The rear bumper is off and I would love to know which 2 piece replacement bumper is best. Considering quality and ease of installation? Any tricks guys? Also, on this all matching 1974 LS4 convertible in original condition, how bad does after market bumper effect value? I have many little things to fix and will search site for answers. Thanks.

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I just got my .74 out of the body shop.  They put on a fiberglass 2 piece bumper that is much nicer than the flexible poly-something or other bumper that was on it.  The owner told me he ordered most of  the parts from Mid America.  I tried to verify but their site is down right now.  I don't think the new one is discernable from original.  I think the new center braces came form Zips.  The previous repair had left them off.

It's hard to have a 40 year old car without having a bumper crunch.

Ray

Thanks. The fiberglass is a better choice.

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 The "Flexiglass", or "Truflex" bumper coversare a better choice. Still fiberglass, but they have a little "give" to them...they're flexible to an extent, and are easier to fit to the body than the solid fiberglass covers. They will also give a little without cracking if you happen to bump into something(or someone else bumps into you).
As far as I know, NO-one is reproducing the two piece rear cover in the original urethane, but the front cover is still available in urethane....for a price....$$$$

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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Zip Corvette has one-piece rear bumpers that have a fake seam down the middle to resemble the original two-piece.  Don't have any experience with them.  About $360 plus shipping.

I don't see how a replacement rear bumper would significantly lower the value of our cars... 

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"Let them that don't want none have memories of not gettin' any."
- Brother Dave Gardner

My 74 is in the body shop right now for rear bumper replacement. It went in the shop Sept. 24th. It took until last week for the shop to get the 2 piece bumper from Eckler's who is one of the best places to get them. Many other vendors use Eckler's parts. Unfortunately the 2 piece bumpers are in short supply depending on the type fiberglass construction. Do your homework to be sure you get the correct type and verify when it is available.

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DanT

Thanks. How much is labor from a mechanic? Or how many hours to be fair? I wish I had a choice but the bumper is off now. I have all the hardware and letters. I have read here and there that the bumper replacement job leaves no room for errors. Maybe a job for a carpenter. That being said, I am a better mechanic than carpenter. My 20 year old son is a natural at mechanics and has not learned how to lose his cool yet. The measurements for drill holes are critical.

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My estimate shows 4.5 hours labor to replace bumper and 2 hours labor to paint. But, the word from my body guy is that it was a minor nightmare to get fitted properly. I replaced the front bumper myself and it also took quite a bit of filing and grinding to get a reasonable fit. Cost will depend on what the hourly labor rate is of the shop you use. GOOD LUCK!!

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DanT