C3 interchangeable parts?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
C3 interchangeable parts?
Hi, I'm looking to buy my first corvette and I might be able to get a good deal on a 1976, but I don't really like the way it's bumpers look. Does anyone make a replacement bumper that looks more like the 68-72 style that would bolt on to a later model?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
this is correct bumpers first fit on my 75. i am gonna do this conversion eventually. i don't think it is a hell of a lot of glass work. hardest part will be the outer lower corners to line up with the hockey sticks. easiest is to just replace the nose with a 68-72. and if you do it, 69 grilles. the 70-72 will cost over 1000 just for the grilles. 400 more for side egg crates. repop 69 grilles are about 100 for all 3 pieces and looks like you can use round universal front turn signal lamps. doorgunner and priya have both done very nice rear conversions. their threads can be found here. doorgunner is coming along with his front. priya is up in the air about continuing. i am trying to talk her into trying my half-*** (1/3 ***?) version. priciest part is buying the correct orig bumpers and some glass pieces.
Last edited by derekderek; Feb 20, 2022 at 10:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Just buy a '68 to '72
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
they do cost a bit more. i have about 6k in my 75 with bumpers, tail light panel,valences, 71 nose, etc. if it was a 68-72 on copart same hit same crappy paint it woulda been 12 to 15k if ins company even totalled it in the first place.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
my method is a lot of work. and most chrome conversions look like somebody stuck a chrome bumper on a 75 nose. and many are just that. if you want a 68-72 and are not stuck in the 75-82 financial bracket, that is the way to go. PLUS every big job is a minimum of 6 months you are working on the car or paying somebody else to instead of driving it. and then your screen name would hafta be carfixer333 and take your time. when in doubt, back off. it is less painful to regret that car you shoulda bought 6 months ago than it is to regret that car you DID buy 6 months ago...
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: SW Florida.
the rear needs done more than the front. front is missing the bumpers. the back is just not pretty. the 80-82 bumper is a big upgrade. easy and relatively cheap. problem with the front is the bumpers, bumperettes, grilles, etc add up fast. but worth it. as long as you need paint.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,923
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From: Virginia
the rear needs done more than the front. front is missing the bumpers. the back is just not pretty. the 80-82 bumper is a big upgrade. easy and relatively cheap. problem with the front is the bumpers, bumperettes, grilles, etc add up fast. but worth it. as long as you need paint.
Here's a thread with some other high-rise bumpers that greatly improve the look of the 74-79 cars.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1603951160