1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

[John L.]

Hi all,
Has any one replaced a C3 1973 front bumper? Mine has a couple of cracks and just wondering if it would be easier trying to fix it? If not, what type of bumper would you recommend? Who supplies the best? My car still has the original paint that's in very good condition so would it be hard to match?

thanks
John

[Jack H.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

I had a 1973 years ago that had an original front bumper cover that had cracks, splits, and just generally looked very bad because it had sagged and lost its shape. Original bumper covers of that era didn't seem to last long due to materials used. Mine obviously needed to be replaced, but your mileage may vary. I don't remember where I sourced my replacement years ago, maybe Corvette Central, but it was a bit more rigid material but still flexible, and it fit well. Matching original paint is always a challenge, especially with metallics, so that is certainly a consideration.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

John-

I'm in the same boat. The bumper is 41 years old and the urethane has become brittle and shrunk to the point that a new crack develops every time I look at it sideways.

Your choices are a new urethane GM bumper, a hard fibreglass molded piece or a semi-flexible unit. The first is quite expensive and again, the clock is ticking on lifespan. The second is the easiest to fit but has no resistance to bumps and hits. The third is the most difficult to adapt but is not so fragile.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

The bumper is still available from GM part number 6263597. List price is high at app.$ 900. so you would want to get it at a discounted price. My 1973 still has it's original front bumper in nice condition. I realize it may be on the floor the next time I see it tho.

[John L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

thank you all.
I plan on doing a little more research. Don't know if a true-flex is the way to go saving some $$$$$ or paying the price for a GM original. Want to do it once.

thanks
John

[Rich C.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

I put on a TRU-Flex bumber on my '73. I'm very happy with it, it's been on the car probably 7 years now, still looks great. It may not be quite as pliable as urethane, but it has enough 'give' to look/feel pretty close. My car is silver metallic, and the paint matched up acceptably. Yup my original started with cracks and got worse each year, and finally disintegrated!

1973 LS-4 454 coupe, owned 24 years
1996 LT-4 Collector coupe owned 1 year
Smu ttynose 'Finestkind' IPA-currently on tap!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

........and again, the clock is ticking on lifespan.

Mike-------


Yes, but by the time it times out the second time around, it's not going to matter to just about anyone here!

[Robert R.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

John
As with earlier posts, yes the urethane cover is still available; relatively expensive and when you have it painted you will need flex agent added to the color, which will discolor over time like your original.
Best bet is the Tru Flex. One third the cost to buy and no additive needed when painted. It really allows the overall look of the front to have a nice clean look.
Bob

[John L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

Hi Bob,
your information sounds good to me. and yes, urethane is very expensive didn't know about the flex agent that needs to be added to the paint color, which will increase the total cost. I do like the overall color on the Tru - Flex bumpers as I have seen at a local Vette show. Where should I purchase one?

John

[John L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

Joe,
wow................. yes, but some of us might want to be buried in our Vettes, and they gotta be looking good!!

[Rich C.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

Speak for yourself! I'm not one of you "grey" guys! I don't know if Rik's Corvette parts is still around, but at the time they had the best price. They were in the $270 range.


1973 LS-4 454 coupe, owned 24 years
1996 LT-4 Collector coupe owned 1 year
Smu ttynose 'Finestkind' IPA-currently on tap!

[Robert R.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

Hi John
Corvette Central is who I bought from.
The person who installed it and painted my car said it he liked the Tru-Flex over either other option.
I listened and am still pleased with the results.

Bobimage.jpgSorry for the grainy look of this photo. iPads are great except for the camera.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

That front bumper is an interesting design - done for the '73 model year to meet the then new 2.5 MPH "crash" standard with no damage to safety equipment. (Some think no damage to any part of the car, but the MVSS just says no damage to "safety equipment" like lights.)

As reported in Corvette News the bumper assembly is attached to the frame with bolts that draw through a die to absorb energy. The trouble is, it's a one shot deal, so if the front ever takes a hit at 2.5 MPH or more those bolts will stretch permanently, which I imagine would displace the bumper assembly rearward and be easily noticeable.

In any event, if you replace the bumper cover you should also check out the bumper assembly mounting bolts and make sure they haven't been stretched.

The '73 design is my favorite C3. I like the clean, integrated look of the front end combined with the Kamm tail and traditional chromed steel rear bumpers.

Duke

[Robert R.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

Duke
My sentiments as well as the the design of the '73.
There was an interview article of Larry Shinoda with his statement that the '73 was his favorite as well. He added that he wanted the 68-72s to have the same look.

As to styling, this is one sleeper that will eventually be recognized for its unique silhouette.

As to the safety aspect, I had a 73 coupe that was a daily driver back in 1977. Was working for my uncle at a truck transport facility. Someone with a loaded pickup backed up and never hit the bumper, but did wipe out both headlamp assemblies.
Truly a sad day for me. And an expensive fix, even back then.

[John L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper, replace or not to replace

Hi Rich,
I'm not either but we are getting there. The Tru-Flux I see are around the $300 range. This will be my winter project, weather to nice around here to start this project.

thanks for your input.
John