Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
Anyone have any advice on reducing the weight of rubber bumpers? I was thinking the easiest way would be to
just to drill out sections of metal across the bumper. Any suggestions are much appreciated. PS. Thanks for the forums, this site has been a great help. |
MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4512 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
Someone did this years ago. Used a drill & holesaws. It was a lot of work for little gain. These days a plasma cutter would be a better choice.
Found the thread: [www.mgexperience.net] He only lightened the front bumper by 5lbs. I have considered making an aluminum frame to mount the rubber. Or go fiberglass: [www.morspeedperformance.com] Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/19/2008 11:14AM by MGBV8. |
BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
So then I guess the easiest and most effective way would be to convert to chrome bumpers huh?
Jim |
V6 Midget Bill Young Kansas City, MO (1337 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep |
Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
Jim, converting to chrome bumpers or even clean bumperless isn't "easy" there's a bit of body work to take care of to make the job look right. It's easier if you're going to use a Sebring rear valance designed for the RB body. VB sells the extension between the tail light and the chrome bumper, but if you want the smooth look in steel you'll have to fab up the lower sections. Carl's information is great, but like Jim said if you want light you need to get rid of the RBs.
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MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4512 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
I agree, Bill. Problem is I have been looking at this front end for 20 years, already. If I converted it to chrome bumper like my dad's '63, I would walk right by it in a parking lot, not even recognizing it as mine.
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Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
Throw 'em away. Put on chrome ones.
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Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
I'd like to see someone do a nice job of replacing the steel structure in the later-model bumpers with good lightweight fabrications (e.g. tubular steel, installed under the original rubber or under the morspeed fiberglass.)
The early-model chrome bumpers are nice looking, but they can't take a hit. They're pretty much just cosmetic; they don't really protect the painted bodywork. Carl, why don't you weld something together and show us how it's done? Take a lot of photos and we'll make an article about it. I bet you could shave forty or fifty pounds off the car while retaining the familiar rubber-bumper look - and the weight savings would all be way out there at the ends, where it effects polar moment the most. |
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castlesid Kevin Jackson Sidcup UK (361 posts) Registered: 11/18/2007 10:38AM Main British Car: 1975 MGB GT Rover V8 4.35L |
Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
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Mr. T Tony Andrews Kent Island, Maryland (153 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 03:59PM Main British Car: '75 mgb, '74 grille, morspeed bumpers Rover 3.9 |
Re: Best way to lighten rubber bumpers?
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