Questions on hood blisters and aftermarket bumpers - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Blackdog36 · 09-25-2009, 08:48 PM

I have a 92 z-28 that has some minor damage that needs to be fixed before paint job. I met a local guy (Dave) that parts out camaros and who also knows how to paint. I'm thinking of using him to help fix some body issues and paint my car. Just want to get a better understanding from you guys on a few things we discussed. Link to some pics of my front end from a previous post. http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/bo...er-bumper.html (Can my fender and bumper be saved?)

My hood is bent above both headlight assemblies, near corners of hood. Looks like previous owner pulled into something low and bent the hood down and inwards. Dave told me that nobody would want to fix my hood since it would be too labor intensive and would be easier to replace hood. I agree since the hood corners are bent a lot and I don't see how you could ever get it near perfect again. Dave has a nice used standard hood from a camaro with no blisters or scoops. Can I install my 92 z-28 hood blisters on a standard hood? I don't know if the 91-92 z-28 hoods are different from the standard hoods. I also remember reading that when installing aftermarket blisters on flat hood you would need to do some hood modifications.

My front bumper and lower ground effects are a little rough. Looks like years of sun have made the plastic weak and I can see/feel some wavieness where the headlight pockets are. Also, previous owner hit something on passenger side where bumper meets fender. Bumper and ground effects are pushed in on this side. Lastly, the top bumper corner near the hood is pretty beat up. I would like to replace the bumper and ground effect to have a good looking car. I was thinking about ordering new repoduction parts from Classic Industries. Dave told me that aftermarket body panels never fit 100% and that I should use parts from other camaros. Has anybody had any experience with aftermarket bumpers and ground effects? I'm understand using a used metal fender but thought aftermarket plastic bumper and ground effect would fit ok.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

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camaronewbie · 09-26-2009, 12:13 AM

I don't think the hood blister from the 91/92 Z will work on a std hood - the Z hoods had indentions in the hood shaped like the blister, where a std hood has no indentions.

Don't know about Classics nose cones, I got my new one from Hawks (a sponsor here), and it was a new GM part, so it was perfect - but I haven't seen any for sale from them recently, maybe I got the last one they had. But I'd call them to see if they have or can get any more - mine was $400 from them. www.hawksthirdgenparts.com They may also have a good used one around.

The chin spoiler is also a rare find, since 91 &92 cars had the aero ground effects - last time I saw a new one it was over $400. Check with Hawks for that as well - they may have a good used one available.

racerx520 · 09-26-2009, 12:33 AM

if i were you i'd try to find a used bumper in good shape. youre right with the fact that aftermarket bumpers never fit 100%, but i had bought one before for my t/a. it looked nice when it was on, but about 2 weeks down the road it began warping and got 2 sinking spots or sags, as i called them, and i thought eh, thats not too bad. but as it progressed into about 2 or 3 months it became 2 huge dimples and got to the point that it made the bumper start hitting the edge of the hood and scraping off paint. i may still have the pics somewhere ifyouw ant to see them.
the sudden warping and such was caused due to the manufacturer using different rubber/plastic compounds than what the orginal ones were made from, theyre much softer and the sun warps them easier.
after this happened, i put my original (and different colored after i repainted my car) bumper back on and drove with it for the winter. i eventually found a bumper off a GTA and used that, no problems yet (knock on wood).
thats my opinion, but you if you trust aftermarket parts more than i do (ive had a lot of bad experiences lol) then best of luck to ya!

Blackdog36 · 09-27-2009, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the replies. I did some more searching and found that aftermarket bumpers do not fit perfectly when compared to used. Looks like I will buy some good used bumpers.