72and86

A 1973 I'm considering, but needs a new front bumper cover. (Nothing on there now) I've read about poor fitment replacements. Any input before I open my wallet on this one?
Where do I get one that will fit besides finding an OEM which Im sure is impossible?

Can I put a chrome front bumper on this or will it look stupid?
Thanks!

derekderek

A chrome conversion is a LOT of glass work to mimic a 72-earlier nose. I intend to do it, but I have done quite a bit of glass work. Most aftermarket glass bumpers need very little work to fit correctly and really fit close enough as-is for all but the purists. And the work required is nothing compared to what is needed to do chrome. And bumpers, brackets, bumperettes, hockey sticks, grilles are way more than a new correct bumper cover. And I didn't even get into the metal work to make brackets fit a later frame and air tank.

Blue73Shark

I agree with the 3 previous posters. I replaced the original bumper on my 73 with a fiberglass one from Willcox. I did the removal of the old one and and had a body shop paint and install the new one.
Fran

derekderek

Did shop have to do any work to bumper or car to fit that well? Any close-ups of the line where bumper meets car?

72and86

Wow. A lot involved. I would stick to org then

derekderek

Easiest way to change to a Chrome bumper is the replace the entire nose

Blue73Shark

I assume you are asking me. Very little work (just a little sanding) before installation. I guess I was lucky. The line is pretty tight; blow up the attached pic. Let me know if you need closeups.
Fran

Tooch1

Car looks good Fran!
Jimmy

HUSKEE73

the GM cover is still available,runs about 750,you have to search a lot of places,but you can still find them new in the box.Fran's car looks great with the fiberglass one though.i guess the dilemma is do you go with the GM original urethane which will do ok with a slight tap but have the wavy look after being on the car for a few years or go with the fiberglass for the perfect finished look and pray it does not get tapped.

gguillot

I definitely agree with the others here - the replacement fiberglass bumper is not that hard to fit. I read all the posts about having to cut and fit it, but I was able to fit mine with very little tweaking. Maybe a little sanding on the corners, but that was it. Took it to a body shop and they matched the color and painted for a few hundred bucks. Made such a difference!

Oh, and do yourself a favor and get the "Front Bumper Retainer Set" for $30 or so from the major vendors - all new SS retainers and bolts - I broke most of mine while removing them and prepping the front for the new bumper.