1982 rear hatch struts and rear bumber interchange
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1982 rear hatch struts and rear bumber interchange
Hello!
I am new to the Corvetteforum and a new owner of a 1982 CE Corvette. First thing I did, rear hatch adjustment so it would open and close properly. With that completed I would like to replace the rear hatch struts. I have been taken back by a few catalog prices I have seen, $100 per strut! Come on that is rediculous. Has any of you found a resonable price replacement strut?
Next I am considering changing the rear bumber to a aftermarket 1974 one piece rear bumber. I just don't like that rear flip up that much. So, will it bolt right on or do I need 1974 mounting hardware? And will the 1982 lights fit in the 1974 light openings?
Thanks,
Patrick
I am new to the Corvetteforum and a new owner of a 1982 CE Corvette. First thing I did, rear hatch adjustment so it would open and close properly. With that completed I would like to replace the rear hatch struts. I have been taken back by a few catalog prices I have seen, $100 per strut! Come on that is rediculous. Has any of you found a resonable price replacement strut?
Next I am considering changing the rear bumber to a aftermarket 1974 one piece rear bumber. I just don't like that rear flip up that much. So, will it bolt right on or do I need 1974 mounting hardware? And will the 1982 lights fit in the 1974 light openings?
Thanks,
Patrick
#2
Re: 1982 rear hatch struts and rear bumber interchange (PatOpsahl)
It won't bolt right up, you need the plate to mount the rear lights too.
furthermore, you need to remove the stock bumper, it has absorption mats on it that fit in the 80-82 style bumper.
Then, if you have a CE you probably still have the decals on it. The decals run over the rear bumper so you'd have to get new ones. They only fit the 80-82 bumper so you'd have to fab some yourself.
I wouldn't do it, if you want 74 looks buy a 74.
Another reaason I wouldn't mod the CE because of resale value, they are more valuable than the other late C3 vettes.
Marck
furthermore, you need to remove the stock bumper, it has absorption mats on it that fit in the 80-82 style bumper.
Then, if you have a CE you probably still have the decals on it. The decals run over the rear bumper so you'd have to get new ones. They only fit the 80-82 bumper so you'd have to fab some yourself.
I wouldn't do it, if you want 74 looks buy a 74.
Another reaason I wouldn't mod the CE because of resale value, they are more valuable than the other late C3 vettes.
Marck
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: 1982 rear hatch struts and rear bumber interchange (Twin_Turbo)
I wouldn't do it, if you want 74 looks buy a 74.
Another reaason I wouldn't mod the CE because of resale value, they are more valuable than the other late C3 vettes.
Marck
Another reaason I wouldn't mod the CE because of resale value, they are more valuable than the other late C3 vettes.
Marck
Yeah, you kind of picked the wrong car to mod. If you want a 1982 to play with, it shouldn't be the CE. If you ARE going to play with it, expect the car's value to go from about $14,500 to about $4,500. I don't know of anyone that would buy a 1982 CE with a fake split rear bumper from a '74.
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Re: 1982 rear hatch struts and rear bumber interchange (PatOpsahl)
Hi,
It's YOUR car and you can do with it what you like but I have to agree with the others, the CE is probably the most valuable of the post pace car C3s. I wouldn't do any permanent mods to it.
It's YOUR car and you can do with it what you like but I have to agree with the others, the CE is probably the most valuable of the post pace car C3s. I wouldn't do any permanent mods to it.
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Re: 1982 rear hatch struts and rear bumber interchange (PatOpsahl)
I am also trying to find an economical solution for replacing
those costly strut rods. I have a 79 that has an 82CE hatch.
I have thought about trying to match them up, it would be nice
to find someone who has figured out a crossreference.
Be carefull with that glass, I have heard of people having to
pay $2000 for a used glass. I do not think anyone reproduces it.
Good Luck.
those costly strut rods. I have a 79 that has an 82CE hatch.
I have thought about trying to match them up, it would be nice
to find someone who has figured out a crossreference.
Be carefull with that glass, I have heard of people having to
pay $2000 for a used glass. I do not think anyone reproduces it.
Good Luck.
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St. Jude Donor '09
Re: 1982 rear hatch struts and rear bumper interchange (79L82hatch)
Don't rip up your CE. unless you don't mind losing resale value.
If you change your rear bumper, and decide to go back to original, be warned. The pin stripe kit is over $500.00 and thats just for the pinstripes....
As for the rear window struts. take one off and go to your local auto parts store.. Checker or Pep boys, somewhere like that.
And get them to find the closest match to it that they can. you will probably find one that is about 3 inches shorter, but it will only cost about $20.00 bucks a piece....
Once again... I would highly recomend not changing the body parts off of you CE...
:seeya
If you change your rear bumper, and decide to go back to original, be warned. The pin stripe kit is over $500.00 and thats just for the pinstripes....
As for the rear window struts. take one off and go to your local auto parts store.. Checker or Pep boys, somewhere like that.
And get them to find the closest match to it that they can. you will probably find one that is about 3 inches shorter, but it will only cost about $20.00 bucks a piece....
Once again... I would highly recomend not changing the body parts off of you CE...
:seeya