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Old Apr 18, 2005 | 11:47 PM
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Default C3 rear bumper

I will get all the newbie stuff out of the way -- I'm new both to the board and the vette-lifestyle (technically I'm still a wannabe, but I'm in the process of becoming a gonnabe).

I'm eyeing a '77 and I've seen two bumper styles on it ...one that is tapered and one that has a spoiler. The body stye seems to suggest they are interchangable, but I have not found a posting here or other places I have looked to; A) Confirm they are swappable, B) that they are attainable.

I don't know why, but I just strongly prefer the bumper that has the spoiler (and I think it's plastic, not fiberglass, right?). The rest of the vehicle looks like it's ready for some TLC.

I'm also buying this vehicle from 1000+ miles away and having it shipped. This forum was good for tips on that. The inspection has been ordered, so I should know soon if its a go or not. Wish me luck.

C3nMe
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Old Apr 19, 2005 | 02:49 AM
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Originally Posted by C3nMe
I will get all the newbie stuff out of the way -- I'm new both to the board and the vette-lifestyle (technically I'm still a wannabe, but I'm in the process of becoming a gonnabe).

I'm eyeing a '77 and I've seen two bumper styles on it ...one that is tapered and one that has a spoiler. The body stye seems to suggest they are interchangable, but I have not found a posting here or other places I have looked to; A) Confirm they are swappable, B) that they are attainable.

I don't know why, but I just strongly prefer the bumper that has the spoiler (and I think it's plastic, not fiberglass, right?). The rest of the vehicle looks like it's ready for some TLC.

I'm also buying this vehicle from 1000+ miles away and having it shipped. This forum was good for tips on that. The inspection has been ordered, so I should know soon if its a go or not. Wish me luck.

C3nMe
Actually the bumpers are interchangeable with slight modification, the one with the spoiler is fiberglass, I had the tapered bumper on my '78 and replaced it with the fiberglass with spoiler, I also like the looks better, and I have seen '77's with the same so it will fit. most vendors carry this bumpers...I had to remove some of the bumper brackets on my '78 for the new one to fit, but looks great and still have the support in case of a rear end accident ( god forbid )... good luck with the one you decide on...
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Old Apr 19, 2005 | 03:16 AM
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My 76 also does not have its orig. bumper and am glad.... I have the spoiler type... but I think its an after-market as it was obviously brand new and fiberglass. However... I didn't do the install, it was on it when I bought it. It does fit perfectly on the car, but I have no idea if it was sanded to fit or what.... but it definately wasn't glassed or anything as the inside looks perfectly new. I did have to drill the holes to put the correct 76 year corvette emblem on as it had no holes at all.

Take care,

Loren

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Old Apr 19, 2005 | 03:24 AM
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From: Troy MO
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My next project is my FRONT bumper.... it's a mess, although with my bra you wouldn't know it, I personally hate bras on cars.... especially my vette.... but right now I appreciate having one.... My front bumper is unsalvageable.... my bra is probably keeping it from falling off the car.... ha ha ha.

how about the front bumpers... are they also pretty interchangeable?

TAKE CARE,

Loren

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Old Apr 19, 2005 | 07:39 AM
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The rear bumpers are interchangeable - urethane, fiberglass, true flex, spoiler, bigger spoiler, no spoiler ... it all fits (except the chrome bumpers of course)

There are several front bumpers available - if you want to "upgrade" (for many this is not really an upgrade) to a 80-82 style I'd get the custom bumper that does not require to cut the fender...

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Old Apr 19, 2005 | 07:59 PM
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Default Rear bumper vendors?

I'm happy to hear I'm going to have many choices for the rear bumper. Now, does anyone have recommendations of which vendors might be a good place to start to acquire one of those? I definitely want a spoiler version ...even if it's the "stock" kind -- that really makes the look.

I see a long list of vendors along the left side, but I have little experience (this is my first "classic" car).

Thanks in advance!
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Old Apr 19, 2005 | 09:10 PM
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I bought my bumper off Ebay and didn't even know who the manufacturer is..... thanks to this forum I found out that it's Vanacor

Have a look at "my Corvette photos" - I have a rear bumper that looks like the 80-82 style, however the spoiler is 5-6" tall.......be patient and search all vendor's websites for "specials" - shipping these huge parts is a cost factor as well....
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Old Apr 19, 2005 | 11:40 PM
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Thanks ...that is spot on for what I'm looking for! I think I came across it once before, but didn't read the fine print. You both have been a big help ...but there is a downside -- now I'm anxious!
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