Hey guys,

I ahve a few questions... I'm going to be getting my new bumpers soon.... I was wondering....

I'm going to get FIBERGLASS bumpers. I have a 1977, I was going to go with an 80's style REAR bumper, I.E. THIS:

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=10341&dept%5F id=1443
When I put that on my '77, do I need the tail lamp conversion kit? I.E. This:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=A6874&dept%5F id=1384
I mean, is that for the 'bubled' look or, do I need it to work with the 80's style bumper... Also do I need to get new retainers for botht eh front, adn the rear, or can I jsut use the original ones? If I do, can anyone give me direct Eckler's part numbers for the retainers I would nedd? THere are several...

Thanks again guys,
-Louis

I have an 82 and I believe my standard tail lights are the same as your 77. The bubble lights are special and would look cool on your vette.

Sounds like there is an upgrade package to put the 80 bumper on a 77. Give them a call and see if you need it.

Lou,

You need the whole shootin match for the conversion. I would go with fiberglass. I replaced my from nose with glass and molded it in for no seems. I did the rear with a OEM 80 bumper an molded it in as well. I would have bought glass for both but I ran across the rear bumper at Bloomigton Gold at their swap meet and got it bought for $75.00 lights included.
I know that someday it will crack out and have to be replaced but I could'nt turn it away at the time. I would have ended up having to buy the lights anyway. I put the louvers over the tailights for more of a shark lookin effect yet. If you view my link you can see the end results.

Thanks Dave, and Larry...

Larry... I really dig that no seem look. I'm gonna go with the 80's style bumper... but I'm gonna save myslef the $80, and keep teh OEM lights. I like those a bit better over the bubbled anyways. However, I'm still confused abotut he retainers. I looked again... how does steel go bad if there isn;t any rust? I bet I could use the original retainers.

Lou,

Sorry I didn't look at your web attachment. I'm not sure why they are trying to sell you the bubble lights. These aren't normal for the 80-82 bumper. This kit is usually sold for 75-79 vettes. I believe your light housings will fit in the 80-82 bumper although I'm not sure about the depth. I think the 80-82 light housings may not be as tall as the 75-79. This would result in the lenses possibly sticking out further where as the stock 80-82 housing are recessed about 2 inchs from the outer edge of the bumper mold. I will try and check this out on mine on Monday. (I have both sets in the garage.)
As far as the retainers go they take all of the water that seeps in between the bumper and body. Unless yours is different it will be pretty rusty when you begin to remove the bumper from the car. It won't take a whole lot and they will probally break apart into pieces. No more than this is I would recommend buying a new retainer. If you have the time to wait it out go ahead and pull your bumpers off and see what you have left. If it works out and you can save the retainers great if not you'll have to order them and wait.
Start spriying down the nuts on the backside now. These are hard to get out and they generally want to spin or twist. If the do chances are you'll break the retainer.

I also have the fiberglass bumpers and no seams,and get a lot of

compliments about the look

I just came from the body shop after getting a paint estimate.  The owner is advising me to get the fiberglass bumpers.   I have the flex fit vinyl bumpers, I'm thinking they are original on my 77.  I counted 7 layers of paint when I stripped the back bumper.  I knew at that point I was willing to pay for someone else to do the rest of the body work!!

Sounds like everyone says fiberglass is the way to go!!  Just want to here some more thoughts on the idea before I order the new fiberglass bumpers.  

Thanks, Mel

Hey Mel,

I may me young, and still learning. But after doing much research, and having discussions... yes fiberglass is the way to go. Easier, and cleaner install. Those flix fits are a pain to work with. Not to mention those retainer strips can get pretty pricy. With new Fiberglass bumpers all you have to do is get a $25 kit of hardware idividual retainers. So, you also save money there.

This is what you're to need...
When Ecklers website comes up from being disabled I'll post some aprt numbers for you.

 

-Louis

Mel,
If you use the individual retainer strips I would bondo them in place or place or glass over them before you try to install the bumper. This keeps the thing from moving around on you. There isn't much room to work with so any tricks you can come up with are helpful.

Louis,
I checked the 76/77 tailight lens / housings in comparison to the 80/82 taillight lens housings. They will work fine in your new bumper. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner...

Louis,  Thanks!!  I thought I would have to change out the retainers.  When I got the car the rear bumper was off the car.  I unfortunatly bought the rear set of retainers for the flex bumper.  Looks like I will have lot of stuff for Ebay when I finish this project.!  At least the retainers for the fiberglass is cheaper!!  

Larry, fortunately the guy at the body shop said he would install the bumpers if I  supplied them. That was included in the estimate!!  I know there is very little room to work in there around those retainers.  I'm in a race to finish before this years gathering!!!!

Guys, thanks for your advice...sooooooo glad I found C3VR!!!!

Mel