1973 Front Bumper Replacement

[Charles P.]

Well it finally happened. The front bumper has cracked and will need replacement. It cracked just off center of the middle which mimics a pic that was posted on an earlier thread location wise almost EXACTLY. Has anyone recently installed the replacement urethane bumper lately. It is slightly less expensive then the GM OEM replacement ($512 vs $699). Which should I choose?
My car is original and has the original hardware and substructure present which I would like to keep. Yes I know I will probably be replacing again in 20 years

Second question; Is it best to fully install the bumper and then paint when using the urethane.

Tis

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

I paint them before installation however that doesn't mean it's the best way to do it. The replacement is gray in color whereas the OEM is black as were they originally. It also is much flimsier than the GM cover. My personal choice would be to spend the extra and get the OEM. (I have both on hand for my personal inspection)

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

I paint them before installation however that doesn't mean it's the best way to do it. The replacement is gray in color whereas the OEM is black as were they originally. It also is much flimsier than the GM cover. My personal choice would be to spend the extra and get the OEM. (I have both on hand for my personal inspection)

Russ and Charles-------

Folks with 1973's are indeed fortunate that the GM bumper is still available. I'd DEFINITELY go that way even if the price difference over the repro was much greater. In this case, the original has lasted 42 years. If the replacement lasts another 42 years, I don't think what happens next will be a concern.

As far as I know, the original urethane bumpers were painted off the car at St. Louis. I definitely think that's the best way to do it.

By the way, the above-referenced bumper cover is applicable to only 2 model years----1973 and 1974. It's been almost 42 years since the last one of those cars was built. This bumper cover has thus been available in SERVICE for more than 42 years under the original part number. Just how much longer do you suppose that's going to continue? This piece has got to be close to the top of the GMSPO "hit list". 1973-74 owners take heed.

[Rich C.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

WP_20151218_15_34_43_Pro.jpgWP_20151218_15_34_53_Pro.jpg


Tru-Flex bumper installed about 10 years ago!


1973 LS-4 454 owned 26 years
1996 LT-4 CE Coupe owned 3 years
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale currently on tap!

[Charles P.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Okay you are "nudging" me to the GM bumper. As a side note I called my local dealer and he said I was crazy when I told him it was still be made. Should I be going through GM Parts Direct?
Also is there any special considerations I need to let my painter know about with the GM bumper? (i.e. flex agent) which I have seen discussed elsewhere.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Flex agent is the only one that I know of.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Okay you are "nudging" me to the GM bumper. As a side note I called my local dealer and he said I was crazy when I told him it was still be made. Should I be going through GM Parts Direct?
Also is there any special considerations I need to let my painter know about with the GM bumper? (i.e. flex agent) which I have seen discussed elsewhere.

Charles-------


Tell him to order a GM #6263597. Still available from GM (unless it's been discontinued in the last 3 weeks).

[Charles P.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Okay I will try another dealer in the morning. As an aside-- someone is selling a grey version of this bumper PN 6263597 on our favorite online auction. Is that the flimsier version then the black GM part you are talking about Russ?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Okay I will try another dealer in the morning. As an aside-- someone is selling a grey version of this bumper PN 6263597 on our favorite online auction. Is that the flimsier version then the black GM part you are talking about Russ?

Charles------


You could use the same dealer; just give him the part number. You might even be able to embarrass them into giving you a bigger discount.

I don't know what the color is of the current GM part. The originals and SERVICE for many year were black. However, that could have changed.

Many times folks advertise parts on eBay as "GM" or "OEM". That characterization is not always accurate. If it comes in a GM box or has a GM parts label attached, then you're pretty sure (but not certain as mischief is still possible). No GM box or GM label= suspicious.

I've seen folks selling GM parts on eBay that are packaged one to a box. However, they state that the box is not included. I wonder why they want to keep the box? I would NEVER, EVER buy such a part even if I knew it was authentic.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Yes, That is the one.

Okay I will try another dealer in the morning. As an aside-- someone is selling a grey version of this bumper PN 6263597 on our favorite online auction. Is that the flimsier version then the black GM part you are talking about Russ?

[Charles P.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

I just called another Chevrolet dealer and they said the part is still available. I will keep you posted and fingers crossed as it takes 5-7 days and must be prepaid.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

When I painted my '73 (my first Corvette) in 1992, I removed the bumper to paint it and the car. Off the car is the only way to properly prep and paint the mating "flange" on the bumper and body of the car. I shot the car in lacquer then just added flex agent to shoot the bumper. At least back then, the paint manufacturer offered flex agent for their paint. Using the same paint as the body ensures a good color match.

Joe may know more about this, but just because a part is still available doesn't mean it's still being made. It could be 40 year old NOS stock. Some parts are out of production but available until stock runs out. Other parts they may continue producing with the original tooling because of demand. Or a service replacement may be offered which differs from the original in some way (for example an ignition coil).

The cars I've seen with cracked bumpers either suffered an impact or looked like they were left in the sun a lot (they also had faded paint, interiors, trim). I would guess a garaged car with a "new" NOS utherene bumper should last many years without cracking if installed properly. Avoid stressing the skin by over torquing the attaching studs.

Instead of accepting list price at the dealer, you might ask them if you are eligible for some sort of discount. You might be surprised. If you're a member of a local Chevy club, they may have a discount at a sponsoring dealer. What you save may fund the annual club dues. Some dealers offer a discount for AAA and AARP (if you're old like me ).

As an NCRS member I should know if there's some sort of discount for us. Is there?

Enjoy your '73. It's one of my favorite years.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Do not buy the urethane bumper Eck.... sells it is so flexable it has no shape. It cost me a $100. lesson to see one in person. I made a wooden jig to hold the bumper for painting off the car with no problems three times. The last time for my 73 in the National Corvette Museum. The GM bumpers are made new yet as the box was dated within the last year and is the only way to go for a urethane bumper.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Do not buy the urethane bumper Eck.... sells it is so flexable it has no shape. It cost me a $100. lesson to see one in person. I made a wooden jig to hold the bumper for painting off the car with no problems three times. The last time for my 73 in the National Corvette Museum. The GM bumpers are made new yet as the box was dated within the last year and is the only way to go for a urethane bumper.

Lyle,

What are you recommending if not urethane? I guess an aftermarket hard fiberglass nose can be used. They look fine but the car is no longer original and the body is very vulnerable to the slightest impact.

I didn't have any problems with the bumper being too flexible on my '73. No jig needed while prepping or painting other than a stand to place it on while working.

[Ralph S.]

Re: 1973 Front Bumper Replacement

Mark, What caused to bumper to break recently. My 73 still has the original front bumper