1973 Front Bumper Cover
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 43
From: Vernon CT
1973 Front Bumper Cover
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!
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!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
Fran
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 8
From: St.Augustine FL
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.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 490
Likes: 99
From: The South
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!
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!
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.
Last edited by gguillot; Jun 16, 2019 at 09:38 AM.