Front bumper repair question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 2
From: Round Rock, Texas, USA Texas
Front bumper repair question
I've been threaten to paint my '77 since I bought it 14 years ago (something my, now, 22 year old son reminds me of often) - have the space, time, know-how, so looks like the time is now.
Front (factory) bumper was like this when I bought the car.
Looking for how best to fix ideas.
Front (factory) bumper was like this when I bought the car.
Looking for how best to fix ideas.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Clyde Ohio
May be able to build it up with some bumper repair material but that's not really the correct way, you'd be farther ahead replacing that bumper IMO. As whether to go urethane or fiberglass will be you choice.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
I would replace the bumper since it is most likely dry and brittle anyway. I also see whats looks like cracking along the top of the bumper. Most of the time you can sand that all the way down to the substrate and still see the cracks. So replacement is best. Fiberglass or urethane, Your choice. That fender and that seam is also in need of correction.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
I would replace the bumper since it is most likely dry and brittle anyway. I also see whats looks like cracking along the top of the bumper. Most of the time you can sand that all the way down to the substrate and still see the cracks. So replacement is best. Fiberglass or urethane, Your choice. That fender and that seam is also in need of correction.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 2
From: Round Rock, Texas, USA Texas
can you tell by the picture what the seam needs?
I think they look like that (discoloration) front/back both sides.
I've always figured the bumper was from a small impact by po. I've lived with it (and the paint), but since I'm going to repaint wanted to fix these.
looks like I'll be researching bumper replacement threads.
I think they look like that (discoloration) front/back both sides.
I've always figured the bumper was from a small impact by po. I've lived with it (and the paint), but since I'm going to repaint wanted to fix these.
looks like I'll be researching bumper replacement threads.
Last edited by rrent; Apr 18, 2014 at 11:51 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
If you plan on painting your Vette. The only way I would recommend is to strip the old paint and primers off and then effect whatever repairs are necessary. Undercutting those seams and filling them in with Vette Panel Adhesive is what I do to to keep them from showing through. There is plenty of info on this and more in the Paint and Body section. There are some real knowledgeable folks there that can help you along.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
Get a Flexiglass replacement. Yes, strip off all of the old paint. When you have it repainted, ask the painter to add flex agent to the paint for the front bumper cover. You may as well replace the rear while you're at it. The 30+ year old bumper covers are as brittle as an egg shell and ready to shatter.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
New bumper is the way to go. FYI, you don't need flex agent in the clear unless you are going to paint the bumper cover off and car and install. Flex agent flashes off in a couple of weeks (depending on the temps).