Replacement Bumpers Without Retainers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 10
From: Mauriceville TX
Replacement Bumpers Without Retainers
Has anyone replaced their front or rear or both bumpers without using bumper retainers? When I removed my old bumpers I found most of the retainers were rusted to the point of almost falling off in pieces. Replacement retainers range from about $80 to $140 (Eckler's prices). I thought of making my own retainers from tin or some type of sheet aluminum, or even just using round washers.
Another option I'm considering is to epoxy the bumpers to the front and and rear clips, then use body filler to make things look seamless. I understand the drawbacks of minor front or rear end impacts. Anyone have any thoughts on the idea?
I'm also thinking about doing the same, (epoxy & body fill), to a three piece Pace Car style front spoiler and a one piece Pace Car style rear spoiler.
I'm talking about my 78 project car.
Another option I'm considering is to epoxy the bumpers to the front and and rear clips, then use body filler to make things look seamless. I understand the drawbacks of minor front or rear end impacts. Anyone have any thoughts on the idea?
I'm also thinking about doing the same, (epoxy & body fill), to a three piece Pace Car style front spoiler and a one piece Pace Car style rear spoiler.
I'm talking about my 78 project car.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Naperville IL
you only need the the factory style retainers for the urethane bumpers, the fiberglass ones use different retainers that are basically just bolts with large flat heads($30 a set). If you're thinking about glassing it in I think you need to go with tru-flex or fiberglass anyway, but I'm not 100% on that. I'd think it'd flex too much in relation to the body and just cause cracks at the seam.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
There are a few vettes on this forum with the bumpers glassed in, it looks cool. I think you need to use the bonding strips, then "V" notch the seam and fill with fiberglass matt and kitty hair filler.
You could probably make some new retainer strips from sheet metal and roll the edges for strength. How long would this take you? Is it worth the $100?
My strips have a little surface rust and some broken studs. I am going to drill out the studs, weld new ones in, sandblast the retainer and spray it with zinc primer.
The problem with just using bolts and washers is access to the backside to hold a wrench. Also it may not hold the bumper flush to the body. The retainers add rigidity to the urethane bumpers and without it there may be gaps between where the bolts are.
You could probably make some new retainer strips from sheet metal and roll the edges for strength. How long would this take you? Is it worth the $100?
My strips have a little surface rust and some broken studs. I am going to drill out the studs, weld new ones in, sandblast the retainer and spray it with zinc primer.
The problem with just using bolts and washers is access to the backside to hold a wrench. Also it may not hold the bumper flush to the body. The retainers add rigidity to the urethane bumpers and without it there may be gaps between where the bolts are.
Last edited by rexx78; Feb 5, 2007 at 09:55 PM. Reason: spelling
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
There are quite a few guys in here with the seamless look and I kinda like it. Will make that decision when I get that far. You do need to go with the true flex or fiberglass bumper covers to do this. You would still need to use some kind of retainers though.
Check these out
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1458
Check these out
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1458
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
i've been contemplating the same thing. Just too much effort to put all those bolts on.
How about gluing the bumper on with silicone seal. to remove just take a razor blade and separate it.
How about gluing the bumper on with silicone seal. to remove just take a razor blade and separate it.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 209
Likes: 6
From: Glendale AZ
I'm using Ecklers flexglass bumpers and their retainers on my 75. Worked well on the rear and I still have to do the front. I also like the glassed in look, but choose to be able to replace the bumpers if needed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 5
From: Paducah Ky
My rear is glassed in but my front is not. The glassed in rear still has the retainers and is bolted in to place for additional support. I think glassed in looks nicer but it is a lot more time and money.
BTW, if you keep your front bumper supports intact the retainers are absolutely worth the money. I tried to get wrenches in place to hold bolts & nuts with washers. Never again
BTW, if you keep your front bumper supports intact the retainers are absolutely worth the money. I tried to get wrenches in place to hold bolts & nuts with washers. Never again
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Rye TX
We are doing this to ours at this time. As I see it, your not supposed to hit anything, and if you do, make sure it is the other persons fault. The retainers came with the fiberglass bumpers, and it is on there tight!
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
My rear "bumper" is held on with 6" wire ties through the bolt holes. I have no time or patience for all those rusted little bolts.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 10
From: Mauriceville TX
Still undecided about glassing in the front and rear bumpers. Thanks for everyone's input.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,681
Likes: 200
From: Waterford Mi
I just got my Trueflex front bumper frpm Wilcox. All my retainers are in great shape because they had been replaced before. So, will they work with the fiberglass bumper or should I replace them.