The13Bats

I do not know how much or how little but mike was hired and flow up there to make parts molds whatever...

The appeal about the 73-82 plactic nose it it flows and is all smooth
If you are talking that dark blue c3, 80-82 nose with a chrome bumper tacked on, sorry I can't warm up to it that just ruined the 80-82 front for me... ( I know the rest of the world just loves it )
If you want a chrome bumper car do it right....

Condo_454C3

Well, me and my body man but yes

Priya

By "you", I meant me.

Condo_454C3

You mean what's the cost of someone who does it themselves? That is the price. Their estimate was for parts only.

Also, apparently I'm not allowed to offer you guys discounts at my shop because I'm not a supporting vendor. Not sure how that makes any sense but sorry guys.

Priya

No, what I'm suggesting is when you say "CIC sent me an estimate of around $3500 for all new parts for the conversion. That doesn't include labor or paint so for anyone else looking into this job - I advise against it." it may not be ill advised for others looking into this job to do it.

Condo_454C3

Ah okay. I guess it depends on the budget. For that money it's better to start with a chrome bumper car IMO but for someone in my shoes who already has a "racecar" and ends up with a front end collision it's not a bad idea. Judging by the work involved a quality shop would charge no less than 10k for changing both ends. Now if you can find a donor car or used parts that's a whole different issue and makes it more realistic.

Priya

It all depends on your situation. In my situation my estimates suggest its better and cheaper to convert a rubber bumper car to chrome bumpers than it is to start with a chrome bumper car:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588506734

But I plan on doing all the bodywork/paint myself.

7t9l82

i have to admit the stick on bumper for an 80-82 looks like a botched facelift.

The13Bats

I know each person seems to like one c3 style best and I am even a modder saying all this but the appeal of the 73-79 or 80-82 IS the lack of the chrome bumper their bumpers are made to flow and look good, I always found it a downer some states made people ruin the front end with a license plate but man that velco on bumper...it takes the cake for me.

Condo_454C3

I came across a full front clip from a 78 really cheap today. Does anyone know of any differences in the fenders from a 78 to a 74? It's too good to pass up if the parts will work

Priya

The difference is in where the fiberglass meets the front bumper cover. In a 74 the line is straight across in a V shape just below the headlight doors. In a 78 there is a slight curve around the inside edges of the headlight doors and the line dips in towards the windshield. Other than that they are identical in appearance. If you get the 78 bumper cover (which will have the bumperettes) I believe you'll be good to go. I'm not sure if the internal bumper structure is the same or you'll need that from the 78 as well.

The13Bats

If its a full clip it will basically bolt on,

doorgunner

Very True about individual situations.....for the last year I've been pricing '68 parts for my basket case that a previous owner "converted" into a '76. So far I've managed to cut the parts cost in half (or better) by visiting the "Parts for Sale" forum, and by "manufacturing" my own metal parts (recently--a main leaf for the rear spring).

Condo....I hope we haven't "destroyed" your original thread topic too much!

Condo_454C3

To get this back on topic a little lol, me and my buddy picked up a full 78 clip, hood and lights for $150. It didn't come with the bumper so I'll have to cut/modify the nose to accomadte my 74 bumper for now. At the end of the day I think I'm going to aim for the 73 look and convert just the rear to chrome. It's much much easier to do and honestly that's the best part of a chrome car anyway

7t9l82

a friend of mine found a 71 roadster body with a rotten frame and put it on his 78, he said it was easier then clipping the car.

The13Bats

Sounds like you have a great plan for what you want to do,
the 73 look has a cult following it's how my 69 looked when I got it....

Condo_454C3

Definitely easier but not always cheaper.

If I can figure the tilt front end I'll be all set!