1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

[David C.]

My 73's urethane front bumper cover has gone from being creased to falling off the car. It was last replaced in 2006 according to records I have. I'm planning to replace it with a GM urethane cover, but have a few questions for anyone who might have done this.&lt;br /&gt;<br />
1. Car has older lacquer paint. Are there any tips to give the painter on how to paint the replacement to match it as closely as possible, in color and also sheen?<br />
2. There are two long filler strips (GM # 331872) which were on the leading edges of the bumper bar and which have fallen off with the cover. They look like they could possibly be reused, but have what appears to be the remnants of a press-on adhesive strip. Can these be reattached using something like weather-strip adhesive? Also, they have a wedge shape in profile. They were attached with the flat side up but the Assembly Manual seems to indicate flat side down -- which is correct?<br />
3. Upper and outer cover retainers look to be in good shape, can they be reused?<br />
4. Am I better off having the cover painted off the car and then installing it, or have it sprayed on the car?<br />
<br />
Appreciate any learnings from the knowledgeable folks here!

[John S.]

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[Doug C.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

John is your new front bumper "TruFlex" or something else?

[Sal C.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

You mention "GM urethane". If you are refering to an NOS original, I would suggest not. The original material will have degraded by this time. I recently removed an ORIGINAL from a 1975 dated box where it saw daylight for the very first time. It literally disintegrated within minutes. I was an unbelievable sight. The "new" urethane" is excellent in quality and fitment. And yes I would reuse all your original hardware if it was not damaged on removal. It will probably fit better than reproduction pieces. That is very critical in regards to "line up".

[John S.]

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

John, thanks so much for your in depth explanations and photos! Your installation looks great and fits very well. The fit on mine was similarly good prior to self destruction!

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

You mention "GM urethane". If you are refering to an NOS original, I would suggest not. The original material will have degraded by this time. I recently removed an ORIGINAL from a 1975 dated box where it saw daylight for the very first time. It literally disintegrated within minutes. I was an unbelievable sight. The "new" urethane" is excellent in quality and fitment. And yes I would reuse all your original hardware if it was not damaged on removal. It will probably fit better than reproduction pieces. That is very critical in regards to "line up".

Thanks Sal, that's an eye opening experience! Agree to not use old NOS. The cover can still be ordered directly from GM, which I plan to do, so hopefully I will not receive an aged part.

[John S.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

A little more urethane bumper info for those with ‘73’s

The part number found on the backside of my original.

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Possible date code also found on the original. My car was a Dec. ‘72 car, not sure of the date format but I’ll say I see a very faint 1972.

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The GM label from new reproduction, modern label with date of 2017 which is about when I purchased it.

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Part number on the back of the reproduction bumper. Not sure if they’re still being reproduced by GM but it was a very good part and fit perfect.

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[Guy F.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

Question for you John:

Why is that bumper cover you purchased a "Reproduction" part and not a "SERVICE" part? Could Inland have been the original OEM manufacturer for Chevrolet for MY 1973 and 1974?

[John S.]

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

Interesting that the part number on the new cover looks like the same type and offset as John's original cover. I assume that Inland is probably using the same molds even if they are not the original supplier from back in the day. I am ordering this part directly through a local Chevy dealership, so let's see what I receive.

[Bob B.]

Re: 1973 Urethane Front Bumper Cover replacement questions

What is the current way to go on a 75 ? My 75 was replaced with a fiberglass repro, I know it is fibegl ass because it cut my finger all to heck, seven stitches. Are front and back both available in the new material ?
Thanks Bob
Inland ?

[John S.]