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C3 Bumper Identification

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Old Feb 18, 2024 | 11:30 AM
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Default C3 Bumper Identification

Hello, I have this nice fiberglass bumper for a c3 corvette BUT it doesn't fit my 75. I know it has the tail from an 82 but they make 82 style bumpers that fit a 75. I want to confirm that this actually fits an 82. My question is the curve on the back of the 82 deeper than a 75? Because that's the main reason why this bumper doesn't fit. It wont sit flat against the back deck. Thank you for the help.


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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 01:20 PM
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This company uses the same fiber glass bumper for 74 to 82
https://www.acivette.com/
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 02:18 PM
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That what I found too. It says there all the same. But this bumper doesn't fit at all. And side note, a 75 bumper doesn't fit a 74.

This is the gap on the back of my 75. It wont bend and its hitting the bumper. What the heck bumper does this car go to?

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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 05:16 PM
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75 doesn't have the spoiler.
pic looks 80ish
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by calwldlife
75 doesn't have the spoiler.
pic looks 80ish
He knows that. The question is are 80 to 82 rear body upper panels different to account for the gap between bumper and body or is this a defective bumper.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by calwldlife
75 doesn't have the spoiler.
pic looks 80ish
Yeah but when you shop online, the websites say all the bumpers fit 75-82. How is that possible when an aftermarket bumper like this doesn't fit. They also say 75 bumpers will fit a 74 and they absolutely will not.

My main question is does an 82 have a deeper curve at the back?
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 05:40 PM
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:00 PM
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yes, different years have different shapes.
an 80 to 82 will not direct bolt to 75
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:06 PM
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Ok thats what I am looking for. Seeing as how this bumper has a different curve. Any idea what this bumper will actually fit?
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Cybersnypa
Ok thats what I am looking for. Seeing as how this bumper has a different curve. Any idea what this bumper will actually fit?
looks 80-82 as said
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:25 PM
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That's not a stock 80-82, either. That's the nifty tall spoiler that came on my 79. Possible sources are documented on this thread. All fiberglass bumpers require some fitting. Some more than others.

Does it say anywhere who cast it? There seem to be several sources.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-pictures.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ar-bumper.html
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:29 PM
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There is no manufacturer labels.

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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:50 PM
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Go here to post #7 and PM that guy (Mod75).

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...per-cover.html
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 07:08 PM
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Thanks, I would like to ask if someone with a 80-82 corvette would draw a string across the tail of there car and see how many inches there curve is. Then I will compare it to mine.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Cybersnypa
Thanks, I would like to ask if someone with a 80-82 corvette would draw a string across the tail of there car and see how many inches there curve is. Then I will compare it to mine.
Easy!

On my 80, there was a 15/16" offset from straight at the center. On my 79, there was a 7/8" offset from straight at the center. Note that the 79 actually has that exact bumper already installed (or one just like it), so it may have been shaved a bit when the car was first restored 20 years ago.

I'll post photos when my phone finishes downloading them. If there is a difference between my cars and yours, I'd expect the change to have occured between 77 and 78, when the rear switched from sugar scoop to bubble window.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 07:57 PM
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The white car is my 80, black is my 79.







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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 12:01 AM
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@Bikespace Thank you SO much. I will check on this tomorrow.
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 06:34 AM
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You realise that's just a tiny bit of difference don't you?
you are also aware if you messured 20 1979 cars none would be precisely the same don't you?
you can clearly see that sanding down the inside of that bumper cover on the outer sides will get it to fit, right?
you are aware that any replacement bumper will need fitting on these cars, right??
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
You realise that's just a tiny bit of difference don't you?
you are also aware if you messured 20 1979 cars none would be precisely the same don't you?
you can clearly see that sanding down the inside of that bumper cover on the outer sides will get it to fit, right?
you are aware that any replacement bumper will need fitting on these cars, right??
I bet it would take less time to measure your 77 than to speculate.

I don't think there's a difference either, but if there is, your car would show it.
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Old Feb 23, 2024 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Cybersnypa
That what I found too. It says there all the same. But this bumper doesn't fit at all. And side note, a 75 bumper doesn't fit a 74.

This is the gap on the back of my 75. It wont bend and its hitting the bumper. What the heck bumper does this car go to?

I understand that fiberglass bumpers need SOME work to make them fit, but from what I see in the picture, the fitment is nowhere close...

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