E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Body Shop => Topic started by: 72and86 on March 26, 2021, 12:02:33 PM

Title: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: 72and86 on March 26, 2021, 12:02:33 PM
My front bumper isn't square from the "widows peak" point. See pics. See the dip? Can this be fixed? Its such a unique bumper I'd like to keep using it as its on the fender tag.
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: Cuda_mark on March 26, 2021, 12:33:03 PM
I'll be interested in what people have to say about fixing these. I have a 70 elastomeric front that came with my car when I bought it but I decided to go with a chrme one because the elastomeric needed some work (new studs and it needed to be tweaked a little to fit the car correctly)
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: anlauto on March 26, 2021, 12:43:25 PM
I'm listening along too... :popcorn:  Makes me think of @1ownr (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/1ownr_329) , Judy your front bumper needed help, what did the restoration shop come up with ?
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: 1ownr on March 26, 2021, 01:11:45 PM
Not there yet, also watching this thread.

Judy
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: Ns1aar on March 26, 2021, 03:23:07 PM
Studs are easy tweaking requires a press and some experience
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: 1972V21Cuda on March 27, 2021, 03:19:28 AM
Waiting for the repop bumper guy to chime in...
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: YYZ on March 27, 2021, 05:54:21 AM
That damage is repairable, however, it will need the touch of someone experienced in straightening bumpers in order to avoid damaging it further.

Tears or chunks out of the rubber aren't a big deal, unless you have to fabricate one of the sections not backed by metal - e.g. the 'ears' that wrap up the fender beside the headlight, or the flare at the bottom to cover the gap in front of the valance.  With so much plastic on modern cars, there are many good flexible material repair products.

Two approaches on studs:  cut a flap in the rubber, replace the stud, replace the flap, repair the rubber around it. 
@njsteve (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/njsteve_6623) published a very good 'how-to' almost 30 years ago. 

Or just undercut the broken stud and weld on a new section of threaded bolt.  It will be invisible once installed on the bumper bracket.

There was a guy in Toronto (Karl K) who was an absolute guru at getting these bumpers back to perfection, no matter how pretzeled.  Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago.
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: 72and86 on March 27, 2021, 08:12:52 AM
Im familiar with Tomythe Chyro  Repros. The front is almost $900 shipped.
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: 1972V21Cuda on March 27, 2021, 10:53:44 AM
Just curious: Did they use an actual chrome bumper under these or a different core?
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: anlauto on March 27, 2021, 11:02:56 AM
@Chryco (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/chryco_49) what are your thoughts on doing repairs Tommy ?
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: Chryco on March 27, 2021, 11:16:02 AM
the one in the photo has a good hit. Not much I can do for you there. That steel core is as thick as a chrome bumper. its not as easy as YYZ explains it, it really never is. If they want to send me more pics I'll have a better idea of the work involved.  Orginal bumpers have alot of air bubbles in them once you start sanding or grinding its becomes time consuming.

tommythechryco@outlook.com
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: 1972V21Cuda on March 27, 2021, 11:39:49 AM
Quote from: Chryco on March 27, 2021, 11:16:02 AM
the one in the photo has a good hit. Not much I can do for you there. That steel core is as thick as a chrome bumper. its not as easy as YYZ explains it, it really never is. If they want to send me more pics I'll have a better idea of the work involved.  Orginal bumpers have alot of air bubbles in them once you start sanding or grinding its becomes time consuming.

tommythechryco@outlook.com

Any pics of the metal core? I've never seen one undressed😆
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: Chryco on March 27, 2021, 11:45:23 AM
This one is coming in from California next week for repairs
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: JSmithTN on February 15, 2022, 01:44:32 PM
I came across this post and I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction.
I purchased this 'Cuda back in November, build sheet and fender tag indicate that it is a A22 build and I am about to put it in the paint shop to have the paint redone, I will be keeping it the same color.
I spoke with Gean Gregory yesterday regarding the front bumper and trying to find someone that can restore it to its original shape, the surface of the bumper is not the concern I have, the shop that is painting it can take care of that.
Gean advised me that a competent bumper shop can return it to its original shape, however I have spoke to a few and they only do work on chrome bumpers.
Can someone advise me of a shop or individual that can help return this bumper to its original glory?
Thanks in advance
Jeff
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: 72and86 on February 16, 2022, 10:51:42 AM
Tommy The Chryco
Cuda Rubber Bumpers and The Better "Shaker Kits"
1-866-893-2547
Title: Re: Elastomeric Bumper repairable ?
Post by: anlauto on February 16, 2022, 01:19:23 PM
Is it bent, or are the brackets tweaked ? I would remove the brackets altogether and hold it in place to see how it fits...you may never get it perfect, just buy a reproduction one... :alan2cents: