Bumper support necessary?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Bumper support necessary?
I took off my fiberglass front bumper last week. I've got a new one on the way from Corvetteworx. Is the big beam that's right behind the front bumper called the bumper support? Anyway, is it necessary to have this installed when running a fiberglass front bumper?
Brett
Brett
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass Oregon
Bumper
That aint no rubber baby bumper, If you saw the crush assembly that that steel piece was attatched to you wouldn't ask that type of question, Its intigrated with your Vacume tank and your radiator core support. Its a design link in your front end and "Custers Last stand" in the line of defence against any obstacle you may incounter. Do not mess wit it! 
Last edited by codestar7; Feb 15, 2005 at 01:03 AM. Reason: spelling
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Not sure what piece ur asking 'bout.
Originally Posted by Brettmc
I took off my fiberglass front bumper last week. I've got a new one on the way from Corvetteworx. Is the big beam that's right behind the front bumper called the bumper support? Anyway, is it necessary to have this installed when running a fiberglass front bumper?
Brett
Brett
Well the big 2-3" dia tube thing installed crosswise is a vacuum tank also. And thats a vac reservior for head lights and ventilation controls. Pwr brake booster not connected and don't know why since vendors sell aftermarket tanks for the brakes.
Now there is a support brace thats a small dia rod between the core support and front headlight metal framework. Mine was missing and replaced it when i replaced coresupport. Bubba installed a different yr coresupport but with the '74 braces. Had to verify correct parts to replace coresupport and that new rod/brace would not fit. Lucky vendors sell those parts. Had to heat it up and bend it to put a dog leg in it to use up some length. I c u have a '74 also and maybe this would help answer ur question.
Nice paint Brett. So why the new bumper? What kind'a bumper Corvetteworx sell? I'm gonn'a need a new front before painting too. Replaced the rear with a true-flex and body curve alingment is poor - but who knows, maybe Bubba got back there too.
cardo0
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Originally Posted by cardo0
Nice paint Brett. So why the new bumper? What kind'a bumper Corvetteworx sell?
I think, and don't quote me on it, they sell Eckler's glass....
Brett
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Appleton Wi.
I just replaced my front bumper with a fiberglass unit. I also looked at the under-structure, and decided to leave out the license plate support brace(if that is what it's called). It shaved off about 40 pounds. Didn't remove any farther back than that.
Tim
Tim
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Originally Posted by TJ76
I just replaced my front bumper with a fiberglass unit. I also looked at the under-structure, and decided to leave out the license plate support brace(if that is what it's called). It shaved off about 40 pounds. Didn't remove any farther back than that.
Tim
Tim
Brett
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
I've heard a lot of people leave out the honeycomb insert for ease of fitment. I had to shave a little off the center plate piece to get the glass bumper to fit, but also left the honeycomb in. Sure it would have saved some weight, but I don't drag race either.
