Another chrome bumper conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 181
Likes: 64
From: Lake Country British Columbia
I would imagine that you could incorporate factory bumpers to the tail section but bolting them to the fiberglass would be a definite no-no due to their weight. You would have to fab up some bumper to frame brackets to support them. The 'glass bumpers supplied are super light and I had no fear of mounting them directly to the tail section.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,614
Likes: 350
From: No Where USA
I would imagine that you could incorporate factory bumpers to the tail section but bolting them to the fiberglass would be a definite no-no due to their weight. You would have to fab up some bumper to frame brackets to support them. The 'glass bumpers supplied are super light and I had no fear of mounting them directly to the tail section.
I really like how it looks. Have you started the front yet.
If I knew it looked that good I would have saved some cash and bought a rubber bumper car and not the 72 I just bought.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 181
Likes: 64
From: Lake Country British Columbia
When my Vette came up, it pushed my buttons not only because it was the roadster I desired but it was my favorite color as well. And since it had basically been abandoned for twenty plus years, it easily fit within my budget. I would say that the $5500 purchase price was a fairly decent score. I had it running nicely within the first week and have replaced the calipers as well.
I had originally purchased a fiberglass '75 tail but it was total junk. Then I saw this conversion piece on this forum and knew it was for me.
While I'm not a stickler on originality, I don't want to totally mess with a car's value if I ever decide to sell, I see this tail section (and my soon to be ordered front conversion) as a fantastic bolt-on option for guys who have '74-79 C3's and want something different than the commonly used '80 rear bumper cover.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 170
From: PA
To be sure, I would love to have a pre rubber car, and my '75 will never have the value of a 73 and earlier, but I knew if I was patient a good project Vette would pop up and fit my needs and budget.
When my Vette came up, it pushed my buttons not only because it was the roadster I desired but it was my favorite color as well. And since it had basically been abandoned for twenty plus years, it easily fit within my budget. I would say that the $5500 purchase price was a fairly decent score. I had it running nicely within the first week and have replaced the calipers as well.
I had originally purchased a fiberglass '75 tail but it was total junk. Then I saw this conversion piece on this forum and knew it was for me.
While I'm not a stickler on originality, I don't want to totally mess with a car's value if I ever decide to sell, I see this tail section (and my soon to be ordered front conversion) as a fantastic bolt-on option for guys who have '74-79 C3's and want something different than the commonly used '80 rear bumper cover.
When my Vette came up, it pushed my buttons not only because it was the roadster I desired but it was my favorite color as well. And since it had basically been abandoned for twenty plus years, it easily fit within my budget. I would say that the $5500 purchase price was a fairly decent score. I had it running nicely within the first week and have replaced the calipers as well.
I had originally purchased a fiberglass '75 tail but it was total junk. Then I saw this conversion piece on this forum and knew it was for me.
While I'm not a stickler on originality, I don't want to totally mess with a car's value if I ever decide to sell, I see this tail section (and my soon to be ordered front conversion) as a fantastic bolt-on option for guys who have '74-79 C3's and want something different than the commonly used '80 rear bumper cover.
I like your car and I think it will look great when it is done.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I second that,
I have a 69 but no elistist here, i didnt pay much more for it than you did your car which is in better shape than mine,
I dont place any year c3 over another but some builds are nicer than others
When you get done your car will likely be worth more and more desirable than same thing stock bumpers,
More c3s are afterall modded these days...
I have a 69 but no elistist here, i didnt pay much more for it than you did your car which is in better shape than mine,
I dont place any year c3 over another but some builds are nicer than others
When you get done your car will likely be worth more and more desirable than same thing stock bumpers,
More c3s are afterall modded these days...
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,741
Likes: 1,383
Might be worth it....
It looks fantastic. May be worth fabricating some brackets and bolting on the real chrome bumpers (well, assuming they will bolt on....it's not like they're anything but decorative anyway)..... especially since you got such good deal on the whole thing so far!
I would imagine that you could incorporate factory bumpers to the tail section but bolting them to the fiberglass would be a definite no-no due to their weight. You would have to fab up some bumper to frame brackets to support them. The 'glass bumpers supplied are super light and I had no fear of mounting them directly to the tail section.
Last edited by carriljc; May 14, 2017 at 01:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Her thread, God bless her, also shows the time, work. Money, and um hell, invoved in this type conversion and makes a bolt on like this so much sweeter,
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 181
Likes: 64
From: Lake Country British Columbia
Thanks for the kind words guys. I will be sticking with the glass bumpers as they fit into my plan to get my Vette's interior and exterior up to a level fairly quickly that I am happy with and concentrate on turning the "Go, whoa and turn" fun factor waaaay up!
I have also watched Priya's project and truly admire her commitment to learn and do things the right way. It's also entertaining to see the different points of view and "friendly banter" on how to do things right.
I have also watched Priya's project and truly admire her commitment to learn and do things the right way. It's also entertaining to see the different points of view and "friendly banter" on how to do things right.
Last edited by mkdesign; May 14, 2017 at 10:20 PM. Reason: grammar
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Thanks for the kind words guys. I will be sticking with the glass bumpers as they fit into my plan to get my Vette's interior and exterior up to a level fairly quickly that I am happy with and concentrate on turning the "Go, whoa and turn" fun factor waaaay up!
I have also watched Priya's project and truly admire her commitment to learn and do things the right way. It's also entertaining to see the different points of view and "friendly banter" on how to do things right.
I have also watched Priya's project and truly admire her commitment to learn and do things the right way. It's also entertaining to see the different points of view and "friendly banter" on how to do things right.
I hope she keeps at it, i know she can make it happen,
I do find it sad that when so many were trying to help her with ideas and most all have been chased off because one fellow goes on ranting lectures if his way isnt hailed as the only right way to do it,
Like i have said i have a 69 but look forward to the light weight and no rust of the fiberglass bumpers don has for me,
My car will still be basically as safe as it were in 69, thats all i need to be content.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,595
Likes: 7,043
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Thanks for the kind words guys. I will be sticking with the glass bumpers as they fit into my plan to get my Vette's interior and exterior up to a level fairly quickly that I am happy with and concentrate on turning the "Go, whoa and turn" fun factor waaaay up!
I have also watched Priya's project and truly admire her commitment to learn and do things the right way. It's also entertaining to see the different points of view and "friendly banter" on how to do things right.
I have also watched Priya's project and truly admire her commitment to learn and do things the right way. It's also entertaining to see the different points of view and "friendly banter" on how to do things right.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 181
Likes: 64
From: Lake Country British Columbia
For me, I know my limitations on time and expense and I never take a car so far apart that putting it back together seems insurmountable. If I take something apart, it goes back together before I start another project on the car. So while the paint may stay scruffy for the next while, the interior has refurbished gauges and controls as well as sporting a carpet set that I fabbed up and installed myself. I'm content with the progress, the project keeps moving along and will be back on the road very shortly.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 40
From: Panama City Beach, Florida
Hello everybody,
(Edit)
Unfortunately an unseen divorce has side lined my project but I'm hoping to get back on track later this year.
My is on a '77 and the look is awesome, my plan is to try and "chome" them but the carbon fiber as was suggested might work too.
Happy Motoring,
Frank
(Edit)
Unfortunately an unseen divorce has side lined my project but I'm hoping to get back on track later this year.
My is on a '77 and the look is awesome, my plan is to try and "chome" them but the carbon fiber as was suggested might work too.
Happy Motoring,
Frank
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; Oct 7, 2019 at 11:36 PM. Reason: Promotion, NSV
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Hello mkdesign!
I'm looking forward to seeing your car painted. I hope to see you put the chrome look on your fiberglass bumpers so I can see how it looks. I think this is a great way to do a chrome bumper conversion.
I'm looking forward to seeing your car painted. I hope to see you put the chrome look on your fiberglass bumpers so I can see how it looks. I think this is a great way to do a chrome bumper conversion.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 181
Likes: 64
From: Lake Country British Columbia
Hello everybody,
(edit)
Unfortunately an unseen divorce has side lined my project but I'm hoping to get back on track later this year.
My is on a '77 and the look is awesome, my plan is to try and "chome" them but the carbon fiber as was suggested might work too.
Happy Motoring,
Frank
(edit)
Unfortunately an unseen divorce has side lined my project but I'm hoping to get back on track later this year.
My is on a '77 and the look is awesome, my plan is to try and "chome" them but the carbon fiber as was suggested might work too.
Happy Motoring,
Frank
Sorry about the divorce. That'll take the wind out of your sails, but I'd love to see a pic of your '77, if possible.
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; Oct 7, 2019 at 11:34 PM. Reason: NSV promotion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 181
Likes: 64
From: Lake Country British Columbia
Hi, Priya. Let me first just say that I follow your thread and I am one of the many that you give inspiration to with your tenacity and willingness to learn and grow. Keep up the good work on your conversion and we'll all follow along. As for seeing my car painted... well, that will be a while. For the meantime, I will try to blend the paint as good as possible or maybe even leave the gel coat as is for now and work in a Baldwin/Motion paint scheme. Weathered, of course, to match the existing finish.