Reconditioned Bumpers

[ar0ck]

Does anyone have experience using a Reconditioned OEM bumper on their F-Body? Lots of talk on several forums, with mixed reviews. Just wondering if anyone has used one recently and how was it long term?

I'm looking to completely replace my front bumper on my 95 T/A which has fallen victim to typical GM body work failures, cracked bumper, cracked turn signal housing, dents, etc...

[Jersey Mike]

What are you doing with the car? I spent ~$600 on a new one from a GM dealership, but that's because I was slapping a costly paint job onto it. I don't know what a reconditioned bumper cover sells for nowadays, but if you're going all #RACECAR on this one, then it may be worth it to consider the re-conditioned bumper at a particular price point. Now, if they're not very far apart cost-wise, then always opt for the new.

[sweetbmxrider]

I don't think new is available anymore? A used bumper in good condition is the best find. Spider webbing can be removed, you need to sand it out. Aftermarkets are pretty crappy but we used one on Matt's car and it came out pretty good. A bit more time on it could make it perfect but he wanted his car back and was ok with the condition. Can you post a few pics of yours? If its complete without any big cracks or holes, I would consider fixing it pending quotes.

[Jersey Mike]

Originally Posted by sweetbmxrider

I don't think new is available anymore? A used bumper in good condition is the best find. Spider webbing can be removed, you need to sand it out. Aftermarkets are pretty crappy but we used one on Matt's car and it came out pretty good. A bit more time on it could make it perfect but he wanted his car back and was ok with the condition. Can you post a few pics of yours? If its complete without any big cracks or holes, I would consider fixing it pending quotes.

Adam, hopefully that's not true.
About a year ago, Open Road Cadillac in Florham Park, NJ got me a WS6 Bumper for $564 after tax. I was under the impression it was new...

[sweetbmxrider]

Originally Posted by Jersey Mike

Adam, hopefully that's not true.
About a year ago, Open Road Cadillac in Florham Park, NJ got me a WS6 Bumper for $564 after tax. I was under the impression it was new...

Brandon said he struggled getting his 97 formula bumper like 5 years ago. Depleting stock on a car that hasn't been built in almost 20 years, chances are slim on finding NOS.

[V]

Mike, alexs car is a 1995 so older style 4th gen TA bumper. You have the ls1 style. Im sure you can get 98+ parts still here and there, but 93-97, not so easy.

[ar0ck]

The one company that keeps coming up in Forum searches is "Keystone", I haven't looked at their website yet, but just a quick google search shows bumpers from all over the place. Some prices as low as $200 for a reconditioned versus say $500+ for a NOS(possible aftermarket)on Craigslist.

There doesn't seem to be an in-between, and while I am all for the "racecar" look, my current bumper does have the typical spider cracks all over the front bumper, cracked turn signal housing, and a few warped bumps from who knows what, and the typical sagging. Its seen better days, it probably could be repaired, but I have a feeling would come out to the same cost as a new one.

Just trying to crunch numbers and get an idea of what I should be looking for or avoiding.

[WildBillyT]

I know it's crazy time intensive, but have you already tried hunting down a good used one off of a parts car?

[Featherburner]

GM parts direct has both 93-97 Formula and Trans Am bumper covers on their site ready to be added to your cart.

[sweetbmxrider]

If you go keystone, make sure its http://www.capacertified.org/ and even then, they can fit pretty poor. I believe matt's was and that thing needed and still needs work. It all comes down to budget like you said. If you and a friend are doing the body work, it could be cost effective doing the labor to make it right. If you are shelling cash out, you should consider NOS.

Originally Posted by Featherburner

GM parts direct has both 93-97 Formula and Trans Am bumper covers on their site ready to be added to your cart.

That would be cool but I wonder if its actually available. The description leaves it kinda open ended on special stock.

[V]

The GM parts websites always show stuff available, and then they cancel the order after you place it or won't let you check out.

[qwikz28]

Believe it or not, I got my replacement OEM bumper from Amazon. I paid $389.74 shipped, and used some Amazon credit to boot.

This was back in 2013, though.

FYI -https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VIKCTK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[maroman88]

im in the same boat... i rolled under a pickups hitch a few years ago and took a square out of the bumper into the hood. i attempted to repair the bumper but i suck and jsut dipped it along with the hood.

[LTb1ow]

The one I have on my car since Adam keeps referencing it, was on first impression very flimsy compared to stocker. I was worried since I have a MWC bumper support versus stock of wavyness at speed.

But, after attempts to fix the OEM spider cracks, it was the much easier option. For me, it looks fantastic, but a real body shop will of course list off the discrepancies.

I will now take this time to whore out some BLS handywork.





If you can pick up the slight comings, feel free to share. Off hand, the tabs were the bumper cover fits in fenders needed some major surgery which a good friend was able to fix so that the lines would be flush. The corners are a lil wacky but without seeing em up close its impossible to tell. And its moot for you as a TA owner.

For me, it was a good choice

[sweetbmxrider]

It looks great, I love the cut out grill opening on it. We actually managed to sand the spider cracks out of Brian's front bumper but his were minor compared to your bumper. You also had a light front end accident so between the couple cracks and grid impact, aftermarket was the best choice.

[Blackbirdws6]

: drool: