Differences of C2 bumpers...

[Irby G.]

from year to year and also repro's. I'm looking at getting some already chromed bumpers. Here in Hawaii, they want $350 per bumper to rechrome. I'm wanting to get some original '63's. What are some of the things need to look out for? Thanks

[Stephen L.]

Re: Differences of C2 bumpers...

$350 is not out of the question for replating original bumpers.... If they are replatable, I'd do that over purchasing new or someone else's rejects, as they'll more than likely need replating too.

Aftermarket bumpers are somewhat thinner material.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Differences of C2 bumpers...

I had my rears rechromed many years ago and, in the process, some of the weld joints opened up several years later showing pits/rust in the seam. It is barely noticeable, but I know it's there. Apparently the cleaning process erroded some of the weld and the replating didn't cover it well enough. Also, it is common for older/original bumpers to have a fair amount of corrosion on the inside (as did mine) and you may have to re-tap the welded in mounting nuts. Most of mine cleaned up pretty good (1976), but one bolt broke off and I ended up having to use a self tapping bolt after drilling out the stub. I did my rears then as, "back in the day", the hi-test leaded gas really did a job on the chrome what with all kinds of spider webing, etc. My fronts are still original and look good as new.

Stu Fox

[Jim L.]

Interchangeable parts won't.

If you have bumpers that fit your car and if there is any way to replate them, I'd suggest doing so.

30+ years ago I did a rear bumper swap between two '63s (moving a trailer hitch from one car to another). Each bumper fit its original car perfectly. None of the bumpers would fit the other car without some serious "realignment" of the holes in the fiberglass and adjusting of the bracketry.

It wasn't a fun project.

Jim

[Randy R.]

Re: Differences of C2 bumpers...

I am trying to align my front bumpers and am having a difficult time. The LH was replaced years ago because of damage in a fender bender. (I still have the damaged one and have straightened it as much as I can.) The RH was retained. I think they are GM bumpers.
When I try to bolt the bumpers up for a trial fit, nothing is symetrical. The location of the mounting brackets are different for each bumper. I checked the measurements of a repro set and the brackets on the LH and RH don't match.
If I could determine what the correct location of the mounting brackets, I could modifiy the incorrect ones but I don't have that information. Has anybody been through this process?

Randy