front/rear bumpers

[140cilx]

I've seen some encouraging the upgrade of purchasing the aluminum bumpers (from the '79 models) and swapping them out for our heavy steel bumpers for a weight loss.

SO...I was looking over my LX which has a plastic or resin bumper front and rear. I bet it's lighter than the aluminum one. Mounts are the same.

My front bumper is tweaked on the 'vo and I only need the excuse. Can we swap in one of the later plastic/resin bumpers? Even if I had to do some cutting on the ends of the bumper to make it fit under the front clip, I can't see that being any problem. Seems like it would be a substantial weight loss.

Anybody know something I don't?

-thanks!

[Ken Potter]

Do a search....

There is a previous thread covering this swap. I had offered a fiberglass bumper myself. A WORD OF WARNING : The fiberglass used in these type bumpers is EXTREMELY nasty stuff! Take it from me as I have worked with many different types of fiberglass for the last 29 years, 8 months, 13 days ( I only know this because I'm counting down to my impending layoff / unemployment ). This fiberglass is without a doubt some of the worst I've dealt with. Be sure to wear goggles, respirator or mask, and good gloves. Wash up with COLD water and a mild soap. DO NOT SCRUB!

[140cilx]

Ken, thanks for that good info about the 'glass. I did a quickie search, but not a "SEARCH". I'll go look for it.

[kennycoulter]

so can this work?

[Ken Potter]

I never tried the switch to fiberglass on a SVO so I can't give any tips on what needs to be trimmed / fit....

[Philc]

I did this a while ago, and it saved a lot of weight.
the bumper will need to be trimmed, just hte lip will do, and the stock SVO mounts wont work very well- if you can get the 'glass bumpered mustang to fit, they would be a better bet. the bumper also leavs about 1.5 inches behind the bumper cover, so a light tap will destroy the bumper cover, instead of the bumper supporting it.

[svodad]

lite weight bumper

I want to change the bumper to one of the lighter weight versions. Is the 79 mustang/Capri the only aluminum one? Does that eliminate the fit up problems mentioned with the later fiberglass bumers? Are all the fox fiberglass bumpers the same, or are some years/models a better fit for the SVO, even if they need some trimming?
Thanks

[TheViking]

Yes, the aluminum bumpers fit properly. I've heard some were used in 1980 as well but I can't confirm. Don't use the fiberglass bumper up. I tried and it doesn't support the cover properly, particularly on the corners. I don't know about the rear.

You should see them for sale (e-bay, etc.) fairly regularly.

[onthegosvo]

The aluminum bumpers are very hard to find.I got lucky searching junk yards and came across a set.Good luck hunting and make sure to take a strong magnet.Very easy to install and a noticeable difference.
Just my 2 cents.