Hey everyone

I would like to install a new (and modified) front bumper on my black 77.

The current bumper, which has been repaired/repainted by the previous owner, has had it’s time:
- Lots of deformations which are just ugly…especially whit the black paint, it’s very noticeable. The sunny California did no good for the flexy urethane bumper.
- The small repair on the ‘nose’ of the bumper was very badly done… The paint is chipping; the ‘flexy body filler’ that has been applied, clearly was done in a hurry with no attention for detail or smoothness.

Here are some pics of the current front bumper:






The bumper modification:
- I want to remove the two ‘bumperettes’ on the new front bumper to make it look like a 73-74 style.


The choice:
I will choose a polyester bumper (no flex), because I will have to glass some things for the modification.

1) 1973 – 1974 front bumper:
- Has no bumperettes (OK!)
- The fitment to the body will be extra work. 73-74’s bumpers have ‘straight’ top fit, while the 75-79’s bumpers have an ‘arrow shaped’ top fit.


2) 1975 – 1979 front bumper:
- Has the two bumperettes that will have to be removed.
- The fitment to the body will need just minor adjustment.



The new bumper I found:
I have found a new $390 (= €290-300) bumper (incl. shipping and import). It is a 75-79 style.
What do you think? Would you guys go for this style to start the bumperette mod, or would a 73-74 bumper be the easier way?

Painting the bumper black:
a) How much would the paint job of the new bumper cost me? (estimate, No show car! The original black body paint isn’t perfect anymore anyway.)
b) Will there always be a small difference in color (body vs. new bumper), or won’t that be noticeable?

 

This is what a bumperette-less '75-'79 can look like: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1600273341
The changes here were to get rid of the bumperettes and also accommodate Cibié fog lamps: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1597824694

 

Thank you very much for the links!
Do you know if there where other differences between the 75-79 and 73-74 front bumpers?
Is there a difference in fitment of the fenders?

 

No other basic difference,, but you will find, every single car and bumper will have different fit up issues,,
,, some aftermarket part just might fit-up perfectly to your car,, then again, it may not,,
,, expect some work,,
,, I had my '75 front cover made with out the 'bumper-ettes' from the supplier,
,, not really too difficult,,

 

google 75 corvette front bumper conversion. bunch of options. here is 82 style fits your 75-79 nose. https://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvett...style-646030-1

 

Here is my 75 with the modified bumper cover in primer,, I retained the center section for easy mounting of license plate,,,, Now, in July 2020, we no longer are required to display a front plate,, if I had known, i would have made provision for a 73-74 center grill,,

This pic,,, starting the fit-up

 

I bought the new bumper... I'll strat right away when it's here!
Thank you guys for the pics, you certainly did a great job!

What tape did you use to mask the front? 3M?

 

What did you do with the 'battering ram' behind the cover? Did you have to remove everything or did you leave some things in place?

 

Right now, I re used all but the heavy metal bumper-ette that were behind the cover, for impact protection,, the "battering-ram", [[ if I understand what part you are referring to ]] you likely will have to trim a little ( it's basically plastic) to get full clearance to get new cover over it,,, I did all that underneath fitting BEFOR I did the exterior fit and finish ,,
,, I think I used painter's blue masking tape, but I covered it with at least 3 or 4 coats of wax, mold release wax, , if you search here on forums,, member DUB has a awesome thread on doing the fit-up the proper way,,, I followed his advice, and it came out well,,,,

 

The air tank stays. Big piece of metal with plastic egg crate stuff can be mounted. Pull the egg crate stuff off if using a glass bumper. The bumperettes are built into the egg crate shape. Could probably be trimmed to fit but only necessary to be sort of a form to stretch urethane bumper over. Just excess stuff with glass bumper.