Rear bumper cover ('76)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 489
Likes: 1
From: Suffolk Virginia
Rear bumper cover ('76)
Hey Guys,
I'm about to replace my rear bumper cover with a truflex, so I took a look to see what's going to be involved. Does this look right?
This view is laying on the ground looking up. I don't see any brackets or clips holding the cover on, just screws. There is not enough clearance to run the screws out so I'm going to have to cut them off.
Is there something missing?
Thanks,
- Jay
I'm about to replace my rear bumper cover with a truflex, so I took a look to see what's going to be involved. Does this look right?
This view is laying on the ground looking up. I don't see any brackets or clips holding the cover on, just screws. There is not enough clearance to run the screws out so I'm going to have to cut them off.
Is there something missing?
Thanks,
- Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 428
From: Seattle Area WA
Looks like someone has been there before because I do see the sheet metal screws you are talking about. Originally there should have been studs welded to that rusty metal strip that holds the bumper to the body with nuts. You might be able to use a small 90 degree ratchet type screw driver. If the original bumper is toast and falling apart just use a razor knife and cut it off or gain access to those screws.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 427
Likes: 1
The new cover may not come with retaining strips, they might be seperate.
The Corvette parts suppliers sell retaining replacement metal strips with the correct studs welded to the strip and will pass through the rubber bumper to secure the cover against the body. It is held in place by washers/nuts to tighten it in a clamping fashion.
Look at the vendors pages related to rear covers and you will see those retainers. Using the original hardware will bring nothing but frustration.
Good tip on using a razor knife to cut off the orginal cover to get at it. I was able to salvage my original covers, front and back.
The Corvette parts suppliers sell retaining replacement metal strips with the correct studs welded to the strip and will pass through the rubber bumper to secure the cover against the body. It is held in place by washers/nuts to tighten it in a clamping fashion.
Look at the vendors pages related to rear covers and you will see those retainers. Using the original hardware will bring nothing but frustration.
Good tip on using a razor knife to cut off the orginal cover to get at it. I was able to salvage my original covers, front and back.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 3
Retaining nuts and bolts are extra, around $30 for a new set. Originally the bumper is held on with metal strips with small bolts attached, sometimes they can be saved, sometimes not. The new ones are worth it. The new ones are individual bolts with about an 1 1/2" metal strip attached. You drill holes in the new trueflex bumper to match the holes in the fiberglass body, about 30.
I don't see any metal strips in your picture so I'm guessing Bubba has been there.
I don't see any metal strips in your picture so I'm guessing Bubba has been there.
