Hi guys (and gals),

TTT...

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I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

They are available through many Corvette parts suppliers. Mid America carries a Reproduction Rear Bumper 1980 -82 that will fit 1974-79 www.mamotorworks.com Corvette Central carries a ZR-1 Style Rear Bumper that will fit 1974-82 and a SE Rear Bumper that will fit 1974-82 www.corvettecentral.com Corvette America carries a 1980-82 Rear Bumper that will fit 1974-79 www.corvetteamerica.com Hope this will help you out.  

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Aaron

CLICK HERE to enlarge picture

Take your old tail and take a template for the bolt holes for the new 80 tail.

All rear quarter panels from 74 to 82 are the same, so you should have no problem.  Many cars of that vintage have had body work poorly done, so the body is a different width.  You mention having to fix bonding strips, so that might be the opportunity to get everything right.   Most aftermarket bumpers are correct dimensions, but you might want to find another 74-82 Corvette to compare to before assuming your bumper is right.  There are catalyzed repair kits for urethane bumpers that can be used to build up a little difference.

I measured across the top outside holes of a car we have here, and they are 49 3/8" center to center.  The first holes down the side are an additional 2 1/4" per side.  I hope that helps.

Good luck.
Larry 

You will have to run the 80-82 style tail light set up.

Hi Mike,

What do you want to know? Let's start..... the 81-82 bumper will fit just fine. I would buy the rear Bumper Retainer Kit .

Buy the full piece sides because they fit better than the individual pieces.


You will need to remove the impact pads from the rear pan because they will rub the new bumper skin.

Be prepared to work with the bumper (on again off again) to het proper fitment. There will most likely need to be some trimming / grinding /sanding done to make it look satisfactory.

Either sets of tailights will work depending on your taste. You will need to use the appropriate rear mounting box / bracket.

I used the 80 style because they came with the bumper and I wanted to use tailight louvers.

If you want to see some pics you can look at my photo album. If you need additional pics I will take some for you if necessary. If you need additional information just ask I would be happy to help.

Good Luck!                         Tux...

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


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Hi guys, thanks for the replies.  When I tried to trial fit the urethane bumper cover, I discovered that the two side bumperette reinforcements definately had to come off.  After that, I found that it rubbed the center rubber impact strip that runs along the reinforcement so I took that off.  That looked like it might work but the center reinforcement still rubbed against the cover enough to slightly distort the cover.  Also there was a huge gap between the mounting location for the taillights.  Looks like I would have to change those boxes too?  I'm seriously thinking about buying a fiberglass cover and molding it right into the body but leaving as much reinforcement as possible for safety.  I know that there are disadvantages such as it shattering but I really don't like the warp and wave of the urethane as it ages. 

I was wondering if tru-flex style fiberglass bumpers with flex agent in it can be Mar-glassed to the body without any problems.  I found a tech article here: http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/corp_0805_chevrolet_corvette_c3_replacement_bumper/index.html but I'm not sure if they're using a solid fiberglass bumper of Tru-flex. Can anyone who has molded bumpers tell me how it's done?  Thanks for the help!  Mike Rivetteman2008-10-29 14:12:01

Mike,

My bumper is an OEM 80 bumper I molded in. I got such a deal on it and the lights as a piece I couldn't resist giving it a try. I used a GM bonding glue between the top of the panels because it is flexible.

I used Dura Glass bondo which is essentially the same as the article. It is a mixture of bondo and fiberglass. Ihave ahd the bumper on now for 5 years and there has been no signs of cracking to date.

When this bumper gets the wave and the material finally does begin to crack it will be replaced with fiberglass and molded in.

The molding process is pretty simple if a person is brave enogh to apply the resin and lay the matte. Once that hardens fill with DuraGlass, sand, prime, sand, spot fill, sand, prime, paint.

Sounds like a long process but it is pretty simple.

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


(Click on image to see a bigger version)