The front bumper cover on my 73 has a rip in it about 6 inches long on the top, right in the center. I need to make a good repair because its right out there in the open.
I asked the guy at the paint store to recommend something and he sold me a two-part compound that looks and smells like JB weld but is a lot thinner in consistency. That stuff just peeled back off like I had sprayed mold release on it.
I need to get this repaired so I can go on with the paint job. Any ideas?
(I've thought about using contact cement; it will hold, but I might not get it to look pretty.)
Thanks,
T. [IMG][/IMG]

 

Is the tear from an accident or just cracking from old age?

If it is from an accident Lars has posted in the tips section to repair of these.

If it is just old and cracking, I would replace it. Why paint the car to have another crack show up in a couple of months.

You can go with fiberglass for less than $250, up GM stock for $500+.

Just my 0.02

Terry

 

T.

The bumper cover on my '73 split in exactly the same place. It's time for a new piece. I went with a flexi-glass cover that cost about $300. I made the mistake of not doing that - repaired the old cover - lasted about a year. Then I got to replace it and pay to have it painted and hope that the color matched, which it did, and that it would age the same as the rest of the paint on the car, which it probably won't.

 

The cover looked perfect when I removed it do the body work but I guess I was a little careless about storing it. I actually just set it down in the corner of my shop and probably moved it a dozen times when I needed to get something in that area. Anyway, I did not support it. It sort of ripped under its own weight.
I've thought of the fiberglass replacement but I have read a lot of posts about how bad most of them fit. And then, if I have to buy one (no budget), it may be a lot longer before I can paint it.
I did not sweat it at first because I had heard of urethane repair kits working well. The rubber doesn't look in that bad condition.
I can save a little paint for doing a fiberglass bumper at a later date, the thing is removable so that shouldn't be a big deal. Hey, if I get a year out of it, I'll be happy!
So, what do you say? Know of a good repair kit?
Thanks,
T.

 

If you wanna fix your frt Bumper, Here is what you need to do, First of all go to Auto Paint store and get a tube of 3M automix 8115, I think. support you bumper on stands and get the cracked area back together, then take a grinding wheel to the back side and rough it up about 3 to 4 inches out from the crack. Put you some tape on the outside to keep it together. smooth in your bonding mixture and let sit overnight, dont move it. they sit for about 1/2 at our bodyshop, heat helps, but you need to know what your doing or you could ruin it. :eek: The next day make a support so you can flip it over and V the crack out so there is no sharp edges, then take some 150 grit sand paper and feather back the edges to the smoothness of your liking.then fill in the crack building it a little high but not to much, it will shrink some. then sand next day with 150 grit. Be sure when your are ready for you bonding to wash the area with soapy water and dry very well, or use a wax and grease remover from auto paint store. they also have a backing you can put behind the bump, put your bonding down, then backing, then bonding back over it. It is really not that hard of project. just take you time. I do have a true flex from Gary Gruhala on mine fits perfect but i moulded mine on. :D If you need any more help I will try to help ya. Larry