C2s without front bumpers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 425
Likes: 85
From: Rockwall TX
C2s without front bumpers
I recently had them off and kinda liked the look, nice quick changeup for a fresh look anyway, but I didn't want to drive it like that, figured that the installed bumpers also provide some support for the nose, right?
How is this mod done right, if your bumpers are off, did you add some additional support underneath the turn signal area, is it needed? I do not want to chance getting stress cracks.
got pics?
How is this mod done right, if your bumpers are off, did you add some additional support underneath the turn signal area, is it needed? I do not want to chance getting stress cracks.
got pics?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 776
From: Dadeville AL
When I restored my 63 coupe several years ago, I had to deal with enlarged holes in the front fenders where the poorly supported bumpers had vibrated. I had the body shop that did the paint fill the holes completely so I could redrill the holes when I installed the front bumpers. When I reassembled the car, the front bumpers were about the last thing I installed. In fact I drove the car about six months without front bumpers. I liked the way it looked and might have left it that way if the rest of the car had a restomod look to it. But in the end, the bumpers were the only things keeping it from looking completely stock, so I put them back on. I don't believe the bumper supports were needed to support the fenders, so you can just leave the supports and the bumpers off if you like it that way.
Last edited by kellsdad; Jul 27, 2009 at 09:35 PM. Reason: Typo
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 751
From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
i did my 65 the same way (no front bumpers..), but if i had another i would probably try to put some 'nerf bars' on the front to keep someone from backing into it in a parking lot.
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 0
From: DeBary Fl. Amateur Radio Operator K3CQR
It does look good that way But you might have an issue with police stopping you for no bumpers. Just say that's the way they were back in the 60's. They will never know. Bill. 
But you might have an issue with police stopping you for no bumpers. Just say that's the way they were back in the 60's. They will never know. Bill.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,685
Likes: 61
Stock bumpers provide low-speed "parking lot" protection from gentle bumps and chips. If you like the clean look, nerf bars that use the stock through-the-grill holes will give you 80% protection.
IMO, when you take the bumpers off, the turn signals loom too large. To get that original Sting Ray look, gotta shave those zits off.
IMO, when you take the bumpers off, the turn signals loom too large. To get that original Sting Ray look, gotta shave those zits off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,770
Likes: 694
From: Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05, '09, '15
[QUOTE=JimSR;1570937738]I ran mind for a year without front bumpers. Loved the look just before dark ran with head lights on bright and buckets closed. Just like the old days.
JIM[/QUOTE
And I still do!!!!
JIM[/QUOTE
And I still do!!!!
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 70
From: Park Bench #805 NE Indiana
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 29
From: Towaco NJ
I recently had them off and kinda liked the look, nice quick changeup for a fresh look anyway, but I didn't want to drive it like that, figured that the installed bumpers also provide some support for the nose, right?
How is this mod done right, if your bumpers are off, did you add some additional support underneath the turn signal area, is it needed? I do not want to chance getting stress cracks.
got pics
How is this mod done right, if your bumpers are off, did you add some additional support underneath the turn signal area, is it needed? I do not want to chance getting stress cracks.
got pics
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,913
Likes: 60
From: Twin Cities, MN
The nose is supported at the radiator body mount points. The front bumpers hang off of three points (two spears and the corner support). They are an extension from the frame, and don't provide any support to the nose.
I wouldn't worry about hurting the nose on the car, by driving it with the bumpers off. (other than the "parking lot" tap mentioned earlier)
I wouldn't worry about hurting the nose on the car, by driving it with the bumpers off. (other than the "parking lot" tap mentioned earlier)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 13
From: Seattle area, WA (On the Eastside)
My '65 doesn't have the bumper support on the passenger side, just on the driver side. I've not noticed any looseness or vibration from that area. I think the PO may have run the car w/o bunpers at some point because he moved the parking lights inward. So I have never put the license frame on yet, and it gives it somewhat of a semi shaved look. Check it out in my signature.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
I ran my car for many years without a front bumper and never did have one until after an extensive frame off resto
Then within a year after having front bumpers for the first time in nearly 30 years, coming through an automated gate the car in front of me suddenly went into reverse and hit me so hard that I knew there had to be some pretty bad damage.
But there were only two small lines at the high point of each front bumper.
The other guy was so old and upset with himself I ended up consoling him for several minutes...... then came home and poured a stiff one
Doug
Then within a year after having front bumpers for the first time in nearly 30 years, coming through an automated gate the car in front of me suddenly went into reverse and hit me so hard that I knew there had to be some pretty bad damage.
But there were only two small lines at the high point of each front bumper.
The other guy was so old and upset with himself I ended up consoling him for several minutes...... then came home and poured a stiff one
Doug
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 595
Likes: 2
From: Beaver Penna.
Leave the bumpers off as it looks soooooo cool. I had taken mine off of my 65 coupe, changed the amber parking light lens to clear and had a custom billet grille made for the car. For the life of me I still can't post pictures....but if you go under my public profile I do have pictures in my album....or go to www.cardomain.com and do a search for champdesigns.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Look Better without the front Bumpers
I used the same 65 grill in my black 63 and naturally without the bumpers. I also used the 65 hood, side exhaust, 65 side gills and removed all the badges including the FI`s.....no flares however but it did have my patented trailer hitch.
PS, almost forgot.....in 64 it lost its 'SW' too....
PS, almost forgot.....in 64 it lost its 'SW' too....
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,711
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From: St. Louis MO
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
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Two versions of my 1964 back in the day (circa 1965) no bumper or parking lights 
George
George
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 425
Likes: 85
From: Rockwall TX
