Need paintwork if retrofit bumpers?

[rdvnac]

Hi Guys:

I am not too familiar with the '75-'76 cars, but isn't it true that there is a "tab" or something on the sides of the fenders of the later cars that is used to help position or secure the impact bumpers?

I'm asking because while looking for a '73-'74 car, I have come upon a mint '75 and I am exploring the idea of retrofitting bumpers and engine (no emission test where I would register it) to use the '73-'74 components that I prefer.

I have been told that I could drill some holes and retrofit the bumpers, but that then these "tabs" would be visible, and to make the car look right they'd have to be removed. This '75 is all-original paint, though, so if I would have to grind down some tabs and respray the fenders, there'd be little point in pursuing the idea.

Any advice appreciated.

[mike mueller]

I'm 99.9% sure that the tabs that are removed would be covered by the new steel bumper.

Of course you'd want to primer the area, but that too should be under the new bumper and not visible.

I did this conversion a few years ago. I could take pictures of my current '75 to show you the tabs.......I removed the bumpers to remove the shocks and heavy steel insert in the bumper.

I'm reattaching the bumper "skins" with aluminum brackets.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I am told that the tabs on the sides, and the tab along the top of the front bumper, are visible with the new bumper on. Or possibly that they interfere with the edge of the new bumper.

Most people that I've heard of either grind off the tabs or drill out the spot-welds that hold them on. Then you have to paint the bare metal, of course.

--DD

[robby750]

I have been thinking of changing the bumpers on my 75 when I finally scrape up the money to get it painted and I'm positive that the tabs will have to be removed. Let me ask for opinions, I have an absolutely perfect complete chrome rear bumper. I also have a front that is very good but I would have to buy the foglamps and grilles. I really don't mind the looks of the 75 front bumper so much, and the foglamps work better than the earlier models. The rear bumper however looks goofy. If I only replace the rear, would I get laughed at if I ever met another 914 owner? I know most people would never notice.

[mike mueller]

The tabs have to be removed, otherwise the new bumper will not fit properly.

But I'm pretty sure no painting needs to be done that would mess up a real nice paint job.

robby750,

Nothing wrong with that idea of yours at all. In fact a few racers use '75/'76 front bumpers (or glass replicas) and early steel rear bumpers. The '75/'76 front bumpers allows you to install a front cooler without cutting the car. It is also more aerodynamic.

I'd run a early rear bumper if I could find a clean one with a good rubber pad that I could afford.

[rdvnac]

Thanks guys, this is very helpful.

It sounds, though, like there may be differing recollections about whether the area where the tabs once were would be visible after the steel bumpers were put on.

Or maybe I'm just clinging to false hope--but DD, you did say that you thought the tabs were visible, "or" that they interfere with the new bumper...;-)

Mike, any pictures you could post of this area of your car would be great. If I could see just what we're talking about it would be helpful.

And if anybody has BTDT on a bumper retrofit lately, or has any other info, I'd love to hear from you.

[RustyWa]

What about the fog light part of it? Do the fog lights on the early bumpers mount to the bumper or to the body of the car?

[SummerSledSix]

Mike, curious about your comment regarding installing a front cooler without cutting the car on a 75/76. How do you do it, where does it go???

[mike mueller]

John,

Check out "Hole"

http://www.all914.com/projects/

He is running a fiberglass bumper, but the general idea is the same.