Repair or replace?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Repair or replace?
I am wondering is the a repair or replace? From what I understand this car is original and I would like to keep it that way if possible. Could you all give me your thoughts?
Scott
Scott
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
The urethane material from the '70s gets brittle over time and there is no repair for it. You can purchase a replacement urethane bumper cover for about $550 or a fiberglass bumper cover for about $360. The urethane cover will fit an look like original, the fiberglass cover will require some minor mods for a good fit. The fiberglass cover will look better, no waves and it will last a lot longer although not as "hit" resistant. From my experience ACI has the best quality fiberglass parts. You should be able to blend the bumper paint into the body for a good match. This car was still lacquer, and I blended base/clear about 30" into the body on both ends.
If the front cover is still original, it may start cracking as well. If you are going to keep the car for a long time, consider replacing both while the paint gun is out.
If the front cover is still original, it may start cracking as well. If you are going to keep the car for a long time, consider replacing both while the paint gun is out.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
The urethane material from the '70s gets brittle over time and there is no repair for it. You can purchase a replacement urethane bumper cover for about $550 or a fiberglass bumper cover for about $360. The urethane cover will fit an look like original, the fiberglass cover will require some minor mods for a good fit. The fiberglass cover will look better, no waves and it will last a lot longer although not as "hit" resistant. From my experience ACI has the best quality fiberglass parts. You should be able to blend the bumper paint into the body for a good match. This car was still lacquer, and I blended base/clear about 30" into the body on both ends.
If the front cover is still original, it may start cracking as well. If you are going to keep the car for a long time, consider replacing both while the paint gun is out.
If the front cover is still original, it may start cracking as well. If you are going to keep the car for a long time, consider replacing both while the paint gun is out.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
Urethane is a yellowish color, like the color at the bottom of those gouges. If it was replaced sometime in the history of the car, it may still be pliable and still have some life left in it.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
I haven't repaired any of these since the '70s, GM had a special kit back then. Modern bumper covers use a variety of compounds and therefore different repair kits for each type. I don't know what code these old ones are.
Here's how I look at yours, if you repair the front bumper cover it will need to be painted and that will cost a few hundred dollars. If it cracks in a year or two you'll have to buy a new bumper and go through the paint process again. If it's in the budget, I would recommend new front and rear covers and do the job once. If not just touch-up the front cover.
Here's how I look at yours, if you repair the front bumper cover it will need to be painted and that will cost a few hundred dollars. If it cracks in a year or two you'll have to buy a new bumper and go through the paint process again. If it's in the budget, I would recommend new front and rear covers and do the job once. If not just touch-up the front cover.
