Fiberglass bumpers installation and safety

[jeffbottman]

I plan to replace my stock front and rear bumpers with Getty Yellowbird style fiberglass pieces, and wanted to seek opinions on safety aspects.

I'm thinking of fabricating 'nerf' bars that would attach to euro-style crush tube, for some degree of impact protection. Also, pack the bumpers with an appropriate structural foam.

First question: What type of stock would be good for the nerf bar?

Second question: Where to get proper structural foam?

Thanks for your thoughts on this. -Jeff

[Jack Stands]

Obviously, the fiberglass would provide nothing from a safety standpoint, just adding lightness. I wonder if the Great Stuff expanding foam could be used as filler, but you'd have to have a way to trim it back to where you need or have some other way to contain it.

[jeffbottman]

Originally Posted by Jack Stands

Obviously, the fiberglass would provide nothing from a safety standpoint, just adding lightness. I wonder if the Great Stuff expanding foam could be used as filler, but you'd have to have a way to trim it back to where you need or have some other way to contain it.

The safety addition would come from the nerf bar, I think. Functions sort of like the original bumper, tying the shock tubes together with a horizontal member.

[RSBob]

What ever foam you decide to go with probably needs to tolerate the high heat generated by the exhaust. Read the labels carefully. I really don't think the foam will give you much protection. Nerfs with some type of steel crescent shaped (shaped like a -D) to fit inside the faux over riders would be the way to go

[jeffbottman]

Originally Posted by RSBob

What ever foam you decide to go with probably needs to tolerate the high heat generated by the exhaust. Read the labels carefully. I really don't think the foam will give you much protection. Nerfs with some type of steel crescent shaped (shaped like a -D) to fit inside the faux over riders would be the way to go

I think modern bumper design often incudes structural foam, which is where my idea comes from. (not the kind you buy in a can )

[RSBob]

You are correct modern cars do have foam. But many modem cars mufflers aren't tucked behind sheet metal either. Usually they hang under the car no where near the confined space of a. 911. Sure you can put foam in the wings but I sure as he'll wouldn't put it any where near the muffler. But it's your car, so you are more than entitled to do whatever

[Bob Kontak]

I would think you could sniff around one of those pull it yourself salvage yards and check out the different types of foam on different car bumpers. If you find a big ol' DeVille it may be big enough to allow you to whittle it down.

However, I do think the foam is for absorbing low speed bumps rather than serious impact. Today's 5mph bumper saver. New cars have a metal reinforcement bar covered by the foam. The bar is the real bumper.

[Kevin911sc]

If you need structural foam, I suggest calling a local ship/sail boat builder supply company....They tend to be very knowledgeable and should have something with heat/temperature tolerance.

[jeffbottman]

Originally Posted by Kevin911sc

If you need structural foam, I suggest calling a local ship/sail boat builder supply company....They tend to be very knowledgeable and should have something with heat/temperature tolerance.

Good pointer; I hadn't considered the heat issue. But given my record with self-inflicted damage to my car, I had better! :-)