And check out the thread below..... "My New Vette..." to see what your 74 would look like with an 80-82 rearend. I'll bet you'll like it better than stock.
'74 bumper interchange?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Evansville WI
'74 bumper interchange?
I'm looking at a '74 that's missing both it's bumper skins. I know there are different styles of bumpers, but I'm not sure exactly what will and what won't fit. I've read that all '74-'80 bumpers will bolt right on, other sources say that the '74's are specific and won't interchange with the '75-'80 parts. Which is right? Would I have to hunt down some '74 specific bumpers? Thanks for the info.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,628
Likes: 3,099
From: Shamong, NJ
The only front bumper that will fit, without any modification to the body, is a 73 or 74. All 75-82 rear bumpers will fit, but are made differently and have a different appearence than the 74. The 74 was made of 2 pieces, and had a seam down the middle. 75-82 bumpers are all 1 piece.
Very few original 73, 74 and 75 bumpers still exist. The formula of the urethane material used in those years, tended to dry out, become brittle and would just crumble.
Very few original 73, 74 and 75 bumpers still exist. The formula of the urethane material used in those years, tended to dry out, become brittle and would just crumble.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: NAPLES FLORIDA
um....I think a 73 bumper will fit the FRONT - but I think you'd have a hard time fitting '73 bumpers on the rear of your '74...haha
In all seriousness...a '75 bumper will bolt right up...(rear) but why?...the neat thing about the "split tail" rear bumper cover on the '74 is that it is unique...(only one year) and it doesn't have those silly little bumperettes!
ofcourse, if you buy a fiberglass one - be prepared for lots of body work..they don't fit that well as I learned - the hard way!
In all seriousness...a '75 bumper will bolt right up...(rear) but why?...the neat thing about the "split tail" rear bumper cover on the '74 is that it is unique...(only one year) and it doesn't have those silly little bumperettes!
ofcourse, if you buy a fiberglass one - be prepared for lots of body work..they don't fit that well as I learned - the hard way!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
The C3 design was lifting at the front. The original 68 rear spoiler design was cut way down after aerodynamic studies & tests for production.
There is also a C4 style rear bumper cover avail.
There is also a C4 style rear bumper cover avail.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Keep in mind:
1) you will need two bumper-to-frame braces to secure both halves of the 1974 rear bumper
2) the tail and reverse lights for 1974 only fit the 1974 bumper. They are pods without removable lenses and bolt to a subframe, not to the bumper itself.
1) you will need two bumper-to-frame braces to secure both halves of the 1974 rear bumper
2) the tail and reverse lights for 1974 only fit the 1974 bumper. They are pods without removable lenses and bolt to a subframe, not to the bumper itself.
Last edited by Paul L; Mar 7, 2010 at 01:00 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: oregon border CA
In my opinion.. I would stay with a "split" replacement. Thats what makes the 74 unique. My 74 has the original. Been lucky as it has not dried out at all and is still like new and nice and flexible.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
My '74 didn't have the bumpers either when I got it. I got a fiberglass front bumper from Ecklers, and a 1-piece flexiglass replacement for the rear, with a seam down the middle. I plan on getting a 2-piece flexiglass later on down the road, but for now I'm just going to have to stick with what I have.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
73 and 74 front covers are the same; so are the grilles with the except of paint.
The 74 rear cover is one year only and so are the tail lights and tail light mounting brackets.
Stick with the '74 stuff.
The 74 rear cover is one year only and so are the tail lights and tail light mounting brackets.
Stick with the '74 stuff.