Best method: Smooth Bumpers and eliminate bumper strip.

[1987-NP]

I’m currently in the process of restoring an 87 Grand National. I really like the look of the smooth bumpers. Looking at the cost of a new bumper strip it’s probably not going to cost a whole lot more to get them smoothed vs a new bumper strip. I’ve found some posts about welding and the bumper reinforcement. Just wondering if anyone has some detailed instructions so I can explain it to my welder. Is the reinforcement welded right to the bumper or are the bolts welded to the bumper so the reinforcement and the bumper are still in two separate pieces? I’d like to keep them in separate pieces in case I decide later to upgrade to the aluminum reinforcements but not sure if that’s an option.

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

Probably the easiest way is to install Spoolfool’s carbon fiber bumper skins.

Carbon Fiber FRONT Bumper - SpoolFool Productions

Spoolfool Carbon Fiber FRONT bumper - Gloss black get coat, ready to bolt in, Lighter than factory steel. Made in the USA,

spoolfoolproductions.com

Carbon Fiber REAR Bumper - SpoolFool Productions

Spoolfool Carbon Fiber REAR Bumper - Gloss black gel coat, ready to bolt on, lighter than factory steel. Made in the USA

spoolfoolproductions.com

 

[YBLEGAL]

I have the SpoolFool bumpers and they look great! Also they shave quite a bit of weight off too if you have the steel bumpers. And if you have the aluminum bumper supports you can recoup some of your money.

 

[HighMileage]

I’m currently in the process of restoring an 87 Grand National. I really like the look of the smooth bumpers. Looking at the cost of a new bumper strip it’s probably not going to cost a whole lot more to get them smoothed vs a new bumper strip. I’ve found some posts about welding and the bumper reinforcement. Just wondering if anyone has some detailed instructions so I can explain it to my welder. Is the reinforcement welded right to the bumper or are the bolts welded to the bumper so the reinforcement and the bumper are still in two separate pieces? I’d like to keep them in separate pieces in case I decide later to upgrade to the aluminum reinforcements but not sure if that’s an option.

I’m currently in the process of restoring an 87 Grand National. I really like the look of the smooth bumpers. Looking at the cost of a new bumper strip it’s probably not going to cost a whole lot more to get them smoothed vs a new bumper strip. I’ve found some posts about welding and the bumper reinforcement. Just wondering if anyone has some detailed instructions so I can explain it to my welder. Is the reinforcement welded right to the bumper or are the bolts welded to the bumper so the reinforcement and the bumper are still in two separate pieces? I’d like to keep them in separate pieces in case I decide later to upgrade to the aluminum reinforcements but not sure if that’s an option.

The bumper reinforcement is bolted to the bumper with a whole lot of carriage bolts.