The wave in my bumper covers that is.....

I have a 78 with original covers (53K) and they have the usual wavey spots. They are not bad but enough so that I need to repair or replace.
These covers fit perfectly so I wish there were some product that would stick to urethane. I have heard of Lord Fusors products but know nothing of them.
I sure hate to go through the process of fitting new covers as opposed to filling and sanding the wavey spots. Also two small cracks above taillights.
I would really appreciate some input on this, it would save me big on money as well as the hassle of fitting.

Thanks......Alex

 

Urethane bumpers= waves. There is no way around it...to the trained eye. If you are getting cracks in your urethane and it is not due to in impact. The urethane is getting old and dry and will do that...especially the early urethane. It gets very brittle.

I can not give you any recommendations on what to do...for repairing these "waves" other than replace the covers and watch them come back. It is the "nature of the beast" and the urethane is the BEAST. Most of the problems I find in the urethane covers are that they are tightened to much. These bumpers are not an impact part....all the impact strength is the bar (s) behind them. They are for looks and styling. So the fasteners that hold them to the body do not need to be "super tight". Just tight enough to keep it from moving...and that is it...because if you go tighter...the tension will cause for buckles..when the cover gets hot.

And if you feel that you can fill these waves in, and that they will stay prefect...you are fooling yourself...because in time..the product that you use... will shrink/swell/distort along with the bumper cover moving and you will EVENTUALLY see waves again.

Granted...this is my poinion...but any other PROFESSIONAL bodyman/painter that has the MIRACLE fix that keeps urethne from distorting...other than changing to fiberglass...PLEASE chime in and let us all know you SECRET. Because the "test of time" tells all.

You are venturing into an area that will take alot of time and the end result MAY be short lived.....but try if you like....but don't say I didn't warn you.
"DUB"

 

Grand Master.....I stand before you humbled with my foolish thoughts.

How foolish of me to think urethane could be tamed.

May fiberglass and West System epoxy live in my heart forever.

Seriously.....I am planning a beautiful dark blue paint rehab. on my car and have to have the best. I have been looking at 'Tru-Flex' and fiberglass for replacements. I am not planning to fill the seams of the new fitted covers and need some input on the Tru-Flex verses fiberglass. In the opinion of learned folks, which one of these products would serve me best during fitting and paint?

Original urethane is not an option. My car is not original.
Thanks .....Alex

 

Very interesting, thanks.

 

All fiberglass aftermarket are gonna need to be worked to fit. They just don't bolt on. My front was easier than the back but both needed a little work to get a good fit. If you do a search there are several posts on this.

 

Alex,
I am like many forum members. They want the BEST. And so do I. Urethane will work BUT....it will need to stay in a controlled enviroment (museum) for the rest of its life. That is not realistic.

So....I professionally and personally do not like the true flex. I used fiberglass bumpers for years and years and have no problems with them and then some "Einstein" thought that making fiberglass flexible was a good idea. For some who have used it...they may love it....and that is fine. BUT...IF the body of your car is rigid fiberglass/SMC why in the heck would you put something on it that "flex's"...if your whole idea is to stop waves. I don't get it....I guess I am not buying the marketing strategy for selling this "crap". I have installed them...due to customers buying them and asking me to install /paint them. I do not BUY into the idea that I have to CUT the flange in areas so I can get it to fit like the urethane. Cutting out structural integrity for visual issues is a "NO BRAINER" for me. Weakening the flange so the part will fit...that thought was by someone who IS NOT a bodyman...who is/are often times concerned about issues of structural intregity of a part. Remind you that...the bumper cover is not a part of impact resistance...all of that is behind it...but...making sure that the part is structurally sound SHOULD be a primary concern. For me... it HAS TO BE...becasue I warranty EVERYTHING I DO.

So if you are wanting it PERFECT. I can help you get there. I have some "tricks " that will get it to fit better than you could have imagined.
It will take a bit of work...which isn't really that hard...(eventhough I have done MANY) but will be well worth it if you follow my instructions...which will save you TIME. You will be getting years of experience...without having to do all of the "trial and error" like I have encountered. So when you are ready. have a pen and paper in hand and call me. There will be NO WAY I will type out this procedure. Verbal communication will work best...and you can call me as many times as needed...until you get it completed.....like many other forum members have done.

Call me...you will not be disappointed.
"DUB"
(704)394-5150 EST M-F 8:30-5:00 SAT (sometimes there 9:00ish-4:00ish)

 

Thank you all for all the input. I have just started building my man space inside of a small barn on my property. I just got 100 amp service, water and phone. Now all I have to do is insulate, wire, heat & cool, hang cabinets and stufffff.....then the Vette goes in.

Dub & porchdog, you guys are elected to be my gurus in this process. Thank you for your time and generosity.

Dub...I am hearing impaired and have great difficulity on the phone. I'm getting a new phone that is supposed to help with this problem. If it works, I'll be calling for your valuable info. on fitting the glass.

General George C. Patton once said of the battlefield "God help me I love it" !! I feel the same way about old Vettes.

 

General George C. Patton once said of the battlefield "God help me I love it" !! I feel the same way about old Vettes.
[/QUOTE]

I feel the same way about vettes and my Garand!

 

My urethane bumpers were decomposed, laying on the floor of the seller's garage. I installed Tru-flex. If I had to do over again, I would go with the fiberglass. "Flex" is a matter of opinion; they bend very little and I had to add glass to make them conform to the body. West Systems work on these things if you sand off the gel coat.

 

real corvettes are made from glass and real men dont wear bra's ....

i have hated rubber bumpers from day one . brand new they looked bad.

 

Alex/plus,
Any way I can be of service to you and your project. As for being hearing impaired...don't sweeat it...at least I won't. I will take what ever time is needed so you get my information...even if you feel you need to have another person talk to me and relay the information...or even tape the conversation. The choice is yours...but talking about what needs to be done is much faster...due to the amount of information I will be giving you for your car in this areas and other "tricks" you can do to make it better.
I wait to hear from you or get a PM so we can begin the process.

Nothing is better than a "man cave"....well maybe some things are...but I will leave that up to others imaginations.

I feel the same way "porchdog". Urethane bumpers were a mistake...in the early years...and NEVER would be RIGHT. But with advancements in technology...I am beginning to appreciate them when working on the new Corvettes. BUT...the older corvettes...FORGET IT.....give me fiberglass...and none of that "flex".....stuff.

"DUB"

 

Very kind of you Dub.....

May the gods of the toxic mist always lay it like glass.

Okay, I got me a new amplified phone so I think it'll work. I'm going to take you up on your generous offer and learn something about this process.

Be talking to ya soon..............Alex