doing so.Just was curious was all I asked! I have limited funds for parts was all, and a NOS urethane bumper is a pricey one! I've been squirreling away NOS parts (18 years worth) for a nut & bolt resto someday! I've managed some scarce parts (for a '73 anyway) NOS diverter valve (72-73 454 only), door panels, coolant recovery tank (73 only), egr valve (73 454 only) complete suspension and on and on. Have to draw the line somewhere!?! Hard to buy another urethane one after watching the last one self destruct!TerryComment
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
I am not sure what the "best of conditions" would be, but my belief is that yes it applies to any and all bumper covers made in the 1973 to 1975 range and maybe later. Remember these were the first attempts by the automotive industry with this material, and little was understood of the long term performance of this material. They lasted beyond the waurrantee period, so all was good.
From the moment they were made they began deteriorating. I would guess if they were kept out of the sun and in a constant 70 degree F temperature they will last longer than something exposed to heat and sun.
A friend with a 1974 he bought new (last I talked to him the car had 3000 miles on it) bought new bumper covers for it in 1974. He stored them on the rafters of his garage -- certainly not the best of conditions. He went to move them a couple of years ago, and they crumbled in his hands. So much for his NOS bumper covers.TerryComment
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Re: Tru-Flex bumper deduction
I was under the impression that newly made urethane covers were available. Priced around $900 IIRC.Comment
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