Cracking bumpers on '73 - Normal?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 15, 2004 | 01:18 PM

race1now

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Cracking bumpers on '73 - Normal?

Has the front bumper cover on the '73s shown a tendancy to crack above and beyond the normal expectations of a 31 year old bumper cover? Was there ever any recalls or service bulletins regarding cracking issues? Sounds like an odd question based on the age of the cover, but I am checking for a friend of mine. Apparently, the cover did not show any signs of cracking until just recently.

Thanks.

Sep 15, 2004 | 01:43 PM

Ratman13

Advanced

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 86

Likes: 0

From: Denver co

could someone have bumped into him?

Sep 15, 2004 | 02:14 PM

DVG73

Racer

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 485

Likes: 1

From: Dallas Texas

If it is the original bumper cover, not that unexpected. After 30 years, the urethane loses it's plasticity and becomes brittle. A lot depends on how much sun it got and temperatures, etc. Mine did the same thing, one day it was fine the next it was toast.

Sep 15, 2004 | 02:25 PM

Jim Shea

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 6,001

Likes: 115

From: Saginaw Michigan

Bite the bullet like the rest of us rubber bumper owners. At least you only have one to replace.

Sep 15, 2004 | 04:23 PM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 38,923

Likes: 1,482

From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVG73

If it is the original bumper cover, not that unexpected. After 30 years, the urethane loses it's plasticity and becomes brittle. A lot depends on how much sun it got and temperatures, etc...

Sep 15, 2004 | 04:44 PM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,205

Likes: 4,034

From: Connecticut, USA

correct in they just start cracking. Our 75 had a perfect original rear bumper and after jacking it up a couple of times through the hot weather it cracked in several places. Picked up new bumpers made by Toledo Pro for $300 at carlisle last month.
Gary

Sep 15, 2004 | 04:49 PM

Paul Borowski

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 21,477

Likes: 463

From: Massillon,Ohio USA

2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

Cruise-In VI Veteran

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12

If he got 30yrs out of the original front, he's done better than about 80% of us here-at least with a '73, he does'nt have to worry about the back one(s).

Sep 15, 2004 | 04:49 PM

75rag4sp

Racer

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 399

Likes: 0

From: Chambersburg PA

Yep all too common. I recommend Fiberglass unless you are trying to keep the NCRS geeks happy. Its cheaper, can be repaired, and when properly installed is much better fitting.