Should I put my new bumper on?
12-04-2009, 06:00 PM
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Car: 1987 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI (68,XXX MILES!)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Should I put my new bumper on?
Well.. Not to long ago I picked up a used front bumper cover for my Trans Am, from a junkyard. While I was there, it looked flawless.. But now that im home.. I can see some flaws. In certain areas it seems to have.. Lumps. Idk how to explain it, They are hard to see, but you can see them in reflection. And i can feel them. ALSO... Their is a small dent.. THAT I JUST NOTICED to the left of the nose of the bumper. Idk, with fresh BLACK paint wont all of this stick out? I will try to get some pics up soon. Idk what to do, Its in overall good shape, but im a massive perfectionist. 
12-04-2009, 06:16 PM
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Car: 92 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: TR6060
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 3.73
Re: Should I put my new bumper on?
Good find on the bumper - seems harder nowadays to find good used ones. Some pics would be helpful. It seems that over time the bumper paint starts to spider crack and come off. I have a feeling old paint on your bumper is starting to come off. Since you're going to paint it, sand down lumps and see what is underneath. Once you sand past paint, bumper plastic is a light gray color. Would be good idea anyways to lightly sand whole bumper in prepping for new paint. Dent is no big deal. You can grind out a depression, fill with two part plastic epoxy, sand (i.e. 180 then 320) and paint over. Most auto stores sell epoxy. I don't think you will see imperfections in bumper when done.
12-04-2009, 10:45 PM
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Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Should I put my new bumper on?
If you are referring to 2 small bump, per side, where a front license plate would have been mounted....Those are where the screws would have went in to support the bracket.
Last edited by Stephen; 12-04-2009 at 11:24 PM. Reason: major typos
12-05-2009, 12:51 AM
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Car: 1987 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI (68,XXX MILES!)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Should I put my new bumper on?
No no, I am aware that THAT is for the liscense plate, dont you see the dent RIGHT in the picture? To the left of the nose.
12-05-2009, 05:16 PM
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Car: 1987 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI (68,XXX MILES!)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Should I put my new bumper on?
WHAT do you guys think I should do? Its going to be IMPOSSIBLE for me to find another bumper, mine is pretty messed up, what should I do? I plan to get the car painted soon?
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12-05-2009, 05:56 PM
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Car: 1987 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI (68,XXX MILES!)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
12-05-2009, 09:25 PM
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
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Re: Should I put my new bumper on?
Maybe a heat gun on low from the under side. I had to do that with my bumper cover once, also on my sisters rear bumper cover to smooth out a dent/crease. Just go slow and you should be able to smooth those out.Get warm then use a smooth block/etc. to apply slight pressure. Worked for me.
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 12-05-2009 at 09:34 PM. Reason: add info.
12-05-2009, 11:46 PM
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Car: 1987 Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI (68,XXX MILES!)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Should I put my new bumper on?
Maybe a heat gun on low from the under side. I had to do that with my bumper cover once, also on my sisters rear bumper cover to smooth out a dent/crease. Just go slow and you should be able to smooth those out.Get warm then use a smooth block/etc. to apply slight pressure. Worked for me.
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