1973 replacing front bumper
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Elkins Park PA
1973 replacing front bumper
I am replacing the front bumper of my '73. What are your recommendations for suppliers and for retainer kits? T-kits are going for about $29 while the stock kits are $79. Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Willcox has the front flexiglass bumper:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24296
Retainers:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24023
I ordered my rear bumper from Willcox along with both front and rear retainers. Willcox is the way to go
.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24296
Retainers:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24023
I ordered my rear bumper from Willcox along with both front and rear retainers. Willcox is the way to go
.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
I guess that depends if you are looking at being correct or judged. I prefer the original urethane, for original look. Others will say otherwise, All three types of front bumpers have their each, pros and cons. That is something you are going to have to decide. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 2
From: Milton Delaware
Front Bumper
From looking at the picture from Wilcox, I see that there is a molded in piece in the center. Is that for real. I have the center grill that goes there and do not want to buy it if I can not put the "rare" center grill back in. Does any one have 1st hand experience? Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 74
From: New Carlisle IN
I think that is a picture of the 75-79 bumper. If you look at it it has the bumperettes. Also look at their 75-79 bumper and it is the same picture.
I went with a trueflex bumper from bairs. I have had it for 3 years now, but still haven't put it on. I have alot of other fiberglass work to do before I do. I bought the individual retainers from mid america.
I went with a trueflex bumper from bairs. I have had it for 3 years now, but still haven't put it on. I have alot of other fiberglass work to do before I do. I bought the individual retainers from mid america.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
I agree that is a picture of the 75-79 bumper. The 73-74 is different.
The T bolt brackets are for fiberglass bumpers, not rubber. If you choose the glass bumper you don't need the continuous support of the factory style mounts. On the other hand, with a rubber bumper, you'll probably need the larger, continuous mounts to suck it up tight to the body.
Rubber bumper will be easier to install and align. Fiberglass and Flex-fit will need glass work to fit properly. All our cars are different.
The T bolt brackets are for fiberglass bumpers, not rubber. If you choose the glass bumper you don't need the continuous support of the factory style mounts. On the other hand, with a rubber bumper, you'll probably need the larger, continuous mounts to suck it up tight to the body.
Rubber bumper will be easier to install and align. Fiberglass and Flex-fit will need glass work to fit properly. All our cars are different.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I used a fiberglass replacement from ACI. I had to spend 10-15 hours working on it to get it to fit properly. It was worth it though. It turned out great.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
Installing a new Flex Fit on my '79 now. Fitment is terrible. Seam is tight in some places and 1/4 gap in others. One end fits the car well and the other is 1/4 long!
Bought it from Ecklers and they said too bad.
It'll take some fixing.
The rear bumper though.... fit very nicely.
Bought it from Ecklers and they said too bad.
It'll take some fixing.
The rear bumper though.... fit very nicely.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
I bought my True-flex bumper from Willcox.
It took a little extra time to get it to fit but not a lot of work. All cars are different so the time it takes verys.
It took a little extra time to get it to fit but not a lot of work. All cars are different so the time it takes verys.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
You can also go down to your local hardware store and buy 1/4 inch bolts, lock washers, and large flat washers. Same thing.
I wouldn't buy the expensive stock hardware unless you go rubber.
Once you get to fitting the flex fit, you'll see what I'm saying.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: sebastian florida
73 front bumper
DO NOT buy from ecklers....fiberglass P O S and the chinese T bolts all came apart....at the worst time....I have had it with ecklers chinese ****...
