Replacing 74 bumpers with 73 or older

[LStevens]

I placed this same posting under "Cosmetics"

I have a 74 spider with those ugly over-riders and want to replace them with '68-'74 type bumpers. For those who know a '74's bumper is a 3-piece with the over-riders between them. The '74 brackets are quite large due to the over-riders so the brackets need quite a bit of modification to fit the older type bumpers. So, anyone done this before? If you have, do you have plans and measurements for the custom brackets? - Steve

[james124]

I don't know if this will help you. First of all the 74 bumpers are great and you should never get rid of them. FYI the 73 and earlier bumpers also had the over riders so that won't help. If you don't like the ever riders, you can easily remove them.
But this is what I did. Behind, the bumpers are steel support brackets. These have an extended length and so I reduced the length by having the tube of the bracket shortened by one inch and re-welded. The result is to move the bumpers an inch closer to the body which makes it look more natural and authentic. The side brackets on the fenders can accommodate the bumpers being moved by an inch. I have been very happy with the results. Have fun JimmyG

[MIGHTY 8]

I don't know if this will help you. First of all the 74 bumpers are great and you should never get rid of them. FYI the 73 and earlier bumpers also had the over riders so that won't help. If you don't like the ever riders, you can easily remove them.
But this is what I did. Behind, the bumpers are steel support brackets. These have an extended length and so I reduced the length by having the tube of the bracket shortened by one inch and re-welded. The result is to move the bumpers an inch closer to the body which makes it look more natural and authentic. The side brackets on the fenders can accommodate the bumpers being moved by an inch. I have been very happy with the results. Have fun JimmyG

I had mine taken to a body shop, and basically had this exact procedure done as well. It appeared to be a pretty "uncomplicated" process.

FYI..

I used Factory Five for their turn signals which were mounted just above the "new" bumpers. Whole thing came out quite nice!

Good luck!

[BEEK]

if he has a california / maryland version, the car has rubber overriders, making the front bumper 3 piece chrome. these are somwhat rare but i agree somewhat ugly, you will have to fabricate the mounting shouldnt be any problem, as simple as adding threaded holes to a frame extension from what i remember and a l bracket, and the bumpers of course

[LStevens]

Thanks for all the responses - yes I have a CALIF car which has a 3 piece bumper with has those HUGE rubber over riders between them in the front. The support bracket that the over riders AND bumpers mount to need to be cut down on the top and bottom to accommodate fitting inside the 1 piece bumper. It's raining out & the car is presently covered so I can't visualize what the two gents meant about shortening the bracket extender. Does anyone have a pic? When the rain stops and I get a chance I'll check things out. Thanks again for the tips!