Front Bumper Replacement-Fiberglass?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
Front Bumper Replacement-Fiberglass?
The stripping project is nearing an end and it's time to thank about bumpers. My rear bumper cover has been replaced in the past with an Eckler's fiberglass cover. It still has Eckler's label on it. It fits good and I didn't even know it was a replacement until I removed it. The front cover looks orginial. It has been painted twice and I don't think I'm willing to sand down and pay to have it painted and probally crack in the near future. I thinking about going with an Eckler's fiberglass replacement, does anyone have any suggestions on this?
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,425
Likes: 1
From: Traveling the US
Re: Front Bumper Replacement-Fiberglass? (Paul 75 L82)
I would try to find a GM replacement. I got 2 different Ecklers rubber ones and one fiberglass from Ecklers also. The fit on all three were terrible. I ended up paying $420 for a NOS GM one. Fits perfectly. Your results may vary. ;)
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Re: Front Bumper Replacement-Fiberglass? (Paul 75 L82)
A guy who comes in to fix our equiptment at work has a '75 like me.
He told me of his problems with buying bumpers (front and rear) from three or four differant companies. The bumpers were either a 1/4 inch too small, or too big.
He went to a parts swap recently, where he spoke to a manufacturer based in Ohio. The manufacturer stated that he molds and sells the 'flex-glass' bumpers, but he doesn't recommend them. He wound up selling my buddy a pair of bumpers that were a little under-sized, and explained in detail the way to build up the bumper to match the body contours.
I'll talk to him to try and get some more info.
He told me of his problems with buying bumpers (front and rear) from three or four differant companies. The bumpers were either a 1/4 inch too small, or too big.
He went to a parts swap recently, where he spoke to a manufacturer based in Ohio. The manufacturer stated that he molds and sells the 'flex-glass' bumpers, but he doesn't recommend them. He wound up selling my buddy a pair of bumpers that were a little under-sized, and explained in detail the way to build up the bumper to match the body contours.
I'll talk to him to try and get some more info.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Re: Front Bumper Replacement-Fiberglass? ('75 383 ElkGrove)
The place in Ohio is called ACI - located in the Toledo area.
They supply bumpers to most of the mail order houses.
They supply bumpers to most of the mail order houses.
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Re: Front Bumper Replacement-Fiberglass? (Stewart's74)
Yes, my buddy did state that this representative said that their company supplies many others with their bumpers.
And I forgot to add that my guy bought the fiberglass bumpers, not the flex-glass.
My original urethane bumpers are fragmented and brittle, and I'm sheepishly looking forward to tackling this future hassle.
And I forgot to add that my guy bought the fiberglass bumpers, not the flex-glass.
My original urethane bumpers are fragmented and brittle, and I'm sheepishly looking forward to tackling this future hassle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Re: Front Bumper Replacement-Fiberglass? ('75 383 ElkGrove)
Word is that Fiberglass "bumpers" will crack at the slightest bump. Whereas the flex stuff will not. The paint might chip, but the bumper will not crack.
With the flex stuff, trying to match the color is harder because you have to add the flex agent to the paint. With the fiberglass you do not.
I suppose fitting the fiberglass piece would be much like fitting a new door, lots of filling and sanding to match the joint.
With the flex stuff, trying to match the color is harder because you have to add the flex agent to the paint. With the fiberglass you do not.
I suppose fitting the fiberglass piece would be much like fitting a new door, lots of filling and sanding to match the joint.
