Topic: rear bumper

[waldo786]

So, to make a long story long, back when I thought I was going to restore my grandfather's wagon, the rear bumper was completely rusted out.  I actually had to cut it off, and even before I did that I knew I needed a new bumper.  I bought an aluminum one from a 79/80.  It will fit my car (both are 76's), but I need to cut the plastic bumper filler piece.  I don't mind doing this as I have an extra one from my grandfather's car, but it is not as sturdy as the steel and chrome one from the '76.  I like the look better and the fact that it weighs less, altho the front will stay the same.  Is it safe to use the lightweight aluminum bumpers, or should I go back with the original 76?  I'm not worried about it being completely stock, more so on safety and that they are lighter and may also shift more weight up front.

[bbobcat75]

are you using the metal reinforcement from the 76 or just the bumper with brackets?  the big weight diff, is in the reinforcement that thing weighs a ton!
chrome to alum - are close to same weight
just my 2 cents

[pinto_one]

you could have used the 77-78 bumpers, they weight the same as the 79-80 bumpers, but look like the 74 to 76 steel bumpers , bet you save over a 100 lbs by doing that , but change both , using the 77 bumpers on my 79 cruse wagon along with the 76 front end and grill , the 79-80 bumpers are strong , tested them when I lived in New Orleans years ago , lost a few pintos from all the bad drivers there

[waldo786]

Thanks for the info.  I decided to go ahead and use the later bumpers.  I had to trim the rubber panel in between, but it's just about ready to bolt on - I'm hoping I can do it tomorrow.  I could be wrong, but I thought the front bumpers would not bolt up, but perhaps I am wrong.  Will the '77 / '78 bumpers bolt on with no problem to the 76?  Are they the same shape, and will I also need the rubber bumper filler for it also?