I picked up a 1970 rear bumper w/exhaust cutouts on FleaBay. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to identify an original bumper vs. an aftermarket one?

d1

 

Anyone have any input??

 

Sorry, I've never set the two side by side to compare them. I had heard that the repop's being made 20 years ago didn't have as good of chrome plating. But I don't know if that's true now or not. John

 

The bumper I got has flaking in a few areas. It looks like it might have been replated once already, but I am not sure.

I was hoping there was a manufacturer detail that was specific to a factory bumper vs. aftermarket.

d1

 

Hey John and D1
I bought a 71/72 dual cutout bumper from Tamraz about 2 years ago. Lined them up and compared, because I was also not sure about the quality and fitment.

My original bumper is OEM, but was replated. Compared to the Tamraz bumper, you can't tell them apart for chrome finish. So either my bumper has lousy chrome (not) or the repros are getting much better (my theory). The mounting tabs all look exactly the same.

The only reason I left it off the car at the time was because I needed the trumpet exhausts and the special hangars you need to properly position them. I would recommend the repro bumper to anyone. I still have the stock bumper because it's in such great condition.

I think one of the best ways to prove you have stock parts is simply to leave the GM part sticker on it. Not too many are going to get under your car to look though. What really matters here: Are you happy with the bumper you bought? You didn't say if it was used or new.

 

Thanks for the input.

The bumper is supposedly original. The bumper is in great shape, no dents, no cracks, just the chrome is flaking. I got it so I could retrofit my Cutlass S with the duals out the exhaust cutouts, as I really like the look.

Unfortunately, based on your input, I should have got the repop. I will have to have the bumper replated and the costs will exceed what a repop bumper would be for basically the same quality/appearance.

Either way, I am happy with the purchase.

d1

 

Come to my house and try to install it on my car.
If it fits, then it is original.
If it needs modification to fit, then it is repro.

Seems like NO repro parts fit my car without mods.

 

I know it's an old thread, but it's ideal for further elaboration.

I've found a guy selling a notched 1970 bumper and claiming its OEM. He states it's original based on the lipped cutout. However, I've seen pictures of repros with the lipped notch. Is this guy blowing smoke?

I wonder in which way Rob's aftermarket bumper didn't fit properly. Anyone else exerience this?

I don't want to rechrome a repro when you can buy them new between $250 and $350.

 

The new repo bumpers fit OK. Just installed one with no problems. However the chrome is not as good as on the original or re chromed if done by a quality plater.. Cheaper by about 100.00 than to rechrome a good core. If you have a good core, send it to Tri Cities plating in Tn and you will not be disappointed. Will cost about 500.00 incl shipping.

 

I've talked to 3 different chrome plating businesses to include Tri Cities and all price a rechrome between $450 and $485 before shipping. When you add the cost of a straight core (I can get it for about $140) we are talking total money > $600 Forget that.

It's looking like a reproduction part makes most sense money wise.