Topic: Flex front bumper
in Forum: C3 Body
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
I bought a used front bumper for my 81. One end seems to fit fine but the other looks to be about and inch short. Would the bumper shrink over time off the car?
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)

Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
IF it is an original style, urethane cover, it will stretch to fit somewhat. It really depends on how dried out it is, as to how far you can tweek it without creating a new problem. The urethane covers were never a perfect fit from the factory to start with, so a little bit of mis-match is gonna be there in some areas.
Urethane covers will shrink over time, but prolly not that much. You'll need to try to "center" it to get the best fit on both ends, and you may wind up doing some bodywork on the body to get it perfect, if that's what you're looking for....
Urethane covers will shrink over time, but prolly not that much. You'll need to try to "center" it to get the best fit on both ends, and you may wind up doing some bodywork on the body to get it perfect, if that's what you're looking for....

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"
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
If you need to do body work to make your bargain bumper fit, it might be time to consider a new Tru-Flex bumper. They fit better, don't sag or shrink, and are cheaper than urethane.
Larry
Larry

Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
I have flaws in both front and rear in my '81 that all showed up when I had it painted (too late to replace), but after some of the bumpers I've seen, I was afraid to buy used even though they were said to be in good condition.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
Click to see larger views!
Former Member
Send PM
Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Fixed??
Dan
Former Member
Send PM
Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Did you get the info I sent you?? Was it helpful?
Dan

Hey Dan thanks I did get the info. I will get you the pic's soon. That bargain bumper came with the impact bar and the honeycomb for a $100.00 that was a price I could not pass up. If Jimmy and I can not get it to look good then the flex will be the next option. In to days economic times the cheap rout must be the first option.
Former Member
Send PM
Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Price was right! Want more 81 Info?
in Forum: C3 Body
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)