Original 72 front bumper vs. repro - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**72restorationvirgin** · 11-24-2012, 12:56 PM

I know you should always try to get original parts but does anyone have opinions or purchased a new front reproduction bumper for a 72??? I need a new front bracket and bumper and just want to know if its worth the time looking for an original or if repro's are any good.
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68gmsee · 11-24-2012, 01:07 PM

You'd be extremely lucky to find an original that's not damaged in some way but I have seen a lot of repro's on these trucks and they looked good. The chrome may not be exactly like the originals but just be sure and buy from a reputable vendor. Newer trucks use very thin metals and mostly plastic these days so a repro should give you many years of service.

**72restorationvirgin** · 11-24-2012, 01:13 PM

Ok thanks. Any recommendations where to get it?? Any ideas if repros are better at Goodmark, Classic, Brothers, LMC, ect???
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**john** · 11-24-2012, 01:19 PM

How about Wes at classicheartbeat.com in Olympia. triple plated.

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/years.htm

**72restorationvirgin** · 11-24-2012, 01:39 PM

Thanks John I'll check that out. Then I won't have to pay for shipping too!!

71 super · 11-24-2012, 06:10 PM

I have used both Nos and repop. The triplus bumpers that are triple plated are very good and when compared to nos are very close. Wes at classic or gmc Paul's both have Very good products, but I have had good luck in the past also with bumpers from classic parts of America.
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**leddzepp** · 11-24-2012, 06:39 PM

I bought both my repro bumpers from Brothers and am very satisfied with them. I think this is one part that the manufacturers "got right" when they repopped them.
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brad_man_72 · 11-24-2012, 06:43 PM

I have a repo front bumper, its quite a bit lighter than the original that was on it, other than that it looks fine.
Nobody makes a rear sport bumper that's even the right shape.
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**72restorationvirgin** · 11-24-2012, 08:26 PM

Thanks for the help guys I'll get one from Wes sometime soon.
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bobs409 · 11-25-2012, 08:05 AM

They look great and can't beat the price however they do have one drawback. Unless your truck is a garage queen, expect the chrome to wear out in about 3 years give or take. By wear out I mean it's thin and will "dot" and just get worse and worse.

I know this from experience. I'm on my second front bumper on one of my trucks and it should have been replaced a few years ago at that!

I doubt they'll ever make them better as this repeat business is something good for them. It's like door handles, buy em, they pit, replace em, they pit and on and on and on...

dropanddrag71 · 11-25-2012, 10:02 AM

Sumitt has 2 bumpers for your truck. They are also running a free shipping on them right now..
** If you dont like what you get, Summit will always issue you a return shipping label, FREE IF YOU CALL!!... so you have nothing to lose

nobolt · 11-25-2012, 11:38 AM

do the original bumpers have a part number on them? i know my white painted bumper isnt original to my truck but how can i tell if it is a repop? it weighs 28 pounds and that seems light to me.

thanks

**72restorationvirgin** · 11-25-2012, 12:30 PM

Bob were any of yours the triple plated ones????
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da-burb · 11-25-2012, 02:02 PM

I have a repop on the front of my Suburban. It has been on there since 1997 and still looks as good today as it did then. The only issue I see with the bumper is that it is closer to the grill at the very middle. They do not run parallel with the grill. The rear bumpers I was very impressed with. Everything bolted up perfect.

bobs409 · 11-26-2012, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72restorationvirgin

Bob were any of yours the triple plated ones????
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Yep, I believe they all had a sticker on the back saying that.

I currently have 4 repop bumpers. 2 fronts and 2 rears naturally on 2 different trucks.

ALL of them are showing the dotting that I mentioned. I also replaced one front so that makes 5 bumpers I have experience with.

Both trucks live outside and almost daily driven. If they were garaged I'm sure they would last alot longer. Still, guess you can't beat the price on them.

**special-K** · 11-26-2012, 08:04 AM

The front bumper I bought from Classic now has vertical lines in the chrome that look like cracks. I'm expecting at some point to see it start peeling. That's the only repro I have bought. Not impressed. It's been on the truck about five years.

nobolt · 11-26-2012, 07:22 PM

has anyone had an original rechromed? i know its expensive but how do these stand the test of time? would beat replacing a bumper every 5 years...

11-24-2012, 12:56 PM	#1
72restorationvirgin Active Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Grand Rapids. MI Posts: 156	Original 72 front bumper vs. repro I know you should always try to get original parts but does anyone have opinions or purchased a new front reproduction bumper for a 72??? I need a new front bracket and bumper and just want to know if its worth the time looking for an original or if repro's are any good. Posted via Mobile Device

11-24-2012, 01:07 PM	#2
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro You'd be extremely lucky to find an original that's not damaged in some way but I have seen a lot of repro's on these trucks and they looked good. The chrome may not be exactly like the originals but just be sure and buy from a reputable vendor. Newer trucks use very thin metals and mostly plastic these days so a repro should give you many years of service. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

11-24-2012, 01:13 PM	#3
72restorationvirgin Active Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Grand Rapids. MI Posts: 156	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro Ok thanks. Any recommendations where to get it?? Any ideas if repros are better at Goodmark, Classic, Brothers, LMC, ect??? Posted via Mobile Device

11-24-2012, 01:19 PM	#4
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro How about Wes at classicheartbeat.com in Olympia. triple plated. http://www.classicheartbeat.com/years.htm __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

11-24-2012, 01:39 PM	#5
72restorationvirgin Active Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Grand Rapids. MI Posts: 156	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro Thanks John I'll check that out. Then I won't have to pay for shipping too!!

11-24-2012, 06:10 PM	#6
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,079	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro I have used both Nos and repop. The triplus bumpers that are triple plated are very good and when compared to nos are very close. Wes at classic or gmc Paul's both have Very good products, but I have had good luck in the past also with bumpers from classic parts of America. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

11-24-2012, 06:39 PM	#7
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro I bought both my repro bumpers from Brothers and am very satisfied with them. I think this is one part that the manufacturers "got right" when they repopped them. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

11-24-2012, 06:43 PM	#8
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro I have a repo front bumper, its quite a bit lighter than the original that was on it, other than that it looks fine. Nobody makes a rear sport bumper that's even the right shape. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

11-24-2012, 08:26 PM	#9
72restorationvirgin Active Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Grand Rapids. MI Posts: 156	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro Thanks for the help guys I'll get one from Wes sometime soon. Posted via Mobile Device

11-25-2012, 08:05 AM	#10
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro They look great and can't beat the price however they do have one drawback. Unless your truck is a garage queen, expect the chrome to wear out in about 3 years give or take. By wear out I mean it's thin and will "dot" and just get worse and worse. I know this from experience. I'm on my second front bumper on one of my trucks and it should have been replaced a few years ago at that! I doubt they'll ever make them better as this repeat business is something good for them. It's like door handles, buy em, they pit, replace em, they pit and on and on and on... __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

11-25-2012, 10:02 AM	#11
dropanddrag71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central florida Posts: 178	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro Sumitt has 2 bumpers for your truck. They are also running a free shipping on them right now.. ** If you dont like what you get, Summit will always issue you a return shipping label, FREE IF YOU CALL!!... so you have nothing to lose __________________ " You are only coming threw in waves,... Your lips move, but i can't hear what your saying"

11-25-2012, 11:38 AM	#12
nobolt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Algonac, MI 48001 Posts: 1,848	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro do the original bumpers have a part number on them? i know my white painted bumper isnt original to my truck but how can i tell if it is a repop? it weighs 28 pounds and that seems light to me. thanks __________________ Dave "... government even in its best state is but a necessary evil. Thomas Paine "It wasn't a lie, it was ineptitude with insufficient cover." Donald Draper (Mad Men)

11-25-2012, 12:30 PM	#13
72restorationvirgin Active Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Grand Rapids. MI Posts: 156	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro Bob were any of yours the triple plated ones???? Posted via Mobile Device

11-25-2012, 02:02 PM	#14
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro I have a repop on the front of my Suburban. It has been on there since 1997 and still looks as good today as it did then. The only issue I see with the bumper is that it is closer to the grill at the very middle. They do not run parallel with the grill. The rear bumpers I was very impressed with. Everything bolted up perfect. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

11-26-2012, 08:04 AM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro The front bumper I bought from Classic now has vertical lines in the chrome that look like cracks. I'm expecting at some point to see it start peeling. That's the only repro I have bought. Not impressed. It's been on the truck about five years. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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11-26-2012, 07:22 PM	#17
nobolt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Algonac, MI 48001 Posts: 1,848	Re: Original 72 front bumper vs. repro has anyone had an original rechromed? i know its expensive but how do these stand the test of time? would beat replacing a bumper every 5 years... __________________ Dave "... government even in its best state is but a necessary evil. Thomas Paine "It wasn't a lie, it was ineptitude with insufficient cover." Donald Draper (Mad Men)

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