'76 Urethane bumpers ... what's normal?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
'76 Urethane bumpers ... what's normal?
More specifically, how much "flex" is normal from these things? The front bumper looks like it's the proper shape & position, but if I push down on the top surface it'll flex down ~1/4" before hitting the steel support beneath it. There's no resistance to the flex at all prior to hitting the support. Is this normal, or do you think the previous owner might have nosed into something? The rear bumper isn't like this at all. It's a lot more rigid.
hmmm
hmmm
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Re: '76 Urethane bumpers ... what's normal? (wcsinx)
no replies? :sad:
I just double checked and the flex is a lot less than 1/4" towards the sides. It's really only that deep right around the center point of the nose. Should I be trying to put some support beneath it?
I just double checked and the flex is a lot less than 1/4" towards the sides. It's really only that deep right around the center point of the nose. Should I be trying to put some support beneath it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: '76 Urethane bumpers ... what's normal? (wcsinx)
The front nose should have a fiber like crushable material formed to the shape of the nose piece. The Urethane should almost be touching the fiber material...it's possible that the nose was damaged, and the fiber material removed, but not replaced. The fiber stuff is what the 5mph bumper is all about...it keeps the nose piece from getting destroyed, but needs to be replaced if it's been crushed. It all depends on what will cost less...another nose piece or the crushable fiber material.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 870
Likes: 0
From: trumbull ct
Re: '76 Urethane bumpers ... what's normal? (wcsinx)
If the rear bumper is rigid, either it was replaced with a fiberglass part, or it has become brittle due to age. As the gasses escape from the bumper, they lose elasticity, and become brittle. Pushing on it could prove fatal as it will shatter into a million pieces. One day there will be NO original bumpers on the 73-82 cars. Eventually, they all will fail and need replacing.
George
George
