Topic: Front Bumper Cover
in Forum: C3 Body
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Guys, I'm ready to order a replacement front bumper cover. Mine had a few cracks, and I was going to let it go until this winter, BUT - while attempting to put my 74 on ramps to do some lighting repair I drove over the ramps and through the back of my garage. A very humbling moment, I can tell you that. The majority of the damage was to the garage but, needless to say, the bumper cover is not going to make it to winter. I would appreciate some guidance to point me in the right direction, I don't want to "cheap out" on this repair nor do I have a grand, or more, for OEM parts. Thanks in advance for your help.
Bob Dyson
Twin Mountain, New Hampshire
1974 L48 Coupe
"Engineers design, technicians analyze, and mechanics just fix the darn thing."
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
I'm going to go with the OEM urethane when I replace mine before painting it again. I just didn't want to have to deal with the fitting of a fiberglass or a Tru-Flex bumper cover.
1973 L-82 4 spd
I just ordered a new Bumper for my 1980 project car from ACI fiberglass in Ohio, they will bring it to Carlisle for me so there is no shipping.
Great people to deal with, give em a call.
ebo
ebo
If your not going to the show I can pick it up for you, a buddy and C3VR member from Rhode Island will be with me and we can transport it that far for you.....
ebo
Lifetime MemberModerator
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
Before buying anything, you absolutely MUST verify the part is for a '73-'74 Corvette. No other year covers will work, regardless of what they say....(unless you have changed the front clip of the car to a later one). The '73/4 front bumpers, urethane covers, and cover attachment bracketry are completely different from any of the later cars.
Also...don't believe the myth about the urethane covers being easier to fit than the 'glass covers. Sure, they are flexible, and easier to massage into place, but the fact is they will not ever fit perfectly....they dint when they were new. Plus, if you happen to find an original, NOS OE cover, it will be so brittle it will prolly not last more than a year or so....and will be reaaaaaly 'spensive. The True Flex covers seem to be the best compromise. Just be aware that whichever type you get, it WILL involve some bodywork if you want it to look good. 
btw...when I restored my '74, I did find an original, GM urethane front cover(in 1997)...even then, it cost me over $600. It's been on the car since then, and been stored in the garage with very few exceptions since....and the cover is already cracking....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I used the Tru-Flex on my 74 and it was no major problem, nothing worse than some filing and sanding to make a reasonably good fit. Be sure you get all the mounting hardware too, you wont be able to salvage any of the old stuff.
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DanT
I had Tru-Flex put on front and back a few years ago and they came out fine. I know there was a fair amount persuading, sanding and swearing but the shop did a great job.
Tru-Flex (Toledo Pro Fiberglass) was bought out by ACI (also in Toledo) a few years ago and now sells both fiberglass and the Tru-Flex bumpers.
Good luck with your project and keep us posted ….
in Forum: C3 Body
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