OK Guys I had a nut case back into my 82 rear bumper and left not leaving a note. That being said the question I have has anyone used the EZ Flex bumper covers? If so would you recommend them over the original type bumpers? Any pros and cons?

 

The factory style urethane bumpers is the fastest way to do a bumper when it comes to fitting. This is because the part is flexible and made form specific tooling. All holes are drilled out. The downside to it is the prep of the raw urethane. It is not that bad but procedures should be followed so you get excellent cleanliness for primer adhesion. These bumpers can buckle and wrap a bit when thy get hot if you are not careful when installing the fasteners. The fasteners do not need to be tightened so much. On the 75-79 bumpers ...the impact bar spacing is important due to the taillight housing secure to the supports that attach to it.

Flex bumpers....I have installed one and that is all I am going to install. Reason being...I can not wrap my head around WHY the companies want you to cut the flange so you can move the bumper to fit...and I KNOW it has to be done...but that does not mean I have to 'buy into' that mentality...BECAUSE

The rigid fiberglass bumpers is what I use because that is what was available IF you did not want urethane bumpers. Back in the day....BEFORE the 'bean counters' got involved so the companies could make more $$$.... the bumpers were really something. They had body and were really good. And as I have seen...many of the companies that made really good parts...have gotten them so thin...they need to have fiberglass and resin added to them to give them some strength again.

I know what I like and I have done so many rigid fiberglass bumpers...I know what to check and what to do to get them correct.

DUB

 

I replaced both bumpers on my 1980 with the GM Restoration Urethane Bumpers sold by Ecklers. As Dub said, they have all the mounting holes and tail light holes already done. There is still some fitting required in sanding off some material around the edges. For prepping the bumpers I used a sanding paste, followed with an adhesion promoter from Bulldog and PPG epoxy primer. No problems with the paint holding up on both bumpers.

I did purchase a rear urethane bumper for my 1979 that was not tall enough to fit. So not all urethane bumpers may work well and I suspect the lower priced reproduction bumpers may be more difficult to work with.