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Wes, based on your username, I'm guessing we're both close by and you also fly? I'm a pilot as well, rotor, but I haven't done any flying since 2007, except an intro flight at Auburn in a Cessna with my Dad. I'm glad I talked him into that since it turned out to be one of the last adventurous things he got to do, aside from one last trip to Kauai for some, you guessed it, golf! Anyway, the bumper was beyond repair. I'm not sure you saw all the follow-up posts, but last night, I tried to pull back a little piece to see what was underneath and the whole thing just crumbled. I happily removed it after that. I don't mind buying the new one to make it look right. And thank you for the suggestion on the shop. I think for now I'll do what I can to make it look decent before resorting to that. For now anyway...
Rice Guy, I didn't mention, but what's even a little more special about that ball marker is that I actually got to leave a little bit of my Dad at Amen Corner.
Like a lot of you, I was really lusting after a '68-'72, but alas, I'm not rich.
Howdy yourself! Welcome aboard. If I was in your position, I'd seriously consider a '71-'72 front clip. I like my '74, but I know I won't be truly happy until I get a "bumper car" '68-'72.
Howdy yourself! Welcome aboard. If I was in your position, I'd seriously consider a '71-'72 front clip. I like my '74, but I know I won't be truly happy until I get a "bumper car" '68-'72.
Richard My '68 is foe sale and has a real chrome bumper .lol
Wes
Thank you very much, and thanks for the feedback on the bumper! I actually just started tearing the old one off last night. I grabbed one piece of it and the whole thing just started disintegrating in my hands. It is mostly off now and everything looks pretty good underneath, aside from a bit of surface rust. Since you've now been through it, I'll ask you, did you have to buy the extra kit they sell for attachment (should come with it in my opinion), or does the stock stuff work fine?
I purchased a new set of clips, just in case. The new "tru-flex" bumper will not come with pre-drilled holes, so you will need to clamp it in place, mark where it needs to be drilled and then start the process of shaving, filling, sanding, etc. to get the seams perfect.
In any event, do get the "fiberglass" bumper, there's too much/many inferior polyurethane products on the market now.
BTW, could you post some pics of the sidepipes? I'd like to see how they look.
Last edited by imariver; Apr 27, 2016 at 08:34 PM.
I definitely want to go fiberglass, just having a hard time deciding between true flex and regular. I had hoped that going trueflex, I could avoid some sanding and filling. I don't have any pics of the side pipes handy right now, the car is in storage. I live in a condo and don't want to keep it ungaraged. I'll get some for you though. Also, if you do like them, they will be for sale if you want to save some bucks. I'm not a big fan. They are the factory style with thermal covers.
Howdy back at ya and congrats on getting your new baby. 73's are very cool in that they're the singular year with the mixed chrome/rubber bumper. Could be me, but I think someday they'll be more collectible as a result.
Yes, you have some work to do on the front end, and I'm sure a few other things, but that can be part of the fun of having the car.
Enjoy the experience and the looks you'll get when you drive her!
Thanks Steve! You're probably right about the collectibility. And, I've already started. The cracked paint looked so bad to me, I'd rather drive it in various stages of restoration. At least then it looks like I'm trying. ;-)
I went to fool around with it yesterday, and look what just fell right off in a matter of minutes! No damage uncovered so far.
Last edited by Beedub73; Apr 29, 2016 at 12:12 PM.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Originally Posted by Beedub73
Thank you very much!
Hopefully the pic above gives you a better idea. They are 16X8 and 16X10 Chrome Rallies with 265 50 16s and 295 50 16s, respectively. The tires are BFG radials customized to be red lines at some shop. I didn't do it, but I can probably find out who did. Also, I realize the rallies are original-esque, but I'm contemplating a change already. I may be selling this setup. I'd like to go a little more narrow on the rears too as I like them a little more flush with the fender.
If you were closer I would certainly consider buying your wheels. I happen to really like that look for some reason
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Apr 29, 2016 at 12:15 PM.
If you were closer I would certainly consider buying your wheels. I happen to really like that look for some reason
It is a good look, don't get me wrong. I'm just not a huge fan of the mismatched sizing, want the wheels and tires to line up with the fenders. Also, I'm not huge on chrome. I'm thinking I'll repaint the car in classic white and do all the bright work and wheels in a gunmetal tone. I definitely want to maintain some sidewall though, I like that meaty look on an old muscle car. For that reason, I don't think I'll go any bigger than a 17X8 wheel.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Its going to look nice too!
If you decide to get rid of the chrome side pipe covers and that other guy doesnt want them, put me on the list. Ive got fiberglass painted covers and have been wanting the chrome look.
The covers and pipes under are up for grabs. Imariver was curious how they look, but they are available. Not sure what shipping would be on them. I do have a third cover as well, but I can't remember what side it's for. I'd want to get a good video of them to you though before you made an offer as they are not perfect, but not bad.
Wes, based on your username, I'm guessing we're both close by and you also fly? I'm a pilot as well, rotor, but I haven't done any flying since 2007, except an intro flight at Auburn in a Cessna with my Dad. I'm glad I talked him into that since it turned out to be one of the last adventurous things he got to do, aside from one last trip to Kauai for some, you guessed it, golf! Anyway, the bumper was beyond repair. I'm not sure you saw all the follow-up posts, but last night, I tried to pull back a little piece to see what was underneath and the whole thing just crumbled. I happily removed it after that. I don't mind buying the new one to make it look right. And thank you for the suggestion on the shop. I think for now I'll do what I can to make it look decent before resorting to that. For now anyway...
Rice Guy, I didn't mention, but what's even a little more special about that ball marker is that I actually got to leave a little bit of my Dad at Amen Corner.
Hi
Used to own the Airport in Browns Valley but now live in Kentucky,not flying anymore due to medical issues from military .Now working on my '68 L88 and '70 with some motion mods .Good luck with yours .Let me know if you need any parts as there are several Corvette wrecking yards near me
Wes
Hi
Used to own the Airport in Browns Valley but now live in Kentucky,not flying anymore due to medical issues from military .Now working on my '68 L88 and '70 with some motion mods .Good luck with yours .Let me know if you need any parts as there are several Corvette wrecking yards near me
Wes
Ah, I see. Good luck with yours as well and thank you for the parts offer!
Hey guys, need some help. This may sound silly, but I don't want to break anything. Since I've started stripping the paint, I realize I need to remove badging to do it. The nose badge was easy, nut backed studs. The side badges, not so much. They look like some sort of press fit studs. Anyway, I may be over-cautious, but how have you done it with success? I'm not sure yet how the back one is secured yet either.
