Mystery Machine

Is it worth it to try and repair a badly beatup front bumper (the previous owner used Bondo rather than fiberglass or gelcoat and now it's all chunking off!) or should I just buy a new one from Eckler for ~$300? If I buy a new one how difficult are they to put on? Do they just bolt on or do I have to use fiberglass to mold it on? BTW - it's for a '73.

THANKS A TON!!!! :cheers:


[Modified by Mystery Machine, 12:14 PM 12/19/2002]

vettes1st

Can I assume this is a fiberglass replacement and not urethane original? Originally they bolt on. Fiberglass are sometimes bonded. If fiberglass, minor on the car repairs should be easier than removing and replacing. Removal and installation is a pita. :smash:

Mystery Machine

Thanks for the quick reply!

I think the one that's on there (or what's left of it) is the original (urethane I think). It really looks bad though, chuinks keep falling off while driving! Maybe I'll try some quick fiberglass on it but I don't want to waste too much time if it would just be easier to put a new one on.

Thanks again!

NHvette

Once the Urethane bumper starts cracking - you're all done.
You'll be buying a new bumper soon (me too).
Urethane will bolt right back up where yours is now.
You will most likely break the studs off of the steel retainer strip as you unbolt
the original. Those retainers are about $100. Urethane bumpers: $200 for
aftermarket and $650 for factory. A 'glass bumper lists for about $300.

Both styles bolt up with the retainer bars. The 'glass bumpers are often blended
into the front clip, eliminating the groove. However, I've never heard of anyone
simply bonding it on without retaining hardware. The retaining bars also
help to stiffen up the whole front.
Additionally, I believe that the energy absorption cushion that sits directly
behind the Urethane bumper has got to be removed for a 'glass bumper.

I'm gonna go fiberglass, when the time comes. :seeya

'79ProwlerOrange

i personally reccomend the Flexible fiberglass bumpers. i have a Flex-fit from ecklers and from what i understand it 100 times easier than fiberglass to install. fiberglass has to be trimmed and fit to the car, where as my rear bumper just bolted up. it does flex, and they say it wont warp or "bubble" like urathane. im happy with it. :cheers:

Fevre

Hurry and do yours Dave so I can learn from your mistakes. :)

MM

I did a short term cover up for mine. I bought a bra and cut it too fit just over the bumber then resewed it with velcro running around the edge then glued the other velcro to the bumber. (I used the velcro that held the light flaps down) It has held pretty good and looks better than the the smashed up front end. My paint looks pretty good and should be fine for another few years so I could not justify repacing the bumber before a complete repaint. Some day I get a digital camera to pass along pics.

Mystery Machine

Thanks. So, if I go with the 'glass I'll have to bolt it on then use some more 'glass to "blend" it in so the gap isn't too bad? Also, should I plan on replacing all those parts/pieces you menitoned?

Thanks again.

'79ProwlerOrange

not exactly. you will have to hold it up to the body, mark where it is off, sand, check, hold again, mark, possibly cut, sand, hold up again, mark, well you get the idea. the one good thing about fiberglass is that if you know what you are doing you can mold the bumper to the body. i dont know how to do it and make it so it doesnt crack, but ive seen it done. it looks very smooth.

Mystery Machine

Thanks. I may be doing here in the not too distant future so I'll let you all know how it goes. I'm no guru with fiberglass, just surfboard repairs so it might be a bit sketchy!

Thanks again guys!

Justin79-L-82

Taking the front bumper off is definately a pain in the bum. I took mine off this spring and broke almost all the screws off beucase they were rusted and snapped right off. I saved myself alot of money by just buying new screws and welding them to the old retainer clips, costed about 15 bucks including the welding and screws. Definately better then 100 for new retainers. Just a tip if you want to save some money

Mystery Machine

THANKS for the tip! I'm definitley down with saving $$!

groovyjay

I'm just installing class bumbers on both ends of my 79. The front bumber looks to be more or less a perfect fit. The rear needs some work to fit like it should. I'm getting 15 layers of paint and 15 layers of clear coat, so I did't want to see the bumbers start bubling, that's why I went for class bumbers. I also got new set of retainers. :cheers: