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WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 06:40 AM
  #1  
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Car: 1985 Trans Am
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WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

This is probably a stupid question, but I can't seem to find any use for these blocks behind the front bumper on my T/A. Not sure which cars they came on, but does anyone know their purpose?

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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 07:37 AM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

That's a good one...after all these years
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 07:40 AM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Originally Posted by Bob88GTA
That's a good one...after all these years
Can't tell if you're pulling my leg or not lol!

I've only had my car for a few months, but I look at these things every time I go under the car. I feel like their purpose is really obvious and I'm going to feel like a huge idiot once someone points it out!
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 08:31 AM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

I meant that I don't recall anyone asking what they are for. I should know, but I hate to admit that I don't.
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 08:34 AM
  #5  
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Car: 1985 Trans Am
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Originally Posted by Bob88GTA
I meant that I don't recall anyone asking what they are for. I should know, but I hate to admit that I don't.
Do you have them on your cars?

Not sure if they're on Camaros or non GFX Firebirds.
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 08:37 AM
  #6  
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

I have them on all 3. The 85 T/A,88 GTA,and 89 TTA
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 12:46 PM
  #7  
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Car: 1987 Trans am GTA
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

In the Illustrated parts guide its listed as "Pad,Towing" if that helps
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 12:48 PM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Well I'll be dipped.......interesting. Thanks 1987!
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 01:27 PM
  #9  
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From: Kingston, ON
Car: 1985 Trans Am
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Originally Posted by 1987transgta
In the Illustrated parts guide its listed as "Pad,Towing" if that helps
So I guess it's there to protect the front bumper during towing? You wouldn't be able to hook anything up to it or jack from that spot, it's just plastic.

Thanks!
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 02:52 PM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Is That Something Unique To The Firebird,I Checked My Camaro It Doesn't Have It.
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 06:40 PM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

I always assumed it was some sort of cushion that sits between the bumper cover and metal bumper to keep the bumper cover from bending in and to keep its shape if you were to push inwards on it. Kind of like how if you push on the plastic rear of a c6 vette it flexes.
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 06:56 PM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Always assumed towing, but never learned where the car is chained after it is lifted.
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 07:25 PM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

I'm thinking that pad was there to be used on the assembly line. Cheap enough to leave them in place instead of removing them once the car was built.

Any photos of F-Bodies being "towed" down the assembly line?
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Old Jun 4, 2016 | 02:20 PM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

I've wondered the same thing myself over the years.
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Old Jun 4, 2016 | 04:40 PM
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Originally Posted by gt4373
Is That Something Unique To The Firebird,I Checked My Camaro It Doesn't Have It.
Because Camaro's don't need to be towed.


.....and that's when the fight started.
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Old Jun 4, 2016 | 04:45 PM
  #16  
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Originally Posted by PurelyPMD
Because Camaro's don't need to be towed.


.....and that's when the fight started.
HEEEEEYYYYY........EASY NOW!!!!!!!!!!! Haha! Good one.
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 06:23 AM
  #17  
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

They are there for crash support/impact standards/etc.

I have seen a few new s*itboxes at the body shop with styro/foam
blocks behind the bumper covers!
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 06:32 AM
  #18  
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

If you don't what them send them to me. they are to protect the front bumpet fron craping to much when in a situation that the bumpoer scrape thease blocks hold the car up and scrape untill the carr pases whatever make it scrape.
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 06:53 AM
  #19  
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

Dave..............they are nowhere near the ground or do they protect
the bumper from scraping the ground..................
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 09:14 AM
  #20  
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

That is the purpuse to protect the bumper fron Hitting The ground. I found That Out the Hard way when I was Going to fast and Got to a Road divider that was very dip and my car hit so hard that One of the blocks came off. I Belive at the moment that the bumper was History and it did Survive. It will Scrape anyway but if it get too dip the blocks get the punishment.
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 10:32 PM
  #21  
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Re: WTF is this block behind the front bumper?

i read somewhere it has something to do with when the cars are on the assy line. there should be a set on the rear of the car as well.
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