IMA 66

So as you can see in my sig pic the rear bumper does not match in color. I am trying to decide between just seeing if i can get it painted to match or getting an 80-82 bumper on it, Since it is a 74 and has the one year only split i am kinda leaning towards it but would like to see some pics of anyone that has swapped to the other style. Was also thinking maybe keep the original bumper and adding the 79 spoiler. decisions decisions lol. Anyone with pics or opinions please chime in.
added pic can't really notice it in sig pic..

crazywelder

All of the options make the decision harder. The originality of these cars won't be an issue for quite a few years. If that is a concern, limit modifications to those that can be reversed. You could repaint the existing rear bumper and blend the paint into the the quarters and deck for a good color match. If you decide to install a '80 bumper, there are no permanent modifications preventing you from reinstalling the '74 bumper in the future. In my opinion, I have more thumbs up and comments on my car now, than I ever did before, and all I did was change the bumper and exhaust. My car still has the original paint and I simply blended both ends about 24" into the body when I replaced the front and rear bumpers last year. White will be easier to blend than metallics.

ajstr1265

Find a good paint shop that can play with the color. My 76 is white and there were 5 different variants of the factory color formula. Some have more blue, etc. And keep in mind these are the factory formulas. I was lucky enough to be painting the entire car so I could pick and choose.

The problem with blending the panels is that unless they are clearcoated after they are blended, the blend will eventually break open and there will always be a shiny ring around it. It may not be noticable in the sun but at night under the lights it will.

onaqwst

u should just see how much it would cost to repray the whole car in white...... so it'll match....shouldn't really have to cut the door jambs either.......... i molded my 77 bumpers in..... but it took a while and my car was stripped anyways......

b

1LE

The split bumber is what makes the 74 unique. Mine had an 80's style bumper on it for some years. When I bought the car a 74 bumper was put back on. The 80's bumper is hanging in the garage.

IMA 66

thanks for the pics guys, nice looking cars. Yeah i really have been leaning towards keeping the bumper. i do like that it is a one year only thing. just need to see if i can someone to shoot it and make it blend......

vettfixr

I'm kinda partial to the split myself.

Scottys78

I put an ’80 glass back bumper on my ’78

IMA 66

that is nice looking Scotty. I think that back flows really well with the hatch back.

Scottys78

thanks Complement….it’s always nice to have a little ego boost

I would recommend repainting your car if you can afford it