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I have watched you tube videos and searched this forum for advise on how to install front and rear fiberglass bumpers purchased from ACI on a 74 vette. It has been extremely frustrating. I wondered if there was any adjustment to the underlying front metal bumper to improve its fitment. There is still a noticeable 1/4" gap. If any member would kindly share their experience with installation process, I would be most appreciative. Thank you in advance.
I have watched you tube videos and searched this forum for advise on how to install front and rear fiberglass bumpers purchased from ACI on a 74 vette. It has been extremely frustrating. I wondered if there was any adjustment to the underlying front metal bumper to improve its fitment. There is still a noticeable 1/4" gap. If any member would kindly share their experience with installation process, I would be most appreciative. Thank you in advance.
I am not sure of that particular brand but I recently installed a replacement fiberglass front bumper on my ‘73, which is the same as your ‘74. The fit, if you could even call it that, was absolutely horrible. I ended up building up some areas with as much as 3/8” of filler to match it to my body. When I asked here I was told that my bumper fit like most other fiberglass replacements. Which was pretty bad.
you need to search thread on bumper fitment and look for replies by DUB then go to his links on fixing bumpers. I had a new glass bumper for my 74 as well and when mounted it had mold lines on the surface edge as well as gaps over 1/16th. you need to follow his instructions on using VPA to build up the joint, regular filler is to soft and wont last. I was able to do it just the way he shows with his pictures on his posts. pay attention to his instructions as VPA is like granite when it cures so you need to put it on with a plan in hand. I had to build up the actual gap between the bumper and the body as well as waves (highs and lows) in the new bumper. in the end it turned out great. I will echo one thing DUB said and its true...you will take your bumper off and off about 30 times during this process, the good thing is you'll get better and better at it.
If totally agree with Lyndwood regarding the bumper cover installation by DUB. Very informative and helped me get through the painstaking process of getting a new fiberglass bumper cover to fit properly. I wish I had it on and off to fit just 30 times, more like double that. It is like anything else, the more time you put into it the better it will fit. I actually found my replacement fiberglass bumper cover from Ecklers was too wide and I had to cut it just to get it to fit close enough that I could start using the method described by DUB. I did have to trim the rubber bumperettes to give enough movement for a proper fit. I wish you good luck since I found this to be a real test of my patience. Before Before Repaired new bumper Yes, cut new bumper Final fit Other side final fit.
Thank you for your informative responses. I spent quite a bit of time reviewing DUB's procedure and comments which proved to be most helpful. Many thanks.
74 Vette Bumper Installation
