71 Riv split bumper

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by falcon81, Sep 5, 2017.

  1. falcon81

    falcon81 Active Member

    Hey everyone, I am just about finished restoring my 64 Riv Super Wildcat. But.........

    I came upon a listing for a 71 Riv boat tail. Ended up picking it up for a good price and now will be restoring two.

    It's all original and nothing much to look at now but I already have plans. All black, ditch the vinyl top and some nice wheels and exhaust. Anyways, to the point.

    I would really like to do the whole split bumper idea or possibly lose the front bumper completely if possible.

    If I do the split, I found a guy that has a 72 bumper I could modify. If I go this route, I am looking for ideas of the cleanest way to do this, making the corners look neat.

    I've seen many pics like this and am assuming these are all custom made.
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2017
  2. JZRIV

    JZRIV Platinum Level Contributor

    I always liked the split bumper too but don't run into anything even at slow speed.
    Yes all custom made. The 72s have rubber bump strips and the holes where the rubber attaches will need filled assuming you won't be using the rubber strip. Basically, you fabricate and weld caps on the end where you make the cut. Then grind-weld-repeat process then final hand work to get a nice even contour on the edges of cap and smooth to make it look like a factory piece once chromed. The better/smoother you get it the less work the chrome shop will need to do before plating = less $$$. Of course if your aren't chrome plating and just painting it you can use filler to finish off the caps which would be much quicker.
     
  3. falcon81

    falcon81 Active Member

    Yes, that's what I was thinking. Where I live, Chroming is ridiculously expensive. I'm sure it has gone way up over the years. I am going to black out most of the car including the chrome so refinishing shouldn't be a problem.

    Not sure if this is the right forum for this but can chrome just be sanded and painted or does it have to be sand blasted off?
     

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