73 Front Bumper covers
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg Mi
73 Front Bumper covers
My 73 needs a new front bumper cover. I'm would like to go with the oem urethane cover to avoid having to address paint on the rest of the car. I'm concerned about the manufacture date of these replacement covers and aging issues associated with perhaps an old oem replacement part. Any recent feedback with these covers on the 73 would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, 734fifty4.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,709
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I'm not sure that you'll be able to find any oem covers anymore. if you do, you need to make sure that hey aren't waves and deteriorated like the one on there now likely is.
More importantly, the covers, both oem and aftermarket, need to painted after they're installed.
More importantly, the covers, both oem and aftermarket, need to painted after they're installed.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield County CT
I went with the polyurethane OEM version on my 73. There were two other options: flex glass and fiberglass.
The polyurethane costs a bit more than the other options. Poly is around $900 whereas fiberglass is $330. But the fiberglass options require more fitting. Since I'm paying someone to do the job and a bit of a purist, I choose the polyurethane.
Ecklers has all three available.
The polyurethane costs a bit more than the other options. Poly is around $900 whereas fiberglass is $330. But the fiberglass options require more fitting. Since I'm paying someone to do the job and a bit of a purist, I choose the polyurethane.
Ecklers has all three available.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg Mi
73 Front Bumper Cover
I was trying not to molest any of the original paint behind the front cover. I heard using the fiberglass required some fill and wanted to stay away from this. Wasn't sure if Ecklers polyurethane was old oem originals or not. Thank you all, Don.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
They have both. They have originals from GM for about $900 and the have reproduction of the originals for $450.
For looks, I think that the fiberglass is best. Once fitted and all the body work is complete, it will look perfect for many years. Now that Ecklers offers a reproduction of the original urethane, I may go that route to give it more of an OEM look and feel when I repaint my car.
Also, to address your concern about the manufacture date. The bumpers from GM can't be too old. If they are, I would imagine they would be very brittle and would disintegrate when installing it to the body
Last edited by FRSTR90; Oct 1, 2013 at 01:33 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
I posted a thread in the parts for sale forum, I since then have bought a fiberglass front for my 73. I can however get a GM front bumper for I think it was $700 from a local dealer. It is a discontinued item but if you have a dealer who will look GM does still have some available.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
I went with the flexfit from Toledopro. I got mine from Willox. Not too much to fit on my car.
Install page
Install page
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg Mi
My local dealer was not familiar with any recent sale of the polyurethane option however thought it should be of some quality if offered. Ecklers is back ordered until December. I want to maintain the original look and will hold out for the oem selection. Thanks again everyone, I appreciate and enjoy the input, Don.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,468
Likes: 463
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
My local dealer was not familiar with any recent sale of the polyurethane option however thought it should be of some quality if offered. Ecklers is back ordered until December. I want to maintain the original look and will hold out for the oem selection. Thanks again everyone, I appreciate and enjoy the input, Don.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg Mi
FYI, I just placed an order through GMpartsnow.com this afternoon for a oem polyurethane. I was able to get it for $700 plus tax. They are a division of Berger Chevrolet, Grand Rapids. Enjoyed a good conversation with one of the guys on the phone today.