I would love to do this to my 73 it would look a whole lot better with some chrome on the front. if you ever get any encourging words i will love to hear how you are doing

 

Every Sept the new cars came out. Exciting times [1955-1970]. Plymouth out sold Ford & Chevy in 19__[ans. at end]. The C3's geometry was altered when the Fed's demanded the bumpers be "IMPROVED". This resulted in the aspect ratio of the C3 being stretched. The chromers look wider,lower,shorter. The rear spoiler pointing the right way doesn't hurt either. ANS......1957

 

Now that's a unique year, let me know if you ever plan to sell it...

 

Wow, didn't think this topic would engender so much discussion. I actually didn't check back on this thread for awhile, 'cause I thought it'd get ignored.

So I've done a fair amount of research, and here's the skinny on taking a '73 to chrome-bumper-land.

All the underside '73 bumper hardware and the like has to be unbolted from the front of the frame horns. All of the '68-'72 hardware to replace it (which is readily available if you want to look for it, or pay for it) can bolt directly to the front frame horns, and they match up with most of the existing bolt holes (I think you have to drill one extra one).

For the bodywork, the easiest way is to get a "Center wheels forward" fiberglass piece and replace it. You could also replace the entire front clip with a '68'72 but you'd have to make some mods around the A-pillar to make the tranisition to the non-wiper-door '73 hood look right. All new auxiliary lights are required, as are grills and the like. ('71-72 grills are pretty darn hard to come by, but you can find em on ebay if you look hard enough.)

As people have said here, it's not particularly cost-effective, I'd say 3K minimum, I'm not counting paint, since I'm going to have to repaint mine anyway (the Elkhardt green is just "so 70's", and besides it's bubbling up).

All that being said, you've all convinced me to stick with the urethane front. I do like the chrome front bumper, but the '73 front has its unique appeal too. I am actually much more particular about the Kamm tail of the '68-'73. I'll just pick up a chome-bumpered convertible later down the road to complement my '73 couple (Assuming I get clearance from the wife of course.)

 

All I can say is....

You chromies really need to get over yourselves. You have this poor newbie thinking he has to destroy his 73 because the be all and end all of C3's have chrome at both ends.

Personally, my favorite year was the '73.

 

The 73 OEM front grills all have chrome edges, I just finished removing the license plate and bracket and installed a original OEM center grill (hard to find), now I have plenty of chrome in the front and alot more air entering the engine compartment.....

 

It's all a matter of personal preference. If it were mine, I'd keep the '73 the way it was from the factory - it's a unique look, and only going up in value...

Of course, I prefer my '79's looks to the early C-3's - partly because it was the first Corvette that I remember my dad having (even though he had several before I was born), and it's nice to know that I can drive mine all I want without worrying about little things breaking (at least, not as often).

To each their own!

 

Umm.... If you READ the replies most are saying to stay w/ the '73 style for its uniquness. Why everyone is getting al wound up is beyond me, it's his car and let HIM enjoy it the way he wants.

 

Don't forget if he wants he can replace the urethane bumper with a fiberglass one if he wants to go that route since there isn't any bumper on the car to begin with. I have known a few people over the years who replaced their urethane bumper with a glass one when they decided to repaint their car. Actually I think it looks better then the urethane bumper but you have no protection. A slight tap and you have some damage to fix.