new guy here just got a 1988 firebird pro/am today and need help on what to use to repair the front bumper ground effects, it's missing 2 3"-4" chunks on both corners, should i go with bondo or just use fiberglass since it's almost impossible to get a new or used front ground effect around my area, i also was told there's only 500 of these made,lmk if thats true and whats the best way to repair the front bumper



jack

 

I dont know about repairing something missing big chunks like you have missing. It is going to take a lot of time forming the corners and making them match. I used fiberglass to repair mine and it is ok but I didnt have to do the corners. Have you tried looking on craigs list? OR if you want to spend money you could look on ebay. Or go to the classified boards here and find some. There is almost always some one selling something like that here..

 

hi bill, yep tried craigslist and found nothing but the good news is my buddy who does tuner cars said he can get it back like it was,the guy i got it from kept it factory and it runs like new which is good just the rims i am not to crazy about but from what i have seen is that they only made 500 each from 87,88,89 so might be safe to keep it like that but thanks for the help


jack

 

Thats cool that you can get it done.See I have a 1982 brelanetta with 1992 ground FX. I like the way they look, so I will prob go with the same type.
I got mine from people that didnt want the car and treated it as such. they put the ground FX on.
But I saved it and now it is a work in progress. Post some photos when you get time, and good luck with it.

 

sorry bill, it's a 1988 pro am, it's been awhile since i have owned a fbody firebird, what i did was trade my 1997 tahoe for it, below are some pics and i got it from craigslist the guy wanted $2500 for it and thats what i wanted from my tahoe so i think i did ok it also included a firebird hood decal which i havn't put on yet

 

I would highly recommend against bondo or fiberglass. There is a specific "rubber bumper repair kit" of which, the one that can be had for $25 or so from carquest, comes with nylon screen (door screen) and just like fiberglass with it's cloth, is strong as nails when it's done, can be sanded smooth, and will bend and flex with the rest of the body kit.

 

I knew ther was something you could get, Now that you said what it is I can go get it. Thats why I have a bra on it. To cover it up until it is either fixed or replaced.
Thanks for the info.
And as far as the bird you got from craigs list. I think you got a damn fine deal. It looks real clean.

 

Yea, it's actually called "Rubber bumper repair kit." I have yet to see any official name for it, and some people will look at you like you have 2 heads. Definally look for a real parts store like a NAPA or CarQuest if you can. If they look at you funny and say something stupid, just turn around and walk out, lol.