Chrome front bumper conversion?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
The appeal about the 73-82 plactic nose it it flows and is all smooth
If you are talking that dark blue c3, 80-82 nose with a chrome bumper tacked on, sorry I can't warm up to it that just ruined the 80-82 front for me...
( I know the rest of the world just loves it )If you want a chrome bumper car do it right....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
You mean what's the cost of someone who does it themselves? That is the price. Their estimate was for parts only.
Also, apparently I'm not allowed to offer you guys discounts at my shop because I'm not a supporting vendor. Not sure how that makes any sense but sorry guys.
Also, apparently I'm not allowed to offer you guys discounts at my shop because I'm not a supporting vendor. Not sure how that makes any sense but sorry guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
No, what I'm suggesting is when you say "CIC sent me an estimate of around $3500 for all new parts for the conversion. That doesn't include labor or paint so for anyone else looking into this job - I advise against it." it may not be ill advised for others looking into this job to do it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
Ah okay. I guess it depends on the budget. For that money it's better to start with a chrome bumper car IMO but for someone in my shoes who already has a "racecar" and ends up with a front end collision it's not a bad idea. Judging by the work involved a quality shop would charge no less than 10k for changing both ends. Now if you can find a donor car or used parts that's a whole different issue and makes it more realistic.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
It all depends on your situation. In my situation my estimates suggest its better and cheaper to convert a rubber bumper car to chrome bumpers than it is to start with a chrome bumper car:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588506734
But I plan on doing all the bodywork/paint myself.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588506734
But I plan on doing all the bodywork/paint myself.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I know each person seems to like one c3 style best and I am even a modder saying all this but the appeal of the 73-79 or 80-82 IS the lack of the chrome bumper their bumpers are made to flow and look good, I always found it a downer some states made people ruin the front end with a license plate but man that velco on bumper...it takes the cake for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
The difference is in where the fiberglass meets the front bumper cover. In a 74 the line is straight across in a V shape just below the headlight doors. In a 78 there is a slight curve around the inside edges of the headlight doors and the line dips in towards the windshield. Other than that they are identical in appearance. If you get the 78 bumper cover (which will have the bumperettes) I believe you'll be good to go. I'm not sure if the internal bumper structure is the same or you'll need that from the 78 as well.
Last edited by Priya; Dec 19, 2014 at 03:19 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
2026 Loser of the Year
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
It all depends on your situation. In my situation my estimates suggest its better and cheaper to convert a rubber bumper car to chrome bumpers than it is to start with a chrome bumper car:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588506734
But I plan on doing all the bodywork/paint myself.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588506734
But I plan on doing all the bodywork/paint myself.
Condo....I hope we haven't "destroyed" your original thread topic too much!
Last edited by doorgunner; Dec 20, 2014 at 09:57 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
To get this back on topic a little lol, me and my buddy picked up a full 78 clip, hood and lights for $150. It didn't come with the bumper so I'll have to cut/modify the nose to accomadte my 74 bumper for now. At the end of the day I think I'm going to aim for the 73 look and convert just the rear to chrome. It's much much easier to do and honestly that's the best part of a chrome car anyway
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
To get this back on topic a little lol, me and my buddy picked up a full 78 clip, hood and lights for $150. It didn't come with the bumper so I'll have to cut/modify the nose to accomadte my 74 bumper for now. At the end of the day I think I'm going to aim for the 73 look and convert just the rear to chrome. It's much much easier to do and honestly that's the best part of a chrome car anyway
the 73 look has a cult following it's how my 69 looked when I got it....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
If I can figure the tilt front end I'll be all set!