How long does it take to remove a rear bumper cap on my '74?
05-22-2017, 01:52 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
How long does it take to remove a rear bumper cap on my '74?
I need to re-paint my original rear urethane bumper. I was wondering how hard it is to remove and about long it will take for a first timer 
. When I was under the rear this weekend it looked like there is a crap load of attaching hardware thus the need to ask. Trying to get her presentable for a show June 2.
. When I was under the rear this weekend it looked like there is a crap load of attaching hardware thus the need to ask. Trying to get her presentable for a show June 2.
05-22-2017, 03:26 PM
#2
for purposes of matching the color of the body, wouldnt you be better off painting it in place?
05-22-2017, 03:42 PM
#3
Pro
Thread Starter
05-22-2017, 11:17 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2009
Location: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
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I did it on my 79 several months ago, I think perhaps a 3 or 4 hours but I'm pretty foggy on how long it took, I didn't pay a lot of attention to how much time I was spending. I think I removed the gas tank first as well which took longer than the rear cover. I don't think you have to remove the gas tank, but perhaps the spare tire assembly? The cover itself isn't that hard to take off, the real work was in removing the gas tank and spare tire assembly. Hopefully you can remove the cover with those in place.
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JohnnieUtah (05-23-2017)
05-24-2017, 08:53 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
I owned a low mileage '74 a few years back and it to had the original bumpers. One day I took the cover off and saw a large crack on one side. It simply developed on it's own. When you feel brave enough, try flexing your bumpers as they may look pretty good, but may be dry enough to crack. What I'm saying is not to waste time and money on painting the original urethane bumper as it may be wise to replace with fiberglass.
For removal, using the rear as an example; looking up you will see steel retaining strips sandwiching the bumper to the body with 18 studs/nuts. Besides the obvious like tail lights and license light, this is the most work and it's a tight fit. They may or not be usable due to rust.
If your original bumpers are still good (a miracle). You can re-paint. If they are dry and brittle don't even waste your time, like I did, trying to repair.
I replaced both and used the GM authorized flex fit. It still required shaping the bumper and doing many on offs before paint.
So, expect the worst and don't try to put a time limit on this job. Remember Murphy's Law.
For removal, using the rear as an example; looking up you will see steel retaining strips sandwiching the bumper to the body with 18 studs/nuts. Besides the obvious like tail lights and license light, this is the most work and it's a tight fit. They may or not be usable due to rust.
If your original bumpers are still good (a miracle). You can re-paint. If they are dry and brittle don't even waste your time, like I did, trying to repair.
I replaced both and used the GM authorized flex fit. It still required shaping the bumper and doing many on offs before paint.
So, expect the worst and don't try to put a time limit on this job. Remember Murphy's Law.
I need to re-paint my original rear urethane bumper. I was wondering how hard it is to remove and about long it will take for a first timer . When I was under the rear this weekend it looked like there is a crap load of attaching hardware thus the need to ask. Trying to get her presentable for a show June 2.
. When I was under the rear this weekend it looked like there is a crap load of attaching hardware thus the need to ask. Trying to get her presentable for a show June 2.
The following users liked this post:
JohnnieUtah (05-24-2017)
05-24-2017, 11:25 AM
#6
Pro
Thread Starter
I owned a low mileage '74 a few years back and it to had the original bumpers. One day I took the cover off and saw a large crack on one side. It simply developed on it's own. When you feel brave enough, try flexing your bumpers as they may look pretty good, but may be dry enough to crack. What I'm saying is not to waste time and money on painting the original urethane bumper as it may be wise to replace with fiberglass.
For removal, using the rear as an example; looking up you will see steel retaining strips sandwiching the bumper to the body with 18 studs/nuts. Besides the obvious like tail lights and license light, this is the most work and it's a tight fit. They may or not be usable due to rust.
If your original bumpers are still good (a miracle). You can re-paint. If they are dry and brittle don't even waste your time, like I did, trying to repair.
I replaced both and used the GM authorized flex fit. It still required shaping the bumper and doing many on offs before paint.
So, expect the worst and don't try to put a time limit on this job. Remember Murphy's Law.
For removal, using the rear as an example; looking up you will see steel retaining strips sandwiching the bumper to the body with 18 studs/nuts. Besides the obvious like tail lights and license light, this is the most work and it's a tight fit. They may or not be usable due to rust.
If your original bumpers are still good (a miracle). You can re-paint. If they are dry and brittle don't even waste your time, like I did, trying to repair.
I replaced both and used the GM authorized flex fit. It still required shaping the bumper and doing many on offs before paint.
So, expect the worst and don't try to put a time limit on this job. Remember Murphy's Law.
05-24-2017, 01:03 PM
#7
alot easier to remove than replace .