C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

73 front bumper - best replacement?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-10-2019, 10:36 PM
  #1  
2tired
Pro
Thread Starter
 
2tired's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2016
Location: Eastern side North Carolina
Posts: 511
Received 112 Likes on 74 Posts
Default 73 front bumper - best replacement?

Hello all! Because I had little success with the site's "search" feature to answer my specific questions, I turn to all of you for help.
I've found flexible/urethane replacement bumpers ranging in price from $250 to $1150. I know that price is not always a reflection of quality, and here is what I need.
The '73 it will go on has been restored in the past and needs no body or paintwork to adjoining panels. It has an original front cover that has seen its best days, and some serious repairs along the way. Last year we did a rigid fiberglass bumper install on a different '73. That required bumper and body modifications, plus painting the front end. I will not go that route again.
What I need is a flexible front bumper that has a nice fit to an undamaged body. If it exists, who manufactures and/or sells a front bumper that is closest to OEM in fit and quality? This is not about price, but quality. Thanks to all who can share experienced info.

And BTW, I know that anything I buy will need fine tuning. I just can't build the car around it like I did with the 'glass bumper.
Old 02-11-2019, 12:39 AM
  #2  
tankertoad89
Instructor

 
tankertoad89's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2017
Location: Leander, Texas
Posts: 119
Received 64 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

I replaced the bumper cover on my '73 about a year ago. Used an OEM urethane cover from a local Chevy dealership. Cost about $900, but it seemed to be the best way to go to get the best fit.

Here it is. I bought the car new off the showroom floor, and the bumper cover looks as good or better than the original, in my opinion.




The following users liked this post:
2tired (02-11-2019)
Old 02-11-2019, 07:41 AM
  #3  
Blue73Shark
Burning Brakes
 
Blue73Shark's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2005
Location: Lewes Delaware
Posts: 1,036
Received 191 Likes on 136 Posts

Default

This is a good recent thread on the options to replace the front bumper:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ex-or-not.html

Fran
Old 02-11-2019, 08:46 PM
  #4  
2tired
Pro
Thread Starter
 
2tired's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2016
Location: Eastern side North Carolina
Posts: 511
Received 112 Likes on 74 Posts
Default

A big Thank You!!! to tankertoad89 for the lead on original GM bumper covers. Mine should be leaving the GM warehouse in Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday.
Old 03-08-2019, 12:54 AM
  #5  
tankertoad89
Instructor

 
tankertoad89's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2017
Location: Leander, Texas
Posts: 119
Received 64 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Just discovered your post.

You're quite welcome. Hope it works out as well for you as it did for me.

Get notified of new replies

To 73 front bumper - best replacement?




Quick Reply: 73 front bumper - best replacement?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:08 PM.