Ditching front and rear bumper support - any problem?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Ditching front and rear bumper support - any problem?
While rebuilding the car (77) I am planning to leave off most of my front and rear bumper support structure and then attach rigid fiberglass bumpers front and rear and create a seamless appearance.
The sequence would be:
(a) Leave off support structure as written up in Corvette Fever
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/c...per/index.html
(2) Add front bumper, probably this style:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1361
(3) Add a rear bumper, probably this style:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1443
Do you see any problem with this? Looks reasonable and straight-forward. I also assume I can bond the 74 rear bumper to the 77 body. I know it's somewhat of a mix and match, but I like the clean style of the 74 bumper vs the 77.
Having to build some custom brackets, etc is no problem. Also, I don't know if I'll need the vacuum reservoir at all as I will install an LS3, fixed headlights, hydroboost. Not sure if the huge vacuum tube is needed up front at all anymore
Thanks,
Michael.
The sequence would be:
(a) Leave off support structure as written up in Corvette Fever
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/c...per/index.html
(2) Add front bumper, probably this style:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1361
(3) Add a rear bumper, probably this style:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1443
Do you see any problem with this? Looks reasonable and straight-forward. I also assume I can bond the 74 rear bumper to the 77 body. I know it's somewhat of a mix and match, but I like the clean style of the 74 bumper vs the 77.
Having to build some custom brackets, etc is no problem. Also, I don't know if I'll need the vacuum reservoir at all as I will install an LS3, fixed headlights, hydroboost. Not sure if the huge vacuum tube is needed up front at all anymore
Thanks,
Michael.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I don't see a problem as long as you don't get hit by someone or hit something yourself 
"Since our car was intended more for track performance than street duty, the entire structure of the rear bumper reinforcement was removed."
"Since our car was intended more for track performance than street duty, the entire structure of the rear bumper reinforcement was removed."
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
I would be reluctant to remove it, because of the possible damage to other (more vital parts) of the car when even a small collision occurs. If the weight removal is the issue, maybe making a replacement bar out of carbon would help...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Don't remove the whole thing like the picture shows. Notice those pieces bolted on each end of that rear bumper reinforcement? Those were there to add more support for the tail lights. With the fiberglass bumpers they are not needed...I removed mine and have no problems. However, even the fiberglass piece is just a bumper "cover". Don't do something stupid and remove the entire bumper unless you will never drive on the street. You will be risking your life even with a 10mph rear collision.
