Bumper/Nose cracks?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
Bumper/Nose cracks?
Now that I'm able to take a closer look at my dream car purchase of a few months back....I've noticed the previous driver of my '76 apparently had a problem judging how close the front bumper/nose was to things that were...ahem...immovable. There are stress cracks where he obviously hit something....nose tip and also slightly towards the driver side...(Son, wake up!! Your drivin' a Vette, man!)
Anybody have any ideas how I can fix that, short of taking it in for a paint job?
Anybody have any ideas how I can fix that, short of taking it in for a paint job?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
From: Lewisville TX
Generally, with a Neopreme front or rear, it's best to replace it. It will just continue to crack, and fall apart. Most use the True-Flex replacement front or back shells. I just got mine in the mail! Standard fiberglass replacements don't "give" so you have to conform your car to the replacement piece. The True-Flex units are flexible enough that you can fit them to your car.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Originally Posted by sfallison
The True-Flex units are flexible enough that you can fit them to your car.
Man, was mine ever poorly made, I sent the first one back
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Those cracks are terminal. The really bad news is that your rear cover won't be far behind. It doesn't seem to matter if the car has been in the sun, or heat, or anything like that. The urethane material just gives up with age.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
OK, I appreciate the input...the "actual" bumper, the structure, seems sound, i.e., the fiberglass is not broken or cracked, it appears to be the surface paint has the cracks. I guess I was looking for a backyard fix, go to the auto store, fill the cracks with something magical, and then repaint over that with some magical spray paint, some rubbing compound and a couple coats of wax....but I guess I'm dreaming....OK, thanks..
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
hate to say it... but that woul look terrible.
the filler and paint from the auto parts store will not do you justice.
(Son, wake up!! Your drivin' a Vette, man!)
My vette is a one owner ... 64K miles... never been painted...
(well at least not the bumpers) The bumpers got painted in the late 80 and are currently pass do for another paint job.
I keep the car in storage out of the elements... and they still crack... paint on the factory bumpers is probably only good for about 10-15 years.
The paint on the car is fading also...(car is white)
Took it get a estimate for my hood... and the corvette body could tell right away I had orginal paint. (except the bumpers)
the filler and paint from the auto parts store will not do you justice.
(Son, wake up!! Your drivin' a Vette, man!)
My vette is a one owner ... 64K miles... never been painted...
(well at least not the bumpers) The bumpers got painted in the late 80 and are currently pass do for another paint job.
I keep the car in storage out of the elements... and they still crack... paint on the factory bumpers is probably only good for about 10-15 years.
The paint on the car is fading also...(car is white)
Took it get a estimate for my hood... and the corvette body could tell right away I had orginal paint. (except the bumpers)
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
OK holley505...I deserved that line in RED 
...have been avoiding a complete paint job, but I guess it is inevitable...thanks all that responded.. 
...have been avoiding a complete paint job, but I guess it is inevitable...thanks all that responded..
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Victoria British Columbia
Ive got the same white 76 and had the same cracks. My cracks were not very deep. I decided to paint them myself, if it didn't work i would go with the replace.
I went to NAPA and they used a camera/computer setup to get a close match to the paint. I filled in the cracks with paint a few times with a brush and used some 1500 grit paper to gently even it out. Then I taped off the nose tip and sprayed it. Then I used some rubbing compound and blended it in.
My paint match is not perfect, I took in a t-roof panel for the paint match and I think the color is a bit different due to the flex agent they put in the paint for the bumper. The paint difference is not noticeable and the nose is smooth now. I have no idea how long it will last but it has been eight months now and so far so good.
I went to NAPA and they used a camera/computer setup to get a close match to the paint. I filled in the cracks with paint a few times with a brush and used some 1500 grit paper to gently even it out. Then I taped off the nose tip and sprayed it. Then I used some rubbing compound and blended it in.
My paint match is not perfect, I took in a t-roof panel for the paint match and I think the color is a bit different due to the flex agent they put in the paint for the bumper. The paint difference is not noticeable and the nose is smooth now. I have no idea how long it will last but it has been eight months now and so far so good.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
Originally Posted by dwe
Ive got the same white 76 and had the same cracks. My cracks were not very deep. I decided to paint them myself, if it didn't work i would go with the replace.
I went to NAPA and they used a camera/computer setup to get a close match to the paint. I filled in the cracks with paint a few times with a brush and used some 1500 grit paper to gently even it out. Then I taped off the nose tip and sprayed it. Then I used some rubbing compound and blended it in.
My paint match is not perfect, I took in a t-roof panel for the paint match and I think the color is a bit different due to the flex agent they put in the paint for the bumper. The paint difference is not noticeable and the nose is smooth now. I have no idea how long it will last but it has been eight months now and so far so good.
I went to NAPA and they used a camera/computer setup to get a close match to the paint. I filled in the cracks with paint a few times with a brush and used some 1500 grit paper to gently even it out. Then I taped off the nose tip and sprayed it. Then I used some rubbing compound and blended it in.
My paint match is not perfect, I took in a t-roof panel for the paint match and I think the color is a bit different due to the flex agent they put in the paint for the bumper. The paint difference is not noticeable and the nose is smooth now. I have no idea how long it will last but it has been eight months now and so far so good.
IMPRESSIVE... just to get the paint to come close.
kb2fzq
Sorry bro you left yourself open on that one.
Seriously though... you might as well do it the right way.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
Thanks DWE, that was kind of the story I was looking for, but don't know if I have the skill, PATIENCE, or luck to get ur right...
Soooo...I will stand at the front of the vette and contemplate if I have the nerve..thanks..
(Yes Holley505...I definately asked for it )
Soooo...I will stand at the front of the vette and contemplate if I have the nerve..thanks..
(Yes Holley505...I definately asked for it
)