bumper pads...remove them?

k9handler · 01-19-2004, 01:27 AM

I am thinking about taking them off, but the appearance of the bumper is in question. I have taken one off to see the color under them and it's bright compaired to the faded UV exposed area. Since I am going to be replacing the F/R fender soon and having it painted, my thought was to have the rear bumper painted then as well and never put the pads back on.

What do you think?

Here is a photo I edited to get an idea.

With pads:

And no pads:

thrown_hammer · 01-19-2004, 05:03 AM

I would remove the rubber strips as well and have all the holes welded shut and ground smooth. Then repainted.

Mike Kast · Mike Kast's Garage

It looks good. If you can discretely place the lights somewhere and finish the bumper so there are no bolt holes showing it is a cleaner look for sure.
Taking all that weight off the back, you may have to re lower the rear end. And where will you sit when your behind your car chatting with someone? They ARE perfect seats you know!

KTL · 01-19-2004, 05:26 AM

Here's the latest thread that I know of on removing the pads

show me rear bumper pad removed on a 78-89

Here's what my car looked like before installing the caps

Although the bumper was painted after removing the pads, so a bumper that has its original finish is most likely going to have discoloration and blemishes like rubber residue and aluminum corrosion.

k9handler · 01-19-2004, 06:29 AM

I am going to go with pads removed, and I am thinking of the trim removed as well. I guess I can alter the image further to get that look for a test look.

k9handler · 01-19-2004, 06:37 AM

ok, no trim...I like the look.

TargaRob · 01-19-2004, 08:24 AM

If you like it, do it. It takes somewhere around 18lbs. off of your bumper.

Jgordon · 01-19-2004, 08:39 AM

All I know is I was happy to have them when the ******* behind me forgot to use his brakes. Much, much less expensive to have had them to cushion the blow.

Dutchie · 01-19-2004, 08:42 AM

This looks great Smitty ! Remove all the rubbers i say

TargaRob · 01-19-2004, 08:44 AM

That's very true, Jgordon. The reasons I have mine on:

1. Add extra protection
2. Keeps the SC/Carrera look

Rot 911 · 01-19-2004, 08:49 AM

Smitty your photoshop skills are good, but you forget to take into account the bumper shock studs as shown in this picture from another thread:

KTL · 01-19-2004, 09:11 AM

The reasons I have mine off:

1. If someone hits me, the likelihood of those things reducing the damage is small. Parking lot tap is the only situation where I can think of them helping to avoid any significant damage. I park in the farthest reaches of any p-lot, so..........

I know another member of the board said the pads saved him from impending damage when he spun during spirited driving on a slick, pine needle covered road, but I think the man upstairs had more to do with it than the big black pillows.

2. If someone really hits me, the car's gonna be messed up pretty good anyway. I won't be crestfallen when the bumper pads are destroyed in the wreckage. The other body damage (which the pads would not have prevented) is a different story

3. These aluminum bumpers are a dime a dozen from other board members or dismantlers, so replacing the bumper itself in the event of a cruncher won't cost much at all.

4. Those bumper pads look like sheet.

I'm not trying to be a jag about this. Just having some fun with the discussion.

Seriously though, look at the pre-74 cars, the Euro 74-89 cars, and the post-89 cars. All of the aforementioned cars have much smaller or non-existant bumper pads. I just think the US DOT pads are overkill and obnoxiously big, heavy and unattractive afterthoughts.

k9handler · 01-19-2004, 09:57 AM

Thanks Kurt...had no idea them studs were under the trim. My first thouight was two small reflectors to cover them as the RS had (I think) and it would look ok.

k9handler · 01-19-2004, 10:02 AM

change #3

Schrup · Schrup's Garage

I will soon be removing mine till I get a couple of Ruf bumpers next year. I got this idea from an earlier post, these light bolts may keep things legal for me. I'll put them in the top mounting holes.
http://www.stylinconcepts.com/part.cfm?PartID=409968&PartFamilyID=583&SubCategoryID=316&CategoryID=25

Jim Savage · 01-19-2004, 12:07 PM

Someone said weld the holes. Not sure how you would weld... since bumper is aluminum.

Just a thought.

Jim

Superman · 01-19-2004, 01:08 PM

Yep, aluminum can be welded. I wonder what those bumpers would look like stripped and polished. For that matter, I wonder what Bailey would look like in the same condition. Photoshop anyone?

sliminbay · 01-19-2004, 01:21 PM

after reading this forum, I went out and weight the bumper pad and WOW! It is a brick. I could not believe how heavy they were. Needless to say the bumper pads are not going back on. But I am keeping the rubber strip for cosmetics.

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Get the Euro smaller rubber.

KTL · 01-19-2004, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sliminbay
after reading this forum, I went out and weight the bumper pad and WOW! It is a brick. I could not believe how heavy they were. Needless to say the bumper pads are not going back on. But I am keeping the rubber strip for cosmetics.

Yep. About 7-8 lbs they weigh (each).