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Rear Chrome Bumper Delete
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
I'm no expert on this chrome bumper delete plan. But I will say this about the situation. Those that are giving you a hard time. Tell them to stuff it! It's your car and you should do what makes you happy. Not everyone wants chrome bumpers. Wish I could help more. However I wish you the best with your restomod.
I don't worry about what other people think.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
@AllVettes4Me's 72 road race replica may also have the look you are after, at least the rear half. I'm sure his build thread explains how the bumper was removed.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-replica.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...as-sought.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-replica.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...as-sought.html
I sent him a PM.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Just curious: What will there be to protect the rear paint and fiberglass from being damaged by some fool in a hurry at a stop intersection??? The rubber bumper cars have internal hydraulic [or crush] gizmos underneath a flexible back panel. You just have very breakable fiberglass. Just sayin'...........
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,876
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Just curious: What will there be to protect the rear paint and fiberglass from being damaged by some fool in a hurry at a stop intersection??? The rubber bumper cars have internal hydraulic [or crush] gizmos underneath a flexible back panel. You just have very breakable fiberglass. Just sayin'...........
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
Just curious: What will there be to protect the rear paint and fiberglass from being damaged by some fool in a hurry at a stop intersection??? The rubber bumper cars have internal hydraulic [or crush] gizmos underneath a flexible back panel. You just have very breakable fiberglass. Just sayin'...........
They provide no protection to the vehicle or occupants in any collision where the speed exceeds 5 mph.
The chrome rear bumpers on the 68-73 Corvettes provide no protection either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1,173
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The heavy mechanical bumpers underneath the "rubber" on late model C3 Corvettes absolutely provide more crash protection than the cosmetic chrome bumpers on early cars. Its obvious when you see the difference in structural integrity.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
A lot of irrational rationale in those last posts. You can't nay-say the obvious truth that an early C3 rear design without bumpers is LESS protected. That's all I stated. Deflect the issue...ignore the obvious facts all you want. It doesn't provide any more protection for the vehicle.
Frankly, I'm quite amazed that there was so much 'push-back' on such an obvious situation....
Frankly, I'm quite amazed that there was so much 'push-back' on such an obvious situation....
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
I think I can qualify as an expert in traffic collision investigations and can state for a fact that the rubber bumper cars do nothing to protect the vehicle or the occupants in the vehicle involved in a collision over 5 mph (slower than normal walking speed).
,,,,
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
David Howard, AllVettes4Me, and I had a separate conversation by P.M.
David answered my questions and I am confident that I can continue my plan to remove the chrome bumpers and their brackets on the rear tail section of my 73 without any issues.
Thanks to everyone for their comments.
Greg
David answered my questions and I am confident that I can continue my plan to remove the chrome bumpers and their brackets on the rear tail section of my 73 without any issues.
Thanks to everyone for their comments.
Greg
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Common sense
I’ve been in law enforcement for the past 30 years and investigated thousands of collisions.
I think I can qualify as an expert in traffic collision investigations and can state for a fact that the rubber bumper cars do nothing to protect the vehicle or the occupants in the vehicle involved in a collision over 5 mph (slower than normal walking speed).
I think I can qualify as an expert in traffic collision investigations and can state for a fact that the rubber bumper cars do nothing to protect the vehicle or the occupants in the vehicle involved in a collision over 5 mph (slower than normal walking speed).
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
That makes no sense. Do you think the damages would be the same without the bumpers? Come on….! Why argue about something so simple. Early C3 bumpers are worth nothing. Connected to the frame with small rods and brackets. Have you seen a rear bumper on a late model C3? I hope you don’t thing the rubber cover is the bumper!!!!!
Do you honestly believe the rubber cover and components under the cover don't get damaged in a collision?
They do, and the replacement cost of the rubber cover and the underlying components is more expensive to replace than two chrome bumpers and metal brackets.
Any impact by another vehicle will cause damage no matter what type of bumper is on the rear tail section.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Oct 14, 2021 at 12:02 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 265
From: The frozen wastes...
David Howard, AllVettes4Me, and I had a separate conversation by P.M.
David answered my questions and I am confident that I can continue my plan to remove the chrome bumpers and their brackets on the rear tail section of my 73 without any issues.
Thanks to everyone for their comments.
Greg
David answered my questions and I am confident that I can continue my plan to remove the chrome bumpers and their brackets on the rear tail section of my 73 without any issues.
Thanks to everyone for their comments.
Greg
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,351
Likes: 8,162
From: Napa Valley California
I say DO IT. I have a 73, and thats probably my plan too. I do like the bumpers, but i like the no-bumper look just as much, and i'm a gram-counter... so thats at least 20lbs gone, and easy. I've seen cars that look cool with this mod, though i absolutely do not like the smoothed out look, where they remove the little bumps under the bumper. I like that 'day 2 old school' race look. And as for collision fears.... come on... its a fiberglass skateboard. Half these guys talking about collisions are probably the same ones telling people not to even sit on their cars. If you want a road warrior, buy a 64 Imperial.
I totally agree.
I really like the bumps in the tail section that are hidden behind the bumpers.
It gives the tail character and I do plan to leave those.