Converting 73 to steel bumper?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 31
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Converting 73 to steel bumper?
Can cars in the C3 platform be easily converted to steel bumper cars? Example: 73 front changed to a 72 chrome bumer? I've seen 68-72's with plastic front ends on them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by big_G
It can be done...nothing money cant solve. Why de-value a '73? 
Because he can create a 72 clone and probably sell it for more. Unless it is all orginal, I don't think you can really devalue a 73 by adding a chrome front bumper. It appears more people value the chrome bumpers. My 73 vert got turned into a 1980 vert.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by big_G
It can be done...nothing money cant solve. Why de-value a '73?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
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From: Austin Texas
Ok, you want real numbers?
Front clip...$1,000
Front bumper braces, extensions, front cross-member and front bumper...$1,500-$2,000
Front grilles (3) and parking lamps with mounts....$300
Lower bumper guards....$300
Vacuum resevoir (you lost the bumper bar integrated one in the conversion)...$50
Misc. hardware, adhesives, etc.....$200
Paint and body materials...$800-$1200 Paint and body labor ....If you do it yourself... nothing but time...
Shipping on parts....$300-$500
Your into it for $5,500 so far, not counting things I forgot...lol
Now, you won't convince anyone that it isn't a 68-72, because you have no wiper door assembly. I really don't believe you could get more for a conversion than a clean, original '73 would bring.
Front clip...$1,000
Front bumper braces, extensions, front cross-member and front bumper...$1,500-$2,000
Front grilles (3) and parking lamps with mounts....$300
Lower bumper guards....$300
Vacuum resevoir (you lost the bumper bar integrated one in the conversion)...$50
Misc. hardware, adhesives, etc.....$200
Paint and body materials...$800-$1200 Paint and body labor ....If you do it yourself... nothing but time...
Shipping on parts....$300-$500
Your into it for $5,500 so far, not counting things I forgot...lol
Now, you won't convince anyone that it isn't a 68-72, because you have no wiper door assembly. I really don't believe you could get more for a conversion than a clean, original '73 would bring.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
Originally Posted by big_G
Now, you won't convince anyone that it isn't a 68-72, because you have no wiper door assembly. I really don't believe you could get more for a conversion than a clean, original '73 would bring.
Even if you did get more for the clone ... it would be tough to offset the cost of doing it.
It's much cheaper and easier to do what I did ... put a 75 nose on a 70
and make a 73 ... best of both worlds.
Last edited by NHvette; Jan 20, 2006 at 04:05 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
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From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by txracer
That's what I was getting at. Based on the $$$ 72's are bringing, is a clone something people will pay for and value?
NO.
because someone that wants a chrome bumper car would want a REAL one.
it's almost like putting a testarosa body on a fiero and thinking that someone that is looking for a ferrari would want to buy it!
Last edited by RPOZ4Z; Jan 20, 2006 at 04:43 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
It's only about personal preference, if I had a 73-77 I'd probably look into a chrome bumper conversion, too 
It would look really silly with my bubble window, but I'm sure there are people who would love that look ...
If you're very lucky and find a 68-72 in really bad shape (frame rust, interior shot, no engine a.s.o.) and the parts that you need (both bumpers and the surrounding fiberglass) are ok... then you could do this conversion for maybe $2500 or whatever you pay for the donor car... plus some $$ for re-chroming....
I don't think it will help the resale value of a '73 as this is a one year only style, it would probably help the resale value of a 74-77.
Value aside, I like the chrome bumper look better .... go for it
It would look really silly with my bubble window, but I'm sure there are people who would love that look ...
If you're very lucky and find a 68-72 in really bad shape (frame rust, interior shot, no engine a.s.o.) and the parts that you need (both bumpers and the surrounding fiberglass) are ok... then you could do this conversion for maybe $2500 or whatever you pay for the donor car... plus some $$ for re-chroming....
I don't think it will help the resale value of a '73 as this is a one year only style, it would probably help the resale value of a 74-77.
Value aside, I like the chrome bumper look better .... go for it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
If you want to convert a soft bumper car to a chrome one, why not use a 75-76? These are the least valued C3's, ... I have a 76 so I didn't feel bad at all modifying the day lights out of mine. If I had a 73 (which I think is one of the best years), I'd leave it alone. They are unique and pretty .... can't beat that. Thats just my opinion though.
In the end, do what makes you happy.
In the end, do what makes you happy.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Okemos MI
I find some of these opinions interesting...
Thought provoking even...
Value of any corvette is to a degree emotional and subjective,
Myself, I have always believed that the numbers (volume) of C3's built that year (rarity) and engines in them are what drive the the relative value. but thats just me...
I could way off here but I always considered this forum filled with enthusiast that love to drive and work on their vettes, not the Barrett Jackson bunch...
I never thought to consider value as all about the one you own and everyone else’s is inferior
Thought provoking even...
Value of any corvette is to a degree emotional and subjective,
Myself, I have always believed that the numbers (volume) of C3's built that year (rarity) and engines in them are what drive the the relative value. but thats just me...
I could way off here but I always considered this forum filled with enthusiast that love to drive and work on their vettes, not the Barrett Jackson bunch...
I never thought to consider value as all about the one you own and everyone else’s is inferior
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
NO.
because someone that wants a chrome bumper car would want a REAL one.
it's almost like putting a testarosa body on a fiero and thinking that someone that is looking for a ferrari would want to buy it!
because someone that wants a chrome bumper car would want a REAL one.
it's almost like putting a testarosa body on a fiero and thinking that someone that is looking for a ferrari would want to buy it!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas
I rememeber when c3s were sold new and they where customized all the time. No one thought about future resale value. If a guy wants to add chrome bumpers more power to him... he just wants to customize his car. Not all things done to a vette are done for future investment. If future investment is a goal, I suggest gold and or platinum.
To answer the original question.... To have a functional bumper it will cost money and work. To have a chrome front bumper that has no bumper function purely for looks or as a nose guard, I think this can be done cheaply. Question is who will fabricate this faux bumper?
To answer the original question.... To have a functional bumper it will cost money and work. To have a chrome front bumper that has no bumper function purely for looks or as a nose guard, I think this can be done cheaply. Question is who will fabricate this faux bumper?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 5
Since I've been shopping, I do know that cloned Shelby Mustangs and T/A's fetch big $$$ (if done correctly). However, "cloning" a Vette seems taboo...
Maybe we're just a bunch of ****-retentive pinheads?
But, I concur. Cutting up a good '73 would be a shame. Cutting up a '73 that's been wrecked wouldn't be so bad, though.
Maybe we're just a bunch of ****-retentive pinheads?
But, I concur. Cutting up a good '73 would be a shame. Cutting up a '73 that's been wrecked wouldn't be so bad, though.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by Lotus76
I could way off here but I always considered this forum filled with enthusiast that love to drive and work on their vettes, not the Barrett Jackson bunch...
I never thought to consider value as all about the one you own and everyone else’s is inferior
I never thought to consider value as all about the one you own and everyone else’s is inferior
you here all this talk about value, to me that is not what it is all about. just have fun and drive your car, if you restore your car you will be lucky to break even if you try to sell it. save the banks and stock market for investments and you will get a much better return. corvettes should be driven.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Originally Posted by gator79
you here all this talk about value, to me that is not what it is all about. just have fun and drive your car, if you restore your car you will be lucky to break even if you try to sell it. save the banks and stock market for investments and you will get a much better return. corvettes should be driven.
Very very true. The previous owner of my car spent 8 grand on the car... sank 22 grand more ( I have every receipt) and then sold it to me for 12. Enjoy them and drive them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by STXHANK
I rememeber when c3s were sold new and they where customized all the time. No one thought about future resale value. If a guy wants to add chrome bumpers more power to him... he just wants to customize his car. Not all things done to a vette are done for future investment.