73 Front Bumper Replacement
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
73 Front Bumper Replacement
I recently bought a 1973 Corrvette Coupe Stingray and the urethane front bumper/nose needs to be replaced. I love the look of the chrome bumper on the earlier C3's and was wondering if it is possible to replace the 1973 urethane front bumper with a 1972 chrome bumper and what necessary parts I will need to retrofit and complete the project.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
I recently bought a 1973 Corrvette Coupe Stingray and the urethane front bumper/nose needs to be replaced. I love the look of the chrome bumper on the earlier C3's and was wondering if it is possible to replace the 1973 urethane front bumper with a 1972 chrome bumper and what necessary parts I will need to retrofit and complete the project.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
There is more involved with this type of swap than might appear. In addition to the crash bumper and hardware, all the fiberglass changed. Purchase the 72 and 73 assembly instruction manuals (AIMs) and compare the differences between the two years.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,146
Likes: 477
From: NM
May want to do a search as this has been discussed to no end. 
Yes it can be done. But would be cheaper to sell the 73 and buy a chrome bumper car.
To do it you would need a front clip from a 70-72, all the mounting hardware, and who know what else. That front glass is very different.
Enjoy the '73, it is the best looking body style out there.
Yes it can be done. But would be cheaper to sell the 73 and buy a chrome bumper car.
To do it you would need a front clip from a 70-72, all the mounting hardware, and who know what else. That front glass is very different.
Enjoy the '73, it is the best looking body style out there.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio Texas
ahhh... The 73 chrome bumper hybrid bug. I was bit with it too when i got my 73, and asked the same question and got the same response. Like everyone says if you want a chrome bumper car sell the 73 and buy one.... btw...73 is the best year...its like a mullet, business in the front party in the back...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
Thanks everyone for your input. As a newbie I guess I was obligated to ask at least one stupid question. I will proceed with the installing the original look urethane bumper.
The original chrome rear bumpers are entact - first year of the mixed bumper material. Engine bay is clean surrounding the original 350 5.7L engine with 77K original miles. I agree the 73 body style was the best C3 made.
The original chrome rear bumpers are entact - first year of the mixed bumper material. Engine bay is clean surrounding the original 350 5.7L engine with 77K original miles. I agree the 73 body style was the best C3 made.
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