1972 bumper - rubber strips

[whitewatersky]

Howdy 

Does anyone know whether those horizontal  rubber strips running through the centre of the 1972 bumpers are removable?

 

Then if so, would they leave scars...? 

 

Basically wondering if you can Replicate  the '71 bumper look with 1972 bumpers.

 

I like the '72 grille and am not worried either way when it comes to the trunk vents...

 

Thanks 

 

 

Edited July 24, 2017 by whitewatersky (see edit history)

[JZRIV]

Yes removable but there are holes in bumper where they attach. would have to weld the holes up and re-plate to look like 71

[Rivman]

Yes, the rubber is removable. There are studs sticking out of the back of the strips, and nuts on the inside of the bumper to hold the strip in place. So, yes, there would be scars, the holes in the bumper that the studs go through.

 

 

You would have to use a '71 bumper to not have the holes, or weld them as Jason states.

[whitewatersky]

Thanks guys... Considering a 72 but maybe should wait and find a 71... 

[kreed]

Those rubber strips are impossible to find in decent shape and no one is reproducing them - I looked for over a year . I finally went my lock parts store and found something that looked reasonable and completely covered the holes in the bumper . I can send you info on that if you are interested or will be able to send some to you . Think I spent about $35 or $40 on mine . You do have to trim the ends to your specs which I did with my Dremel . Enclosing a couple of pics . 

KReed

ROA 14549

[needatec]

were did you buy the rubber?

 

[Seafoam65]

To me the ultimate boat tail would be a 72 with the rubber on the bumpers removed. I like the

72 not having the vents in the deck lid but the rubber on the bumper is not as pretty as the 71 smooth chrome bumper. 

[RivNut]

In his text, Kreed states that he went to his [local] *lock parts store.  Rolls of this can usually be found at Oreillys, Advance, Autozone, etc. It might be called any number of names.  Just Google 'truck molding'

 

*My tablet is notorious for filling in what it thinks (AI) you want to type.

Edited January 16, 2020 by RivNut (see edit history)

[steelman]

Or did he mean Locke, which is a plumbing supply chain? Kreed should answer back shortly.

[kreed]

 It was a "local parts " store that specializes in car parts for later model cars . It was not the O'Reilleys  Napa type store. I think I have a couple pieces left and will try and dig it out . I may be wrong but believe it might have bee a 3M brand . I know it came in a variety of widths and a roll of 25 ft with self adhesive back which I "supplemented " with glue. I fashiond the ends with a Dremel  . So far it's holding but never exposed to rain or seven weather . 

KReed

ROA 14549

[PWB]

I'll bet a SPAX pan head would be a good fastener for a more permanent affix.

With a fender washer and nylon spacer under the head.

Drill a pilot hole in the backside of the rubber -  the same diameter as the screw minor diameter. This permits the screw without bulging the strip. A dab of petrolatum to ease the cut.

 

 

Makes me want a boat tail again! Who wants to trade?  

 

 

Edited January 17, 2020 by PWB (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

In the 1990's, I had to replace the rubber strip on

my 1973 Riviera's rear bumper.  Those early rubber

strips have steel embedded in them;  the steel rusts

and distorts the rubber, making the whole assembly ugly.

 

I had a hard time finding a used replacement:  In the

arid rust-free climates, the rubber deteriorated.

In the temperate climates, the rubber was good but the

steel rusted.  The piece I finally found was from the

Pacific Northwest--neither arid nor cold enough for salt.

 

Does anyone reproduce the 1973 rear rubber strip today?

(Or the 1972 for others' sake?)  There surely must be a need.