Chrome bumpers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Chrome bumpers
I lifted this pic from my1970conv's "16 years and counting..." thread. I hope I didn't step out of bounds by using someone else's pic.
Is that all there is to the front/rear bumpers in the early chrome cars?
Is that all there is to the front/rear bumpers in the early chrome cars?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I saved that picture myself, stunning shot of how it goes together,
Would love a shot like this radiator stuff in place,
But no, the chrome bumper cars didnt have much in the way of protection,
Would love a shot like this radiator stuff in place,
But no, the chrome bumper cars didnt have much in the way of protection,
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
Just proves the bumpers are only there to protect the paint in a very low speed minor "bump". Those brackets would not stop/protect any collision at any speed, they serve only to position the mostly cosmetic chrome bumper.
I will be replacing all those pieces with aluminum some day.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
It was all about looks ,not protection . A bumper that small would never do much . With a front end as long as a corvette the rubber bumpers are more practical just not as pretty .
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,153
Likes: 9,283
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I saved the pic to for reference. Anyone have a photo like this of a fully dressed motor. I'm looking to assemble the heat and radio shielding
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
My first 'vette is an 81. I originally wanted a 68, but an 81 was available from a neighbor.
The more I learn about 'vettes the more I appreciate the 81 for a daily driver. The creature comforts but especially safety. I do admit to being surprised by the early bumpers, they really appear to be ornamental.
So why are those 'vettes more desirable/valuable? Is it only the chrome bumpers?
The more I learn about 'vettes the more I appreciate the 81 for a daily driver. The creature comforts but especially safety. I do admit to being surprised by the early bumpers, they really appear to be ornamental.
So why are those 'vettes more desirable/valuable? Is it only the chrome bumpers?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
If safety is what you are looking for don't drive any old car or motorcycle. Get a late model and sacrifice the excitement . And the chrome bumper Corvettes are for standing and looking at all day long because of the beauty .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
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From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Don't forget that all cars of that era had very similar bumpers, not a lot of protection. But the "horse collar" and outer brackets did absorb some of the shock in a collision. On the 68, 69 a front bumper impact will bend the horse collar straight up, due to the offset small outer brackets and a lower face on the outer "dog leg" bracket.
The outer bracket face is on an even height with the bumper ends on a 70-72, and the connecting small bracket is like a "U". Don't ask how I know about the 68-69 impact! Lou.
The outer bracket face is on an even height with the bumper ends on a 70-72, and the connecting small bracket is like a "U". Don't ask how I know about the 68-69 impact! Lou.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,894
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From: chicago
could we get some more pics front and rear,of the mounting brackets
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Don't forget that all cars of that era had very similar bumpers, not a lot of protection. But the "horse collar" and outer brackets did absorb some of the shock in a collision. On the 68, 69 a front bumper impact will bend the horse collar straight up, due to the offset small outer brackets and a lower face on the outer "dog leg" bracket.
The outer bracket face is on an even height with the bumper ends on a 70-72, and the connecting small bracket is like a "U". Don't ask how I know about the 68-69 impact! Lou.
The outer bracket face is on an even height with the bumper ends on a 70-72, and the connecting small bracket is like a "U". Don't ask how I know about the 68-69 impact! Lou.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Okay, PeterC3, I will tell you what happened. My calipers started leaking on my 68 coupe and a car stopped too fast in front of me and I bumped it, putting a 50 cent piece sized ding in the ladies heavy metal back bumper. My front bumper folded up and so did the fiberglass, also breaking the head light doors on my car. Ouch!!! Lou.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Okay, PeterC3, I will tell you what happened. My calipers started leaking on my 68 coupe and a car stopped too fast in front of me and I bumped it, putting a 50 cent piece sized ding in the ladies heavy metal back bumper. My front bumper folded up and so did the fiberglass, also breaking the head light doors on my car. Ouch!!! Lou.
