Need advice - Fiberglass Bumpers

[rob justice]

Car (85 Carrera) is getting close to the painting stage - Before painting - I will need to make a final decision on weather not to fit the original bumpers or go down the fiberglass route. What experiences are had in relation to fiberglass bumpers? Whats good? And what fitting problems were found. Any photos would be excellent? Is any extra strengthening required behind the bumpers? Basically any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
Rob Justice

[Colby]

I have RS bumpers front and rear. I love them (well, until I get in an accident anyways...I might miss my factory bumpers then). They are MUCH lighter than stock, give the car a cleaner look, and are fairly easy to install. Several ppl on here have created brackets to hold them; I simply bolted mine to the fenders at the factory holes and it holds fine. Here is a pic:



I have a set of Gemballa rockers I am currently fitting (once all the black from the bumpers was removed, the black strip along the side looked out of place).

Colby

[Brookesy]

Go for the fiberglass type as fitted to Colby's car. I have the same type, but I fabricated some simple alloy tube type brackets to replicate the original shock absorber type.
You will find that the reduction in weight will improve your performance and it looks much more purposful, and less like a dodgem.

[GC 53]

Colby can you give me some pointers or any pics. I have the same front bumper as yours.It's loose on the right front.You can move it up and down.I had these bumpers installed out in Calif, then the car was shipped to me here in Missouri.
You can look in the front wheel well and see a slight bit of day light when pressing down on the bumper.Basically on the right side.
I thought perhaps I could get some rubber washers and drill it, then run a locking bolt and the rubber washer through it.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Gary C.

[Colby]

There are three holes in the fender in front of the wheel. Drill holes through the fiberglass in line w/ these holes. Then use 8-10mm bolts w/ mega washers and locknuts to clamp the fiberglass bumper firmly to the fenders. I then also drilled two holes on each side up front to line up w/ screw tabs (metal clips that accept screws) which once held on the rubber "smile". I tightened these screws throught the turn signal hole. This will provide a very solid mount for the front bumper.

Colby

[GC 53]

Colby.
Thanks for the great ideas. I could just see my bumper hitting the ground and scraping along.
You have made my weekend!
Gary C.