Are you certain you got all of the fasteners off? The '74 is a different animal than any of the other rubber bumper cars. Then again, it may be that the cover and braces have fused themselves to the body. I remember having to learn a few new werds when removing mine years ago...

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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Joel
I took another look. It looks like whatever metal reinforcing pieces were supposed to be in the corners are not there. I have a 1974 Corvette build manual and it shows them. I am thinking they didn't have them so to make it rigid they bonded the pieces. I found another site where it showed this being do on a drag car to save weight. If I can't get the cover off, It is a fiberglass replacement, I will repair it in place and paint it. I can't even get a razor blade in the joint. It is very tight. If the bond is strong enough I may fill the joint and make it appear seamless. One source said to cut it off if I was going to replace it with Tru-flex. I don't think I'm up for that.


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It has been over a year since I started. I had to quit the project so the car just sat in the garage. I was able to get started again in May 2012. As of July 27 2012 I have done the fiberglass repairs and applied Slick Sand High Build Primer.




https://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/14401_14500/14470/Doors-off-(Copy)201261111476r.jpg

I have a fiberglass front bumper that is molded in. I did glue mine with a GM bonding glue prior to the glasswork. This was reccomended to do so by the bodyshop I chose. So I wouldn't be surprised if you would find the same.

Depending on your crack I agree with the other folks that I would repair the glass on the car. It is very do-able and not too tuff.

Sand - clean - resin - glass matte - a lil more resin - Duraglass (bondo) - sand - prime - sand - paint...



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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


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Thanks Tux
It appears this front cover was bonded. I think I might be able to finish that process and do away with the seam altogether. I am not sure how to finish the seam tho. If I just use "Bondo" will it eventually show as a crack? It there a better product to finish the seam.
The seam is very tight. I cannot fit a razor blade in there in most of it.


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It has been over a year since I started. I had to quit the project so the car just sat in the garage. I was able to get started again in May 2012. As of July 27 2012 I have done the fiberglass repairs and applied Slick Sand High Build Primer.




https://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/14401_14500/14470/Doors-off-(Copy)201261111476r.jpg

Well Bill -N- Nashville.... (like the screen name.....) as I said above.

"Sand - Clean - Resin - Fiber Matte - More Resin - Duraglass (a specific bondo with fiberglass mixed in it. Duraglass is the brand.) - Sand - Primer - Sand - Paint.

To be honest the glue most likely will hold everything except the corners. There isn't enough additional bracing to deter the flex & vibration.

But don't run the risk..... wrap er in glass.

As for a lil secret.... My back bumper is urethane and molded in. (LOL)

I wanted a 80 - 82 style bumper to give the car more of the 68-72 old school look. I was at Bloomington Gold when I ran into a guy who had this bumper complete with lights for $80.00.

I knew I would need the lights and the would have cost me that much anyplace else if not more. I bought it from him and bought the rest of my ACI products from the show. They shipped everything straight to my body shop.

When this bumper dies I will pull it off and replace it with the same style of molded in fiberglass bumper.

But it might be sooner as I am contemplating some changes to the rear of the car.....

I think it needs to be a lil more old school and show off a lil more muscle......
                                                                                Tux... Tuxblacray2010-07-16 13:32:33

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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


(Click on image to see a bigger version)

Thanks Tux
I needed that encouragement. I don't own a body shop. I'm a carpenter and wannabee songwriter

But I have a fair amount of skill and patience with my hands. One thing concerns me is the lack of metal reinforcing that has bee removed from the front end. I think I will order the parts and install them. That should stiffen it up pretty good.
I have an 80's style fiberglass rear bumper cover. It has a small bit of damage on the drivers side, It is easily repairable. (Granddaughter's teenage boyfriend backed into it in my driveway) I don't know if it is bonded on or not. I was thinking of replacing it with the original style Tru-flex but I do like the spoiler. I agree it gives it more the 68-72 look. I might leave it the more I think of it but the previous owner used two tail light lens the same, no backup lights. I'll be fixing that if I can.
You can see the small damage in this picture It's at the bottom of the bumber

BillinNashville2010-07-16 15:04:54

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It has been over a year since I started. I had to quit the project so the car just sat in the garage. I was able to get started again in May 2012. As of July 27 2012 I have done the fiberglass repairs and applied Slick Sand High Build Primer.




https://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/14401_14500/14470/Doors-off-(Copy)201261111476r.jpg

I agree that you should fiberglass the front bumper in place.  If you do, you certainly do not need the metal reinforcements too.  I would also fix the rear one on the car.

Larry

Okay, so while we're talking about '74 bumpers and installation, I am in the process of fitting a urethane front bumper on my '74. It is a pain-in-the-a__ (that would be arm). The metal reinforcing framework is tough to work into the bumper tabs and through the front of the car. It is all hooked up except for the two nuts on the upper outermost bolts. If anybody has an easy way to get to those two which are up behind the body reinforcement, I would welcome the advise on any method to get to them.

Small hands, and a large bucket o patience...
Raise the headlights UP...that will give you more room, if you haven't already. It also helps to be able to do stuff with your eyes closed...since there's not a chance in hades that you'll be able to see the studs AND get your hand up in there....


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

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

Yep, you've obviously been there.