73 Front Bumber

[Calvin C.]

I recently purchase a 73 BB convertible, needs work. The owner purchased what he said is a GM replacement front bumper, that I have, How I can I tell if it is nos. Also I have read that a fiberglass one or something similar would be better. Any suggestions.
cal

[Michael W.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

A GM bumper is made of urethane and is very soft and flexible. There will be a 7 digit part number inside, stating with a "3".

Whether the aftermarket rigid or semi-flexible bumpers are 'better' depends on whether you are after an accurate restoration or not. The aftermarket bumpers are easy to spot on a car.

[Calvin C.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

Can you spot them easier because they fit better? I want to keep the car original, but not if a semi flexable bumber means less upkeep, and longer lasting. Is it allowed in judging or is it a deduct.
Cal

[Michael W.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

A rigid bumper usually looks 'too perfect' and has none of the waviness of the original. Upkeep is not a factor, the originals usually last 25-30 years before they become brittle.

Yes, there will be a deduction in judging. In general, everything is "allowed" in NCRS judging, but if it deviates in some way from what was originally installed, there will usually be a deduction proportional to the degree of deviation. It's rarely a black or white issue.

[Calvin C.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

Thanks Mike I have the softone I had just heard horror stories about the old ones and how much better the harder ones are.
cal

[Calvin C.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

my front urathane bumper says INLAND 6263597, is this an aftermarket
cal

[Michael W.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

That is the part number I have in my AIM and is the only GM part number I know of.

Sorry about thinking it started with a '3', I must have NCRS disease

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

Cal I have a new GM in the box and will check to see what number is on it. I know of hard fiberglass,Tru- flex, and soft GM but their may be others. Lyle

[John H.]

Re: 73 Front Bumper

"Inland" is the Inland Division of GM - they were the original bumper cover supplier; Inland later disappeared when the smaller divisions were absorbed into the Delphi organization, which adds and shucks business units almost weekly.