Chrome Bumper Conversion Definitive Thread?

scottevest

scottevest

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I am in the process of commissioning a conversion of my 74 big bumpers to 73 bumpers from Jon Iverson. I had no idea it was quite so complicated. My body shop in Boise Idaho quoted me $1000 to restore the bumpers and another $2500 to install them. I have about $1200 in the bumpers themselves.

I understand that it should increase the value of my vehicle by ~$5,000, so likely worth it. Before I have the shop complete the work, looking for some information that will ensure they don't mess up.

I searched the forum and see lots of discussions but can't seem to locate a definitive thread with the correct instructions. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Also, I was quoted about $350 to install an non OEM chrome antenna. Does that seem right? I assumed it would be easy to find an OEM antenna. I can post this part in the parts section.

Thanks much!

Scott
 
The best antenna installation thread is by DQ, although it was not wired to a receiver at all.
 
Scott -

antenna - does your coupe have a hole in one of the fender tops for an antenna? if so, is it in the front or the back? is it electric or manual. these all make a huge difference in the cost of install and how much labor it will take to put it in. for instance, if you wanted to put a new electric one on the back left fender you have to get the hirschmann unit, get power to it and take out a bunch of interior pieces to run it up to the radio ... if you already have one there, then the price seems high. it would also seem very high if you were replacing one on a front fender. if, you don't have an existing antenna, you might consider one of the new types without a hole in the body (one that goes on the inside)

s
 
rsporsche said:
Scott -

antenna - does your coupe have a hole in one of the fender tops for an antenna? if so, is it in the front or the back? is it electric or manual. these all make a huge difference in the cost of install and how much labor it will take to put it in. for instance, if you wanted to put a new electric one on the back left fender you have to get the hirschmann unit, get power to it and take out a bunch of interior pieces to run it up to the radio ... if you already have one there, then the price seems high. it would also seem very high if you were replacing one on a front fender. if, you don't have an existing antenna, you might consider one of the new types without a hole in the body (one that goes on the inside)

s
Click to expand...

There is a black rubber like antennae there now on the back right (passenger) side
 
then your labor shouldn't be exorbitant - as there is probably an antenna extension cable already leading from the back of the radio to under the rear seat (or into the trunk). i may have a new manual antenna that might fit. i will look tonight when i get home ... wouldn't work on my coupe as mine is front mounted and there is no depth where the hole is drilled.

now one more question - in your trunk, between the wheel arch and the gas tank filler there is a plastic tank ... is yours there? that might need to be removed to put an antenna in that location - as yours is a '74, this might not be the case (that it is in the way)
 
Hi Scott, I'm sorry, but I think the bumper conversion is way out of line, I would love to see pictures of your bumpers; restoring them is removing the rubber, using stainless channels, buffing the chrome, treating the rubber and putting it together. You can do some neat stuff with a couple of pieces of pipe and flat steel for mounts. Even a mildly proficient DIY'r can do the conversion perfectly and it can really give you a sense of accomplishment. Let me know if you have a little time before doing this as next week the blue coupe is coming apart (again) to install the M90 block and new transmission etc. I will be taking the front bumper off since Koopman got me a pair of awesome bumperettes. I wish you were closer, we could do it in an afternoon- but please do send pictures since I would like to see the degree of restoration needed.

Also, IMHO ditch the antenna unless you enjoy the additional wind noise that close to your head- just sayin'.
 
He'll have to have the front and rear valences patched and painted, this probably includes that?
 
Scott,

i do have a brand new antenna - 25 bucks shipped to you
very easy to install - you could do it yourself. one thing you should do before hand is to measure the hole in the fender top ... you don't want to enlarge the hole.

s
e9 antenna.JPG
 
Restoring bumpers: Do the backs need media blasting and re painting? Do they need new rubber and mounting strips? If yes then $1000 seems reasonable to me based on shop rates around here (new england rates are around $80/hr).

Cost to convert the body to 73 style: I paid almost double that cost. Maybe I paid a bit much but it does require filling the old holes, making new ones and repainting the front/rear quarters, front/rear valences, and misc stuff.
 

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the front bumper doesn't look that bad ... not perfect, but not bad. i would try polishing the chrome and see if you can clean up the center section as it seems to be the part most in need. if you rechrome one, you have to rechrome it all.
 
I'm with Scott, Polish the $n0t out of it and use it as is- save a grand. Regarding the bumper holes, in the front- the round pipes fit in the original holes and in my case I made plugs for the rear rather than welding them and they can't really be seen, but if yu want them welded and painted then the price would be a little closer to what you were quoted.
 
My body shop is just now asking for instructions on how to install the bumpers. I could swear they were posted somewhere. If you happen to know where, please let me know here otherwise I am searching now. Thanks!
 
Scott,

I went back and reviewed all of our emails from before and after I sold you the bumpers. There are 26 back and forth including the one with, what I thought were, the 10 steps to getting your bumpers converted. In my PMs or direct emails to you I have pointed out, on more than 1 occasion, that you either need someone that knows what they are doing (has done a conversion before) or you need a Coupe in the shop so whoever is doing the sheet metal and install has a model to work from. I have also talked with the shop on March 23, 2017 and informed them of that same reality. In my opinion those are your only 2 options. In addition I have given you the contact # and email of someone that may be willing to help and has done conversions before. I hope your conversion is successful and that you are able to get the resources.

Regards, Jon
 
My most sincere apologies. I recall someone telling me precisely what to do but I forgot where that was and I am simply doing the lazy way of hitting all of the threads that might have the answer. I will review back where you told me what to do and apologize sincerely for bothering you. I mean that. It is disrespectful and I am truly sorry. Thank you for your help wish me luck :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Scott
Here’s a bit more opinion.
$1000 to restore bumpers is GREAT if they need chroming. Otherwise you can do it yourself with wire brushes and etch primer for the backs and chrome polish for the outsides, and reproduction mounting strips plus a $15 hand riveter.

$2500 for installation? Let’s go thru the work:
(1) remove old parts - 2 hours
(2) remove paint, weld up the many holes (10 up front and more in the rear). Then cut the new slots and fit the bumpers to the rear body and front stub rails. How about 4 hours? And are you getting rid of the side markers?
(3) The old bumpers and trim will have left marks in the paint and often there is a bit of rust around the holes. So all four corners will need sanding down, etching, skin coat, high build, blocking, masking. Maybe 4 hours?
(4) paint: and if it’s modern two stage you are supposed to clear the whole panel. Three hours plus booth fee (sometimes).
(5) Shop supplies and paint figure $300 for glasurit.

(6) reassembly at 2hours

We are at 14+ hours plus paint and shop supplies.

Maybe $2000 isn’t too far off the mark. What is the shops labor rate?
 
I am currently evaluating same project on a shell of a 74 I just purchased...
There are two type of holes in the back . Full circle type, about half an inch in diameter , these are much easier to fill since the are rather small and the areas around them is flat. The other type ,there are three rectangular (or almost square ) where the bumper shocks go in and get mounted to the car . These three holes have a half circle indention in the bottom section of the holes. Two of them are at the side of the car where the quarter panels meet the rear lower valence panel below the bumper . It is not an easy job to fabricate a piece of sheet metal to shape them as a patch specially for the sides. You either need a master fabricator with special tools . Or make the patched in multiple sections( more welding) chances are that those that fill these holes filled them with plenty of bondo...
 
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