bumper help PLEASE!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Rolla MO
bumper help PLEASE!
I am a recently new owner of a '74 stingray, and like many other people out there in need of a new rear bumper. I've done a little bit of research but I am looking for any and all advice on getting this fixed and parts or really any relevant information. Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Welcome to the forum. I'm actually a few hours north of you in Columbia.
There is a guy here in town with me with a '74 and when he had his Vette re-painted he replaced the stock bumper with a replacement fiberglass bumper. Most of the vendors carry them.
They usually do take some body work to get them to fit just right, and some require custom mounting brackets for the taillights.
He had a body shop do the work but if you're ever up this way you can check out his and see what you think. We'll even arrange to have a Vette body guy in town, maybe like a meet and greet, and you can chat with him about even having the work done at his Vette shop in Macon.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 315
Likes: 5
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
DB is correct. There are a number of ways to go: Fiberglass, Flex Fit, etc. When the bumper on my '74 split I contacted a Local Corvette Restoration/Repair shop and they advised me to go the Fiberglass route, which is what I did.
Mike
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Mine is a fiberglass replacement without the seam.
Last edited by Paul L; Nov 4, 2008 at 06:57 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Try Toeldo pro glass they will sell you both for cheaper and if the front has not been changed then it soon will need changed. I did mine and pack your lunch for the front but the back is super easy then you have to put your letters back on .Clean up your ground on the back bumper area while you have it off.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Can't help with a comparison. I doubt that unless a person is into bodywork anyone can. But the fiberglass is just fine with me.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
I bought Toledo for my front and rear 78. It was fairly simple to fit them, I cut little reliefs in the bumper flange to allow it to form as I tightened the modified bumper bolt frames. I put masking tape on the body, filled the reliefs with kitty hair and fit and tightened the bumper to the car. I left it on until the kitty hair dried, then pulled the bumper off and it fit perfect.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 2
From: Melrose Florida
I wasn't aware that there was an aftermarket urethane '74 rear bumper, if so most cost and originality.
The others are just fiberglass, I've never thought that a "flexible" fiberglass is worth the extra money.
I bought front and rear (2-piece) fiberglass from Vanacor, best price, quality pieces.
Steve
The others are just fiberglass, I've never thought that a "flexible" fiberglass is worth the extra money.
I bought front and rear (2-piece) fiberglass from Vanacor, best price, quality pieces.
Steve
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Providence RI
Toledo Pro is the way to go. I bought my '76 Vette from my neighbor. He bought a new flex fit rear bumper cover from them 5 years ago but never put it on. When I bought the car, I wanted to switch to the 80s style. I called Toledo Pro for the hell of it and asked them if I could swap the bumper I had for the 80s style flex fit. I didn't even have a receipt. They GLADLY said they would and shipped me a new bumper. I used the box to return the one I had back to them. All I had to pay for was the shipping (which was $70 both ways). The bumper comes with mounting instructions and advice for things you can to get the best fit possible. I plan on molding mine into the body. Toledo Pro is the way to go in my opinion. Good luck!
Last edited by malo68; Nov 7, 2008 at 11:01 PM.
