How long before urethane warps?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
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From: Tampa FL
How long before urethane warps?
I know there are all kinds of variables for this and there isn't any exact number, so basically what I'm asking is for those of you who have replaced your urethane bumper at some point over the years and how long was it before you noticed it was warped again?
I've been trying to decide between replacing the urethane bumper and going fiberglass, and honestly I'm leaning more toward replacing it with another urethane bumper. I love the sharp look of the fiberglass, but it has zero impact qualities and the slightest little tap could cause a crack whereas a urethane bumper could take a little more of a hit.
But I don't want to do it if in a year or two it's going to look the same as what I'm replacing. This isn't a show car or anything, I just hate the warped front bumper on the 80 and now that I'm not afraid to paint stuff myself I'm ready to get rid of it.
I've been trying to decide between replacing the urethane bumper and going fiberglass, and honestly I'm leaning more toward replacing it with another urethane bumper. I love the sharp look of the fiberglass, but it has zero impact qualities and the slightest little tap could cause a crack whereas a urethane bumper could take a little more of a hit.
But I don't want to do it if in a year or two it's going to look the same as what I'm replacing. This isn't a show car or anything, I just hate the warped front bumper on the 80 and now that I'm not afraid to paint stuff myself I'm ready to get rid of it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 96
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From: Burgaw North Carolina
I replaced both the front and rear bumpers on my 74 with GM parts in 1995 and they look and feel just fine, keep in mind the car is in the garage and does not sit outside. I recently started to remove the front end because of a restoration and the front came off with no problems. Being that the car will be painted again I twisted the bumper and pushed here and there and it is very flexible and feels like the day I put it on 13 years ago. I personally like the look of the original. Even with the subtle waves that naturally appear over time. The back bumper (a two piece) looks perfect. The front has a tiny amount of dip across the top where it has laid on the steel bumper that it covers. I feel that people who want originality know what to expect and are accepting of its drawbacks. although if properly stored it may be several years before any real problems ever show up if any at all. I have a customer who has a 78 pace car with 2600 miles and its been stored since he bought it and its all original and the bumpers look like day one.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 691
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From: Juneau AK
If you can keep your car from temperature extremes the urethane will do fine. Further, I've read that GM reformulated the urethane and that it is less subject to warpage compared to the 70's era urathane.kdlp
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
You may never need to replace them. My daily driver in the late 80s and early 90s was my '74 coupe. Front and rear were original and looked fine. Ditto for my 80; original covers and they're fine.
