Truflex Bumper?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 1
From: Suffolk Virginia
Truflex Bumper?
Hey Guys,
I'm thinking about replacing the rear bumper on my '76. I'm looking at a Truflex bumper at Virginia Vettes, is that the way to go or should I get a polyurethane? Any advice, coomments, horror stories?
Thanks!
- Jay
I'm thinking about replacing the rear bumper on my '76. I'm looking at a Truflex bumper at Virginia Vettes, is that the way to go or should I get a polyurethane? Any advice, coomments, horror stories?
Thanks!
- Jay
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: long beach California
poly bumpers require a paint flex additive and a different primer and they warp over time and they are a bitch i dont like them but that is my personal opinion lol
the tru flex fit perfectly they flex enough to mount to loosely very easy and then all the bolts can be slowly tightened equally and the body mounts line up perfectly
definitly go true flex
my true flex mounted in no time and was perfect line up
while my true fiberglass front is much more solid has no give for mounting and is a bitch to line up as nice it is gonna take time anything beats the polyurethane
the tru flex fit perfectly they flex enough to mount to loosely very easy and then all the bolts can be slowly tightened equally and the body mounts line up perfectly
definitly go true flex
my true flex mounted in no time and was perfect line up
while my true fiberglass front is much more solid has no give for mounting and is a bitch to line up as nice it is gonna take time anything beats the polyurethane
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 720
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Tru Flex for my 76
Tru Flex for my 76 and happy with the results.
IMHO, I am not sure why anybody would want the old urethane unless you are interested in NCRS judging. The problems with the old urethane are well known.
IMHO, I am not sure why anybody would want the old urethane unless you are interested in NCRS judging. The problems with the old urethane are well known.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: Morven NC.
Is this a common ....uh bastardization of the rear clips. What I mean is, do owners prefer the spoiler type rear ends over the slumped rear ends? I'v come across another ?1980?... I believe that had the spoiler type rear installed, and while I like the look, how much difference is there mounting one, if any. I'll agree the warping of original panels is something I do not like. My Daughters 83 Firebird has such issues as the front dips and heaves over the years. I like the idea of fiberglass holding it's shape better.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Psycho Dad: the Truflex is likely to be cheaper than reproduction urethane.
Dracule: you're hijacking the man's thread. I cannot say to what extent it goes, but lots of folks have swapped the 75-79 rear bumper covers for the 80-82 style.
Dracule: you're hijacking the man's thread. I cannot say to what extent it goes, but lots of folks have swapped the 75-79 rear bumper covers for the 80-82 style.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 3
I'm going to have to quote Mike Ward who I believe is involved with NCRS, regarding Flex bumpers. I was concerned with my 74 which I couldn't get a urethane bumper and Mike said they really don't discount points as long as it LOOKS original. If you're reading this Mike you can correct me if I'm misquoting. Remember the flex bumper will always look new and crisp, the urethane will be wavy and only get worse with age.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 3
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
poly bumpers require a paint flex additive and a different primer and they warp over time and they are a bitch i dont like them but that is my personal opinion lol
the tru flex fit perfectly they flex enough to mount to loosely very easy and then all the bolts can be slowly tightened equally and the body mounts line up perfectly
definitly go true flex
my true flex mounted in no time and was perfect line up
while my true fiberglass front is much more solid has no give for mounting and is a bitch to line up as nice it is gonna take time anything beats the polyurethane
the tru flex fit perfectly they flex enough to mount to loosely very easy and then all the bolts can be slowly tightened equally and the body mounts line up perfectly
definitly go true flex
my true flex mounted in no time and was perfect line up
while my true fiberglass front is much more solid has no give for mounting and is a bitch to line up as nice it is gonna take time anything beats the polyurethane
I should probably swap out my whole car for an 82 I like it so much!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 3
Also with the flex or fiberglass bumpers you would be able to use the same paint as the body, no flexible agents in the paint are needed.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 1
From: Suffolk Virginia
I don't know what black bumpers you're talking about? The only flex bumpers I've seen are a natural grey or similar color. You install the bumpers and make sure it fits, then take it off to get it painted, then reinstall the bumper. No taping what so ever. Am I missing something?
Also with the flex or fiberglass bumpers you would be able to use the same paint as the body, no flexible agents in the paint are needed.
Also with the flex or fiberglass bumpers you would be able to use the same paint as the body, no flexible agents in the paint are needed.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 3
Oh, those black bumpers! I didn't have a clue what black bumpers you were talking about. It's the one I hate. My 74 doesn't have them so of course I don't like them. Just kidding. Ya they're supposed to be painted black to look original. I assume you would have to tape them off to get a good look to them. Where exactly you would tape them off I really don't know. I guess you'll have to get the bumper and then take a look where other people tape them off.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: long beach California
Is this a common ....uh bastardization of the rear clips. What I mean is, do owners prefer the spoiler type rear ends over the slumped rear ends? I'v come across another ?1980?... I believe that had the spoiler type rear installed, and while I like the look, how much difference is there mounting one, if any. I'll agree the warping of original panels is something I do not like. My Daughters 83 Firebird has such issues as the front dips and heaves over the years. I like the idea of fiberglass holding it's shape better.
but yeah it is common to be done and there is absolutley no difference in mounting the two. They share the same bolt bracket same hole positions it is a perfect match
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: long beach California
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dracule
Is this a common ....uh bastardization of the rear clips. What I mean is, do owners prefer the spoiler type rear ends over the slumped rear ends? I'v come across another ?1980?... I believe that had the spoiler type rear installed, and while I like the look, how much difference is there mounting one, if any. I'll agree the warping of original panels is something I do not like. My Daughters 83 Firebird has such issues as the front dips and heaves over the years. I like the idea of fiberglass holding it's shape better.
to say i bastardized my car kind of sucks d
Originally Posted by Dracule
Is this a common ....uh bastardization of the rear clips. What I mean is, do owners prefer the spoiler type rear ends over the slumped rear ends? I'v come across another ?1980?... I believe that had the spoiler type rear installed, and while I like the look, how much difference is there mounting one, if any. I'll agree the warping of original panels is something I do not like. My Daughters 83 Firebird has such issues as the front dips and heaves over the years. I like the idea of fiberglass holding it's shape better.
to say i bastardized my car kind of sucks d
I also like the Stringray Coupe roof lines. So I bought a 1977, Last of that design.
But I'm installing the 80's rear bumper on it. So What It can be changed back by the next guy in 20 some years. Its only a bolt on part.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: long beach California
Exactly and no one will know the difference between the two unless they know the c-3 I like the look but to say it is bastardized mod is a bit too stupid for me b/c by that logic a non oem air filter, and any other mod to personalize the car is a bastardization
Some people on the forum have a hard time seeing clearly when/ if they ever pull their heads out of their asses long enough to look around
Some people on the forum have a hard time seeing clearly when/ if they ever pull their heads out of their asses long enough to look around
Last edited by jesse10886; Mar 17, 2012 at 02:52 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
I purchased the 1982 front bumper for the 1976 and I am depressed with this one. It is fiberglass and is very far from fitting.
Any tips???
Also... I purchased the rear bumper and am in love with it, looks awesome like yours and seems to be matching up perfectly.