I have to replace the front bumper on my 75. What the difererence in instalation process for urethane,fiberglass,and E-Zee fiberglass. Should I paint or prime the new bumper before I put it on? I am getting the whole car painted in june. I guest what am asking witch is easier for someone without a garage. RNB2008-02-29 17:52:17

The actual install is pretty much the same on all of them. The difference will be that the fiberglass, and flexible glass ones will most likely need some grinding/filling to match the contours of the body, whereas the urethane cover is flexible enough to move it around to match the fenderline easier, without any bodywork.
If you are using the urethane cover, I would wait until you were ready to paint the car to paint the cover. Since it is quite flexible, the paint will crack if it is moved around too much while installing it. You should install a urethane cover to make sure it will fit properly, and make any adjustments needed before painting it.

The 'glass covers can be painted off the car, either now, or later when you do the rest of the car. You still need to "fit" them to the car, and do any grinding/filling/sanding that is needed before having it painted.

When I did the '74, I installed the urethane front cover, but used 'glass rear covers(two piece). I fit the rear covers as best I could, and then the body-shop did the final fitment, which involved some grinding and filling on the covers, and a little bit of grinding on the body, to make it all line up nicely. The front urethane cover fit as well as the original, and no further adjustments were needed.
So really, the answer is, in my opinion, the urethane covers require the least amount of work/labor, but the 'glass covers are more durable, and more repairable if you get an owie on them...

hth

I put glass front and rear. on mine, er, at least the painter did and he did have some fitment and touch up from the mold type issues. dnv2008-02-29 21:10:19

You don't mention the third, and I believe best choice.  That is Tru-Flex.  It is flexible enough to conform to the body, but rigid enough to resist sagging like a urethane.  It is also cheaper than urethane.  I would at least paint the jams with a light coat of color before installing, but I have never had a problem painting the whole bumper.

Corvette Specialties carries all types.

I have repaced both of mine with Tru-Flex. I like them better than urethane. Still working on rear going to send to paint shop soon for whole car and going to let shop do the finial finish. Adam what do you think about finishing bumpers to body to look like one peice? I've seen a few it does look sharp. Also any one know of a paint shop in Northern VA?

I agree with you Larry, I love the seamless look

When I get around to repainting my Vette I will be glassing the front bumper into the body. MAkes for a real nice clean look.

I am in the middle of glassing my new front bumper on, I glued and bolted it on using the original mounting holes, and then filled the seam and put a layer of glass over the seam.  I am in the process of lending the glass into the body now.

Thanks guys I'm convinced to  go seamless. Has anyone got a recommendation for a good paint and body shop here in Northern Virginia? Again thanks for the input.