Topic: Chrome bumpers on '69 don't fit
in Forum: C3 Body
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Hi, I wonder should there be any gaps between the chromed bumpers (front/rear) and the plasic body on 1969 corvette ? I've tried both USA/Import bumpers and they don't fit well. You can see something like this on bumper corners on the pic attached. Is there any way to make it fit normaly ? this:

SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
My 69 has original bumpers on it and they fit ok..I think you are talking about the corners fitting right over top of the ridge protruding from the fiberglass body? On mine one side fits really good and on the other side like Marks car you have the picture of it is out a little..that's how mine is also..I think you can loosen all the bolts that the bumper has on them and adjust them untill they have even gaps all around..probably the best way to get one that fits well is to find an original one try it on your car for fit and if it does fit the way you want get it chrome plated..if it doesn't fit exactly the way you want bend it now( before you get it chromed ) to fit the way you want then chrome it..I haven't had any experience in buying new bumpers so I can't say what brand will fit out of the box..but I know there are a bunch out there as there were tons of used bumpers at Carlisle show this year..and Ebay and such..
Rich

My first parade at Carlisle 2010
My original bumpers on my '70 fit just like in the picture. They were production cars, and very little was perfect. On my '71 they fit perfectly, after spending many $$ on getting them to fit just right with no dimples and having the rechromed.

Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
The one in your picture is considered acceptable. You can bend it a little to get it to fit even better. Make soft (wood or ??) to fit the end and clamp it in a vice. Then just pull on hte rest of the bumper until it bends just a little. Repeat until you are happy. You should be able to do it without damaging the chrome.
Larry
Larry
The reality is the C3s were not too precise in fiberglass fit. They are all a bit different. It depends on how much it bothers you, and what you are willing to do to get it where you want. Or take Larry's advice and get it close enough to make you happy. In reality, yours is not really a problem, but yes, it can be better.
in Forum: C3 Body
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)