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914World.com _ Originality and History _ Front & Rear Bumpers
Posted by: Pat Garvey Nov 17 2006, 06:32 PM
OK - new nailed area.
There were quite a few variations in 914 bumpers through the years.
Think about it - special early rear chrome bumper (was this available in painted form?), chrome or painted, front/ rear tits (pardon), rubber. What about the fog/no-fog combinations?
Show yours here
Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Nov 18 2006, 11:43 AM
Here is an original, concours 914 front end. This would be an "appearance pkg" chrome bumper w/fog lights, circa 1970/71/72. Car belongs to our moderator, Pat Garvey.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Nov 18 2006, 02:58 PM
Depicted here is an original, early rear bumper on an early '70/4. For reference, the "indent" for the license area is very sharp and angular compared to the more curved transition for later rear bumpers.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Scott H Nov 18 2006, 11:33 PM
I'm kinda new here so I'm not sure if it's okay to ask questions like this over in this forum, so feel free to remove this post if it's not appropriate ... plus, the pictures are of a nasty car and I don't want to detract from the concours cars ...
The picture below is my '72. The front chrome bumper has a pair of holes on each side, just inboard of the foglights.
I'm assuming these are the mounting holes for the "tits" but it appears that none have ever be mounted there.
Would that be correct for a '72? Were the tits an option in '72 or is it a later bumper on my car?
Thanks.
Rear chrome bumper:
Posted by: Pat Garvey Nov 19 2006, 11:45 AM
I'm kinda new here so I'm not sure if it's okay to ask questions like this over in this forum, so feel free to remove this post if it's not appropriate ... plus, the pictures are of a nasty car and I don't want to detract from the concours cars ...
The picture below is my '72. The front chrome bumper has a pair of holes on each side, just inboard of the foglights.
I'm assuming these are the mounting holes for the "tits" but it appears that none have ever be mounted there.
Would that be correct for a '72? Were the tits an option in '72 or is it a later bumper on my car?
Thanks.
Rear chrome bumper:
Scott,
You have a '73 or '74 bumper on your 914 (front). Front "tits" appeared first on '73, rears in '74.
And, don't worry about posting. This forum is supposed to be the place to ask questions like yours. Are you planning a restoration?
Posted by: Pat Garvey Dec 26 2006, 06:32 PM
Does someone have a close up photo of the diff's between the very early & not so early rear bumpers?
What about the bumpers from '73...'74...'75 &'76? What, no one wants to play? We need the info!
Post!
Posted by: 914runnow Dec 26 2006, 09:39 PM
Does someone have a close up photo of the diff's between the very early & not so early rear bumpers?
What about the bumpers from '73...'74...'75 &'76? What, no one wants to play? We need the info!
Post!
Hey Pat good to be back in Concour 'Geek' land..
Hey when my new factory OEM front bumper assy.... comes down , I will shoot a pic of that..As it was early 80's produced..And they had a 'chrome' color variation
on it.....>not as shiny<....70 to 74 were all the mirrored bright chrome from factory....
But back in 96 ...
Could NOT pass up an OEM NLA NEW 73 front bumper for my car that is
purrrrrrfect!!!!!!!!!!
ANY ONE else have a later produced bumper that they purchased
with my same scenario??
Posted by: Pat Garvey Dec 31 2006, 08:52 PM
Does someone have a close up photo of the diff's between the very early & not so early rear bumpers?
What about the bumpers from '73...'74...'75 &'76? What, no one wants to play? We need the info!
Post!
Hey Pat good to be back in Concour 'Geek' land..
Hey when my new factory OEM front bumper assy.... comes down , I will shoot a pic of that..As it was early 80's produced..And they had a 'chrome' color variation
on it.....>not as shiny<....70 to 74 were all the mirrored bright chrome from factory....
But back in 96 ...
Could NOT pass up an OEM NLA NEW 73 front bumper for my car that is
purrrrrrfect!!!!!!!!!!
ANY ONE else have a later produced bumper that they purchased
with my same scenario??
Anxious to see the pics! I replaced my front bumper w/a factory new one in the late 70's (don't ask why - embarassing) but the chrome was identical to the original.
Posted by: type4org Jan 12 2007, 05:21 AM
Here's some 1976 model year bumpers. Some of these pictures were taken with a flash, on those a lot of detail is lost because the bumper looks pitch black:
Posted by: Pat Garvey Jan 12 2007, 05:01 PM
Here's some 1976 model year bumpers. Some of these pictures were taken with a flash, on those a lot of detail is lost because the bumper looks pitch black:
Jens
Thanks!!!!!!
About time we got the rubber bumpers included - nice ones too!
Posted by: Bleyseng Jan 20 2007, 10:38 AM
Did all 76 cars have the rubber "tits"? Mine did but I tossed my rubber bumpers.....
Posted by: type4org Jan 20 2007, 10:47 AM
Did all 76 cars have the rubber "tits"?
Mine did but I tossed my rubber bumpers.....According to Johnson all cars sold in CA and MD had them, but he also states "Some cars from other states, especially 1976 models, also have them".
I know mine was sold in CA.
Posted by: Porsche Rescue Jan 20 2007, 01:58 PM
My '76, sold new in Texas, has no "tits".
Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 20 2007, 02:34 PM
Did all 76 cars have the rubber "tits"?
Mine did but I tossed my rubber bumpers.....Rubber tits were an option that you paid extra for on 75 & 76's..
T
Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 20 2007, 02:40 PM
Hi all,
Here's front & rear bumpers on my 1974 914-4 car. Notice on the rear bumper the small dia. hole plug for the tow eye. On my car it's (original) chromed plastic. I've tried to find another & never found one. 
Tom
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Posted by: type4org Jan 20 2007, 02:41 PM
Rubber tits were an option that you paid extra for on 75 & 76's..
I'd love to see that option code or proof on an invoice. I don't think Porsche charged for something that was mandated in certain states, at least not for cars delivered to those states that mandated them.
Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 20 2007, 02:43 PM
Here's a better closeup of an early 1970-6 rear bumper & my 1974 914-4 bumper. Notice the different curve (more straight on the 70 & curved on the 1974).
Tom
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 20 2007, 02:50 PM
Rubber tits were an option that you paid extra for on 75 & 76's..
I'd love to see that option code or proof on an invoice. I don't think Porsche charged for something that was mandated in certain states, at least not for cars delivered to those states that mandated them.
Jens
You may be correct. Lets ask other's if they know the real story. It may have been included on some options or mandated by the govt. in certain states?? It was probably not a stand alone option??
Tom
Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 20 2007, 03:07 PM
Here's Brad's from Ohio with his 75 (or 76??).
It's one of the most original 914's in all 914 land. 
No tits.
Tom
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Posted by: Pat Garvey Jan 21 2007, 11:02 AM
Hi all,
Here's front & rear bumpers on my 1974 914-4 car. Notice on the rear bumper the small dia. hole plug for the tow eye. On my car it's (original) chromed plastic. I've tried to find another & never found one.
Tom
Tom, if you EVER do come accross a supply of those toe eye plugs (in chrome), keep me in mind. I live in fear of that things comeing off the bumper on the road.
Pat
Posted by: Bleyseng Jan 27 2007, 10:49 AM
Here's Brad's from Ohio with his 75 (or 76??).
It's one of the most original 914's in all 914 land.
No tits.Tom
says 76. Whats the vin number??
Posted by: Johny Blackstain Mar 3 2007, 11:54 AM
Front view of a stock 74LE. Please note the brand new, OEM, rubber trunk seal forcing the lid up... 
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Posted by: Johny Blackstain Mar 3 2007, 11:59 AM
rear view of 74LE stock bumper-
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Posted by: Pat Garvey Mar 3 2007, 07:15 PM
rear view of 74LE stock bumper-
Nice!!!!
My personal favorite of the LE's.
Sorry guys - I'm a red person.
Posted by: Bleyseng Mar 3 2007, 07:46 PM
How come you got euro lenes on the LE?
Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 3 2007, 08:22 PM
and another bumper tit of info 
you could get headlight washer systems on EITHER style bumper!
i have seen the early bumper top with nozzles, and have seen a late bumper cap with the nozzles!
AA
Posted by: Johny Blackstain Mar 4 2007, 12:09 AM
How come you got euro lenes on the LE?
Nice catch. Really just for the photo shoot. The stock ones are back on & the euros are goin on the 6. If I land this house at the end of the month the girls will finally be together & I'll be able to take some newer pics. I have no home at the moment & one is hidden in storage & the other's w/ me... I just bought the 6 in January.
Posted by: Johny Blackstain Mar 30 2007, 10:18 PM
How come you got euro lenes on the LE?
This better? I know, bad photography. Maybe in daylight tomorrow.
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Posted by: TedK Aug 31 2007, 12:07 PM
How come you got euro lenes on the LE?
the euros are goin on the 6.
Do the euro lenses belong on a 6? I thought all USA 914's came with the orange lenses. The fixer six I just bought has the euros, but I assume with only one light in the bucket the lens is not stock.
Thanks
Ted K
Posted by: Johny Blackstain Aug 31 2007, 06:36 PM
Do the euro lenses belong on a 6? I thought all USA 914's came with the orange lenses. The fixer six I just bought has the euros, but I assume with only one light in the bucket the lens is not stock.
Thanks
Ted K
No & yes. Good presumption on the # of bulbs. Does not matter if it's a four or a six, US lenses belong on them all, here in the US. In the front, solid orange, no orange/clear "bifocals". Side markers, "warts", are also OEM & DOT, & very orange for US spec. All red & 1 clear, on each side, in the back. No orange at all.
My six is a 916 clone so I get to Euro her
. Not O&H, but informative none the less.
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Posted by: Pat Garvey Aug 31 2007, 08:02 PM
Let's clarify the lens thing for those who are new to this forum.
US delivery: Front = single orange color turn signal lenses & side markers. Rear = red lenses, with clear insert for backup lights.
US = side markers (mandatory), those lenses cited above.
ANY variation from those must be documented by the COA, else it's NOT original. No side markers looks nice & clean, but it's not original in the US. Bi-color or clear turn signals are not original in the US. Tri-color rear signal lenses are not original in the US, and imply that the side markers do not exist on the car.
I agree, these changes can look cool, but this forum isn't about cool. It's about originality.
Pat
Posted by: TedK Sep 1 2007, 05:17 PM
Here's a better closeup of an early 1970-6 rear bumper & my 1974 914-4 bumper. Notice the different curve (more straight on the 70 & curved on the 1974).
Tom
OK, thanks for lens info........now back to bumpers: Since my "new" 1970 6 has the more curved rear bumper, does that mean the original was definately replaced or could it be OEM on my car??? The details may drive me insane before I finish restoring this car.
Thanks again,
Ted K
Posted by: orthobiz Sep 1 2007, 06:30 PM
Since my "new" 1970 6 has the more curved rear bumper, does that mean the original was definately replaced or could it be OEM on my car??? The details may drive me insane before I finish restoring this car.
Thanks again,
Ted K
Check out Post 17 in this thread, then post some pictures!!!!!
I'm even updating my Avatar...
Paul
Posted by: Porsche Rescue Sep 1 2007, 06:58 PM
All 1970 914's , four or six, came with the "squared" license plate indent.
At some point that bumper was NLA and damaged bumpers were replaced with the later bumper.
Posted by: Pat Garvey Sep 1 2007, 07:34 PM
Here's a better closeup of an early 1970-6 rear bumper & my 1974 914-4 bumper. Notice the different curve (more straight on the 70 & curved on the 1974).
Tom
OK, thanks for lens info........now back to bumpers: Since my "new" 1970 6 has the more curved rear bumper, does that mean the original was definately replaced or could it be OEM on my car??? The details may drive me insane before I finish restoring this car.
Thanks again,
Ted K
Your '70 came with the "squared" liscense plate indent - all did in '70. The "rounded" mean that the bumper was replaced along the line. Could be a major thing, depending on your POV, but try to find a squared bumper that is even reapairable - rare beast & expect to pay accordingly.
Posted by: TedK Sep 1 2007, 09:11 PM
Paul that avatar looks much better. Well, from my quick education here on 914World, I have surmised the following:
1. My rear bumper has been replaced
2. My rear tail light lenses have been replaced with tri-color units
3. Both front and rear valence panels are missing
4. The items above can be replaced with correct units at significant cost for
some.
5. I may file bankruptcy before this is over.
The bumper does not bother me, and I actually prefer the tri-color tail lenses. All three 914-6 that I tried to buy on Ebay had the tri-color units. I am mainly going to be concerned with the body / rust issues which will become known in full when I dismantle the car. Here she is sitting in my back yard awaiting completion of the new garage.
cheers
Ted K
Posted by: Johny Blackstain Sep 2 2007, 09:02 AM
Your '70 came with the "squared" liscense plate indent - all did in '70. The "rounded" mean that the bumper was replaced along the line. Could be a major thing, depending on your POV, but try to find a squared bumper that is even reapairable - rare beast & expect to pay accordingly.
You have got to be kidding
. I had no idea. Bumper is now in the attic, staying very, very dry. COA is on the way, but Irish Green & black leatherette is not my cup of tea & I still have no idea where the original engine is & don't want to know!
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Posted by: orthobiz Sep 2 2007, 10:05 AM
Ted, you're gonna have so much stuff to do on the car I would do the bumper originality thing LAST. It's an easy bolt on and it doesn't glare at me like a 916 bumper would...
Good luck and keep us posted.
Paul
Posted by: type47fan Sep 3 2007, 11:30 PM
Here is an original, concours 914 front end. This would be an "appearance pkg" chrome bumper w/fog lights, circa 1970/71/72. Car belongs to our moderator, Pat Garvey.
I know this is from a post of nearly a year ago (post #2), but, it seems that the "concours" front end might be subject to deductions for displaying incorrect turn signal lenses, for the configuration.
Can almost make out the amber corner of a euro rear lense, too.
Maybe the referenced post should be moved to the Garage Forum
, or at least updated with a current correct photo, so as not to confuse the issue of what's original and what's not.
Posted by: slackin' at work Nov 1 2007, 01:41 PM
anyone have a picture of the correct original lisence plate bracket mounted to the front early chrome bumper? where to get one?
thanks... this would save me from drilling new holes 
Posted by: Porsche Rescue Nov 1 2007, 02:20 PM
Email Craig at Camp914.com I'm sure he would have a proper bracket.
Posted by: Pat Garvey Nov 1 2007, 09:02 PM
Here is an original, concours 914 front end. This would be an "appearance pkg" chrome bumper w/fog lights, circa 1970/71/72. Car belongs to our moderator, Pat Garvey.
I know this is from a post of nearly a year ago (post #2), but, it seems that the "concours" front end might be subject to deductions for displaying incorrect turn signal lenses, for the configuration.
Can almost make out the amber corner of a euro rear lense, too.
Maybe the referenced post should be moved to the Garage Forum
, or at least updated with a current correct photo, so as not to confuse the issue of what's original and what's not.Wayne,
You make a valid point! That pic was taken somewhere in the 75-77 era, by someone who did not have my authorization or waiver to post (
). Yes, my car did have euro fron & rear lenses at that point - looong gone. You didn't mention the chromies!It DID look good though with those things on. Makes me think........
I'd post an update of the front, but the car's on stands until spring & not enough room to get a pic. Rear is back to stock lights (since about '78). I'd send a pic of that, but it's not too flattering with it's butt up in the air.
Pat
Posted by: Sleepin Dec 16 2007, 08:44 AM
1975 non-appearance group with driving light blanks:
Sorry for the blurry pic. Backdated bumpers and appearance group get all the attention IMO! 
Posted by: TedK Jun 4 2008, 10:23 PM
What's the story on the fog light grills in the front bumper. Early ones are supposed to be metal?? Are they available anywhere? Yes I did a search.
Ted K
Posted by: Pat Garvey Jun 5 2008, 08:49 PM
What's the story on the fog light grills in the front bumper. Early ones are supposed to be metal?? Are they available anywhere? Yes I did a search.
Ted K
Ted, the very early ones were metal. Not certain when the changeover was made, but Bowlsby could narrow it down. Are they available? Haven't seen any for sale for quite a while, and they were dubious.
Pat
Posted by: Lavanaut Jun 25 2008, 04:06 PM
Here's a better closeup of an early 1970-6 rear bumper & my 1974 914-4 bumper. Notice the different curve (more straight on the 70 & curved on the 1974).
What continues to confuse me on topics like this one is references to "early" vs. "late" 914-6s. There were three model years, so where's the delineation between early/late?
The reason I ask is, I was looking at a particular 1971 /6. It had the rounded rear bumper (commonly referred to as "late"), and I'm trying to figure out if it was correct or not. Perhaps it's the case that MY '71 cars came both ways, depending on when during the production run they were assembled...?
Thanks
Posted by: Porsche Rescue Jun 25 2008, 06:41 PM
Early would be 1970 when speaking of a six. The "early" rear bumper (squared off license indent, often incorrectly called a "six" bumper) is correct for both four and six in 1970. A curved indent is correct for a '71, four or six.
Posted by: Lavanaut Jun 25 2008, 07:13 PM
Ahhh...clarity. Thanks Jim!
Posted by: Pat Garvey Jun 27 2008, 08:36 PM
Early would be 1970 when speaking of a six. The "early" rear bumper (squared off license indent, often incorrectly called a "six" bumper) is correct for both four and six in 1970. A curved indent is correct for a '71, four or six.
Dead nuts , right on!
Pat
Posted by: Lavanaut Jul 18 2008, 12:56 PM
In asking around a bit more, there seems to be some consensus that the switch to the curved rear bumper occurred some time during the '71 model year run. This is of particular interest to me. Is there anyone out there with a '71 /6 that has the squared-off bumper?
Posted by: markb Jul 19 2008, 11:10 PM
I had a 71 4 with the squared bumper.
Posted by: 6freak Jan 6 2009, 12:32 PM
I had a 71 4 with the squared bumper.
3 1970 6`s in my family and two have the squared bumpers 1 rounded ...I think it was just a matter of witch one was available when the car was put togather in the factory
Posted by: Lavanaut Jan 6 2009, 12:43 PM
I know that happened often later on in the heritage, but everything we've seen as a group indicates that all of the '70 /6s had the squared bumper. After all, the rounded-edge bumpers weren't even around yet.
My guess is, the /6 in your family with the rounded bumper had the original bumper replaced somewhere along the line.
Posted by: 6freak Jan 6 2009, 01:03 PM
I know that happened often later on in the heritage, but everything we've seen as a group indicates that all of the '70 /6s had the squared bumper. After all, the rounded-edge bumpers weren't even around yet.
My guess is, the /6 in your family with the rounded bumper had the original bumper replaced somewhere along the line.
My Dads 6 has been in the family sence it was brand new and it was never wrecked or even pumped into .... it was repainted so just maybe when it was put back togather they put the wrong one on ??.I have asked him about it and he says its stock
Posted by: Lavanaut Jan 6 2009, 01:12 PM
Wow, that's really pretty interesting!
Posted by: Johny Blackstain Jan 6 2009, 01:16 PM
Squarebacks are rare & as far as I know all 914s came w/ them in 1970.
Posted by: 6freak Jan 6 2009, 01:28 PM
Squarebacks are rare & as far as I know all 914s came w/ them in 1970.
is there #s stamped on them somewhere i could look up....the mystery continues
Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Jan 6 2009, 10:08 PM
I know that happened often later on in the heritage, but everything we've seen as a group indicates that all of the '70 /6s had the squared bumper. After all, the rounded-edge bumpers weren't even around yet.
My guess is, the /6 in your family with the rounded bumper had the original bumper replaced somewhere along the line.
My Dads 6 has been in the family sence it was brand new and it was never wrecked or even pumped into .... it was repainted so just maybe when it was put back togather they put the wrong one on ??.I have asked him about it and he says its stock
Do you know the build date of your dads' /6?
Paul
Posted by: 6freak Jan 7 2009, 08:20 AM
I know that happened often later on in the heritage, but everything we've seen as a group indicates that all of the '70 /6s had the squared bumper. After all, the rounded-edge bumpers weren't even around yet.
My guess is, the /6 in your family with the rounded bumper had the original bumper replaced somewhere along the line.
My Dads 6 has been in the family sence it was brand new and it was never wrecked or even pumped into .... it was repainted so just maybe when it was put back togather they put the wrong one on ??.I have asked him about it and he says its stock
Do you know the build date of your dads' /6?
Paul
I will find out..Mite take me a day or two
Posted by: Jlance Apr 13 2009, 06:52 PM
Hi all,
Here's front & rear bumpers on my 1974 914-4 car. Notice on the rear bumper the small dia. hole plug for the tow eye. On my car it's (original) chromed plastic. I've tried to find another & never found one.
Tom
hi, just bought a 75 914 and wanting to put those bumpers on. what am i looking for and where's the best place to find them? yours look great!
Posted by: 914runnow Apr 14 2009, 11:20 PM
Hi all,
Here's front & rear bumpers on my 1974 914-4 car. Notice on the rear bumper the small dia. hole plug for the tow eye. On my car it's (original) chromed plastic. I've tried to find another & never found one.
Tom
hi, just bought a 75 914 and wanting to put those bumpers on. what am i looking for and where's the best place to find them? yours look great!
Cutting-Drilling-repainting-grinding-secure parts-plug holes-
rechrome-top rubber caps secure-oooooopsssss then
another set of fogs and grills....$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
(the horns can still stay below....)Put some WTB's out there
and check the classic threads for a retro fit....Good Luck
Posted by: Tom_T Apr 16 2009, 01:45 AM
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Posted by: Cairo94507 Apr 18 2009, 07:18 AM
I had a '73 a long time ago and I took the chrome front bumper to a body shop and asked them to send it out to their bumper repair shop (outside contractor) and have the minor dent removed (some fool backing into it) and while they were at it to fill the license plate holes and bumper tit holes. It came back a week later and looked perfect. They straightened it, welded up the holes and re-chromed the whole thing. Just a thought.
Posted by: TedK Apr 18 2009, 09:52 AM
If you are not in a hurry, bumpers do show up for sale in much better condition than those. Hell, I gave away an extra rear bumper that just needed re-chroming.
Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 18 2009, 07:42 PM
I've seen some just about that bad that have been made perfect.
It won't be cheap, but a very good metal person can make it happen.
You will be very lucky to find undamaged bumpers that won't need any work. If you find damaged ones, even though not as severe as yours, you'll pay the price to bring them back. Will you save money? Maybe, but doubtful.
I'd ask aroung my locale for the best metal bender & go talk to him.
Though it was a long time ago, what did you do with in insurance money you got?
Should have gotten new ones then, when they were still available.
Pat
Posted by: Tman914 Apr 18 2009, 09:59 PM
Hi all,
Here's front & rear bumpers on my 1974 914-4 car. Notice on the rear bumper the small dia. hole plug for the tow eye. On my car it's (original) chromed plastic. I've tried to find another & never found one.
Tom
Yo tom
nice pic I noticed your exhaust system what are you running on that 914-4
Posted by: 914runnow Apr 19 2009, 12:31 AM
Okay Folks - here's a question about the restorability of damaged chrome bumpers vs. finding used ones as parts or on a parts car. This is a more critical issue now that these chrome bumpers are NLA for both front & back at this point!
My `73 2L with appearance group was damaged front & rear when hit in a parking structure in 5/`85 & has been stored since. Last week I unburied the car in the garage & pulled the bumpers & a few other parts to do an assessment of what I'm up against. I've posted pix of the damaged front & rear chrome bumpers below, but this is my first attempt at posting pix here - so please excuse any faux pas.
I'm seeking opinions on whether or not these can & should be straightened & repaired???? Thanx in Advance!
....or whether I'd be better off looking for some straighter ones on a parts car or parts???
DAMAGED FRONT CHROMIE:
DAMAGED REAR CHROMIE: - see next post....
Welllllll twas me I would go for good cond bumps and replate those..
your smushed ones might not line up when done as those are prettttttty
tweaked.....plus the top rubber caps also will not have hole alignment problems....
was their ins monies??...Plus you can get an early 70 71 72 and eliminate
the bumperettes in the front...UNLESS keeping concour...put some WTB ..Bumps and see what comes across for offers!!
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Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 21 2009, 06:08 PM
I've seen some just about that bad that have been made perfect.
It won't be cheap, but a very good metal person can make it happen.
You will be very lucky to find undamaged bumpers that won't need any work. If you find damaged ones, even though not as severe as yours, you'll pay the price to bring them back. Will you save money? Maybe, but doubtful.
I'd ask aroung my locale for the best metal bender & go talk to him.
Though it was a long time ago, what did you do with in insurance money you got?
Should have gotten new ones then, when they were still available.
Pat
Used to be that the bumper/re-chromer shops around here had jigs that they used to get 914 bumpers back into proper shape, but I don't know if they still do anymore!?
Yuppers - hindsight is 20:20 or better! I could've gotten ALL new rubber, chrome & body panels back then for $4500, & I did eventually get the guilty party's Daddy's insurance company to pay the full $6500+ estimate! ...but as I said in my other reply, I was finishing Grad School, starting a family, and decided to buy the BMW with a back seat for the family - then "take my time" to locate a parts car to cut the cost of the repairs!
...I think 24 years is enough time to "take" & to do without my teener - don't you!?
...assuming that was a "yes" I just heard you nod, please tell my wife so too, plus reinforce that it'll be an "extra" car when my son needs to go soomewhere in one of the other 2, while your at it!
...and BTW - I'll be taking your rocker panel instructions up as soon as I can get to them!
Yeah, I can understand. You do what's needed at the time.
Remember when I was about to get out of grad school - drove the 914 every night (I was working full time). We had a Harvard approach, so we stayed as a group until security sent us packing. One night in February, I was on campus untill 11:30, before the cops sent us packing. Went to my 914 & the locks were frozen! Thought they just needed some warm air, so I locked my lips on the handle & proceeded to blow air into the lock. I swear this is true! It was about 20 degrees.
Lips froze on the door latch! Tongue froze on the keyhole! No one around - thankfully!
After a bit of panic, I thought - blow what hot air you have from your guts. Did so. it worked. First the tongue came off, then (slowly) the lips.
Key worked the door after that, but I had the worst case of chapped lips ever.
Then I found WD40.
True story & sorry for the hijack - when you become older these things just come back from nowhere.
Grad school was such a hoot! Yeppir, fond memories.
Pat
Posted by: Tom_T Apr 22 2009, 10:42 PM
EDITED - DELETE
Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 25 2009, 07:34 PM
I've seen some just about that bad that have been made perfect.
It won't be cheap, but a very good metal person can make it happen.
You will be very lucky to find undamaged bumpers that won't need any work. If you find damaged ones, even though not as severe as yours, you'll pay the price to bring them back. Will you save money? Maybe, but doubtful.
I'd ask aroung my locale for the best metal bender & go talk to him.
Though it was a long time ago, what did you do with in insurance money you got?
Should have gotten new ones then, when they were still available.
Pat
Used to be that the bumper/re-chromer shops around here had jigs that they used to get 914 bumpers back into proper shape, but I don't know if they still do anymore!?
Yuppers - hindsight is 20:20 or better! I could've gotten ALL new rubber, chrome & body panels back then for $4500, & I did eventually get the guilty party's Daddy's insurance company to pay the full $6500+ estimate! ...but as I said in my other reply, I was finishing Grad School, starting a family, and decided to buy the BMW with a back seat for the family - then "take my time" to locate a parts car to cut the cost of the repairs!
...I think 24 years is enough time to "take" & to do without my teener - don't you!?
...assuming that was a "yes" I just heard you nod, please tell my wife so too, plus reinforce that it'll be an "extra" car when my son needs to go soomewhere in one of the other 2, while your at it!
...and BTW - I'll be taking your rocker panel instructions up as soon as I can get to them!
Yeah, I can understand. You do what's needed at the time.
Remember when I was about to get out of grad school - drove the 914 every night (I was working full time). We had a Harvard approach, so we stayed as a group until security sent us packing. One night in February, I was on campus untill 11:30, before the cops sent us packing. Went to my 914 & the locks were frozen! Thought they just needed some warm air, so I locked my lips on the handle & proceeded to blow air into the lock. I swear this is true! It was about 20 degrees.
Lips froze on the door latch! Tongue froze on the keyhole! No one around - thankfully!
After a bit of panic, I thought - blow what hot air you have from your guts. Did so. it worked. First the tongue came off, then (slowly) the lips.
Key worked the door after that, but I had the worst case of chapped lips ever.
Then I found WD40.
True story & sorry for the hijack - when you become older these things just come back from nowhere.
Grad school was such a hoot! Yeppir, fond memories.
Pat
Geez Pat, you missed your calling, you shoulda been on Red Skelton, Carol Burnett or something! It's taken me 2 days to stop giggling every time I think of this story!
So has the WD40 helped your chapped lips over the years? I've only used it on metal parts - never tried it that way, but I suppose the oil in it would add emollients!?
My 914 was wacked while I was in Grad School MBA classes too - starting at 8 am thru to 11:30 also - jammed them into 2 - 2.5 days a week, ran my business the others & drove 50 miles each way from OC to UCLA! So I know the drill you did all too well! Grad School was fun - except for the mashed 914 by a dizzy Sorority gal!
I THINK THAT I can find a parts car around SoCal with straight deck lids, headlight, other body parts & chrome bumpers in need of hopefully no more than clean-up & re-chroming for around $500, & maybe even some of the other rubber parts would be usable for the NLAs!
Umm, Tom - be forewarned!
Even if you have a straight bumper that needs re-chroming, it's going to cost you plenty! Decent chrome shops are out there, but thecosts they accumulate for disposal of hazardous materials are drilled down to the customer. Chroming is a very nasty business! My father-in-law (now deceased) sold his plating business in the early 90's because of the costs associated.
Unfortunately, we early teeners have big slabs of steel fore & aft that require immense amounts of nasty chemicals to re-plate them. Expect high costs!
Pat
ps: I've gone to Chapstick. WD40 gave me the farts!
Posted by: HOF porsche914 Jul 26 2009, 09:00 PM
My rear bumper on my 1976 914 has a round hole on the left side...can't find a plug/cover for it, any ideas?, Thanks
Posted by: Pat Garvey Jul 27 2009, 09:06 PM
My rear bumper on my 1976 914 has a round hole on the left side...can't find a plug/cover for it, any ideas?, Thanks
I have a '72, but believe your plug is a tow hook cover. Shouldn't be too diff to find (Auto Atlanta, Pelican Parts, the classifieds here.
Welcome, and thank you, thank you for posting your question in the correct thread!
Pat
Posted by: HOF porsche914 Jul 27 2009, 10:57 PM
My rear bumper on my 1976 914 has a round hole on the left side...can't find a plug/cover for it, any ideas?, Thanks
I have a '72, but believe your plug is a tow hook cover. Shouldn't be too diff to find (Auto Atlanta, Pelican Parts, the classifieds here.
Welcome, and thank you, thank you for posting your question in the correct thread!
Pat
Thank alot
Posted by: windforfun Jan 28 2010, 05:41 PM
My rear bumper on my 1976 914 has a round hole on the left side...can't find a plug/cover for it, any ideas?, Thanks
I have a '72, but believe your plug is a tow hook cover. Shouldn't be too diff to find (Auto Atlanta, Pelican Parts, the classifieds here.
Welcome, and thank you, thank you for posting your question in the correct thread!
Pat
Thank alot
Try www.caplugs.com. They offer free samples & might have something you like. Maybe.
Posted by: Tom_T Jan 28 2010, 07:22 PM
EDITED - DELETE
Posted by: windforfun Jan 29 2010, 11:39 AM
My rear bumper on my 1976 914 has a round hole on the left side...can't find a plug/cover for it, any ideas?, Thanks
I have a '72, but believe your plug is a tow hook cover. Shouldn't be too diff to find (Auto Atlanta, Pelican Parts, the classifieds here.
Welcome, and thank you, thank you for posting your question in the correct thread!
Pat
Yup - that's the hole so you can screw the oval tow hook from the tool kit into the back bumper receptacle (actually a rear body panel attachemet inside the bumper shell).
They came with a black plastic plug for 75-76 & on any 70-74 black painted steel early bumpers, or painted to body color for 70-72, or chrome (plasti-chrome) with 70-74 chrome bumpers.
The plugs link above wants to sell huge quantities, so you might want to try the local Pep Boys or Kragen/O'Reilly, Checker, etc. for some of their misc caps, as I understand from SoCalAndy on here that he found a chrome one to fit his 72 at the local Pep Boys, so someone may also have black too.
They do offer free samples. I've used these guys several times. FYI. Cheers.
Posted by: 6freak Jan 29 2010, 01:44 PM
[attachmentid=204892
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[
attachmentid=204894]
we gots bumpers
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Posted by: Tom_T Jan 29 2010, 02:10 PM
EDITED
- Original was about options for replacement for the NLA R bumper tow hole plugs.....updated 3-24-12
AA & IIRC Mikey914/914Rubber & maybe some other online vendors are producing & carrying aftermarket repro rear bumper tow hook hole plugs in both chrome (plasti-chrome) & black.
There are also the chromed, polished nickel, polished SS, etc. metal plugs available at the FLAPS, Home DIYs, etc. which can be used as a substitute for non-CW 914s.
Posted by: windforfun Jan 29 2010, 03:02 PM
They do offer free samples. I've used these guys several times. FYI. Cheers.
Sorry - I missed that in your first post - damn these eyes!
I didn't see any chromed plugs under the color options which I'd checked (all black) - do you know if they carry anything in shiny SS, aluminum, etc. for those of us with the chrome bumpers??
- since the new chrome plugs are NLA & "free" there is even better than the "pay for" option at Pep Boys from SoCalAndy!
http://www.advancecomponents.com/products_johnsonhoffman.htm?gclid=CMG-9_a-yp8CFSkZawodezPv0A
Posted by: Tom_T Jan 29 2010, 03:44 PM
EDITED - DELETE
Posted by: Pat Garvey Jan 31 2010, 08:17 PM
Thanx! .... you're a wealth of info Mr. "Wind" !!
Pardon me for raining on the parade...... which you all know I'm good at.
Tom, your plug should be "plated" plastic, and they ARE available from numerous dismantlers.
The metal plugs, though a better product, will stand out like a zit on your sisters nose. If you're after a proper resto of your "S", search for (& be patient - took me six years to find a proper snowplow rear valence for my 72) the proper plug. You'll find it. May even want to talk to George (AA). He probably has a stash of them.
Do not accept substitutes.....unless you don't care.
Pat
Posted by: Tom_T Jan 31 2010, 11:29 PM
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Posted by: ldsgeek Apr 10 2011, 06:30 AM
A question about the rear on a 1974. The car I bought has a painted metal front bumper but a (big, ugly) rubber rear bumper. It was built in 11/73 according to the tag on the door jamb. Is this a correct configuration or was my car back-halfed at some point?
Thanks,
David T
Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 17 2011, 04:24 PM
A question about the rear on a 1974. The car I bought has a painted metal front bumper but a (big, ugly) rubber rear bumper. It was built in 11/73 according to the tag on the door jamb. Is this a correct configuration or was my car back-halfed at some point?
Thanks,
David T
A pic or two would help, but it sounds like you have a combo of pre-75 bumper on the front & post-74 on the rear. They are NOT interchangeable! I'd check to make sure your car hasn't had a later rear clip put on it.
Pat
Posted by: RichardFDR May 18 2011, 12:48 PM
I'm new to here and excited to learn lots more, although I've been learning slowly since acquiring my first 914 seven years ago.
My black 1973 2.0 (originally sold in Kansas, but extensively restored in the UK before my time) had a chrome rear bumper but the front bit that is normally chrome was body coloured black gloss. I'd always assumed this was standard but reading here wonder if it was actually a modification. I attach a picture of the front and back
Thanks for any tips
Richard
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Posted by: Tom_T May 18 2011, 01:06 PM
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Posted by: RichardFDR May 18 2011, 01:22 PM
Wow Tom. Thanks very much. I should have asked about this ages ago. Yes you're right, all that spec about the interior is what the car is, leather wheel, console etc.
The car had a serious prang at the front before my ownership, so I can see now that the black bumper was perhaps a cheaper option than finding a chrome one. The grills around the fog lights are both metal not plastic.
(The sad thing is now this car is scrap, as I pranged the front myself, but I've kept the wreck and have acquired a 1972 black one which has been modified to be 2.0l. Given that change, and that it's been quite heavily restored inside my plan is to evolve it into something a little closer to a 1973 2.0 and so before I commence on the restoration I want to get the spec correct. The new car has a chrome front bumper with tell tail holes of where the tits would have once fitted, which I'll probably leave incomplete I think but would have filled and painted had it been factory spec, as I quite liked the black front end look and the chrome's not in perfect shape).
Thanks for advice about the wheels. I need advice about these, and will ask that in the correct thread
(The photos were taken by Lake Maggiore (front) and Lake Garda ferry (rear)! I'm reminiscing about about my travels!
Posted by: Tom_T May 18 2011, 01:59 PM
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Posted by: RichardFDR May 18 2011, 02:12 PM
Yes I saved the 193 2L, all be it the insurance company charged me a lot for it, but it'll gradually be picked at for bits to go on the new one, bits to save for wear and tear and bits to sell. It's a sad day, the car had original paperwork from it's sale. But it's been written off twice now, and it'll not be reborn again
Posted by: Tom_T May 18 2011, 02:59 PM
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Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Aug 28 2011, 07:33 PM
Early 1970 rear valence as used on a /4
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Posted by: Pat Garvey Aug 29 2011, 06:45 PM
Early 1970 rear valence as used on a /4
Nice! Next time get your feet outta the pic!
Posted by: RFoulds Sep 11 2011, 10:33 PM
I noticed on cleaning the bumper, that the original finish on the back is the same paint that is used on the steel wheels. so, although it is a 1974 chrome appearance group bumper, they painted the back side with the silver/white finish.
Posted by: Tom_T Sep 12 2011, 04:11 PM
EDITED - DELETE
Posted by: Pat Garvey Sep 12 2011, 07:32 PM
I noticed on cleaning the bumper, that the original finish on the back is the same paint that is used on the steel wheels. so, although it is a 1974 chrome appearance group bumper, they painted the back side with the silver/white finish.
Agree, though years may have dulled it some.
Posted by: unpolire Mar 6 2012, 01:01 PM
Does anyone have a photo of a dealer-installed front license plate mount for a chrome bumper car? I have the mounting holes but have no idea what the bracket looks like and it is required in California.
Posted by: Tom_T Mar 6 2012, 03:40 PM
Does anyone have a photo of a dealer-installed front license plate mount for a chrome bumper car? I have the mounting holes but have no idea what the bracket looks like and it is required in California.
I don't have a pic of good bracket mounted handy - hopefully someone else will, but if you look at RFoulds' pic of the inside/backside of his rear bumper you can see the 2 metal screw clips inserted thru those 2 rectangular mounting holes.
Same thing is used for the F bumper, although sometimes now they're selling with plastic/nylon clips which won't rust nor scratch the chrome or painted finish on the bumpers.
I'm pretty sure that Porsche dealers, Pelican, GPR, CAMP914, TC'sGarage, Sierra Madre Collection, AutoAtlanta, Performance Products/Automotion/Ekler's, etc. all still sell the F & R licence plate mounts & mount kits &/or full kits of both parts for F & R if you want a new one. IIRC it's the same bracket & hardware as used on all P-cars from that period, so they'd keep them in stock at Porsche.
If you're a PCA member, then there are usually 20% discounts to members on parts from dealers.
Here are my old license plate brackets F & R dismounted FYI - the 2 screw holes at the ends of the horizontal piece go into the threaded inserts in the bumper's mounting holes (IIRC the offset one went on the front).
PS - same ones used on both chrome & painted bumpers
Posted by: unpolire Mar 6 2012, 10:21 PM
Thank you, now I see how different it is from the rear mount. Is it curved to match the contour of the front bumper, or are there two spacers to hold it flat away from the curved surface and keep the plate and any frame flat?
Does anyone have a photo of a dealer-installed front license plate mount for a chrome bumper car? I have the mounting holes but have no idea what the bracket looks like and it is required in California.
I don't have a pic of good bracket mounted handy - hopefully someone else will, but if you look at RFoulds' pic of the inside/backside of his rear bumper you can see the 2 metal screw clips inserted thru those 2 rectangular mounting holes.
Same thing is used for the F bumper, although sometimes now they're selling with plastic/nylon clips which won't rust nor scratch the chrome or painted finish on the bumpers.
I'm pretty sure that Porsche dealers, Pelican, GPR, CAMP914, TC'sGarage, Sierra Madre Collection, AutoAtlanta, Performance Products/Automotion/Ekler's, etc. all still sell the F & R licence plate mounts & mount kits &/or full kits of both parts for F & R if you want a new one. IIRC it's the same bracket & hardware as used on all P-cars from that period, so they'd keep them in stock at Porsche.
If you're a PCA member, then there are usually 20% discounts to members on parts from dealers.
Here are my old license plate brackets F & R dismounted FYI - the 2 screw holes at the ends of the horizontal piece go into the threaded inserts in the bumper's mounting holes (IIRC the offset one went on the front).
PS - same ones used on both chrome & painted bumpers
Posted by: Tom_T Mar 7 2012, 02:49 AM
Thank you, now I see how different it is from the rear mount. Is it curved to match the contour of the front bumper, or are there two spacers to hold it flat away from the curved surface and keep the plate and any frame flat?
Actually they're originally flat, but mine in the pic were bent in an accident.
The new ones from the dealer are flat, but fit the flat if angled faces of our early 914 F & R bumpers perfectly. They are also used on most of the other 60's-70's-80's Porsche models.
EDITED FOR BREVITY 3-24-12
Cheers!
Tom
///////
Posted by: lennyhope Apr 2 2012, 12:01 PM
I have a US spec 914/4 1.7 (built Nov 1972) with Tits front and rear......Should I only have tits at the front??
Posted by: Tom_T Apr 2 2012, 12:33 PM
I have a US spec 914/4 1.7 (built Nov 1972) with Tits front and rear......Should I only have tits at the front??
Nov. 72 build date is 73 MY - tits in front only.
FYI - the MYs go from production in July or August of the year earlier than the MY, and go until June or July of the calendar year same as MY.
The for sure way to tell is to check the year designator in the VIN, which for 914/4s is the 3rd digit - e.g.: 473.... is for 73 MY.
75-76 MYs had the big 5 mph impact absorbing bumpers,
74 had tits front & rear, 73 had front tits only - which tits were interim 3 mph impact resistant
70-72 MYs had no tits at all.
Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 3 2012, 07:16 PM
I have a US spec 914/4 1.7 (built Nov 1972) with Tits front and rear......Should I only have tits at the front??
Nov. 72 build date is 73 MY - tits in front only.
FYI - the MYs go from production in July or August of the year earlier than the MY, and go until June or July of the calendar year same as MY.
The for sure way to tell is to check the year designator in the VIN, which for 914/4s is the 3rd digit - e.g.: 473.... is for 73 MY.
75-76 MYs had the big 5 mph impact absorbing bumpers,
74 had tits front & rear, 73 had front tits only - which tits were interim 3 mph impact resistant
70-72 MYs had no tits at all.
Agree.
Would be helpful to know the VIN. but no '72 had any tits. We '72 owners are proud of being flat chested
Posted by: Niklas Jun 4 2016, 01:42 AM
My 1971 rear end.
Niklas
Posted by: RARE 6 Jan 9 2017, 02:45 PM
I had a 71 4 with the squared bumper.
3 1970 6`s in my family and two have the squared bumpers 1 rounded ...I think it was just a matter of witch one was available when the car was put togather in the factory
I am an original owner of a 6/70 914-6 with a rounded rear bumper. It's the bumper that was on the car when picked up from the dealer. I'm assuming it was the part currently available when the car was assembled.
Posted by: Arno914 Sep 9 2020, 08:42 AM
Hi,
talking about $$$ of rechroming those "bumpers" (nice looking trim would be a better description, since they are so vulnerable):
I just picked up my freshly rechromed front bumper last week. It had some minor dents in it and 8 small holes drilled by the previous owner (for some fogs or the like... )
Well, it now looks like new. Just a perfect shine and finish!
I paid one grand! Almost to precious to be put back on the car. 
Arno
Posted by: davep Sep 10 2020, 08:55 PM
Probably better now than it was originally. Sometimes I see brand new bumpers in primer and think about sending them for chroming.
Posted by: brcacti Sep 11 2020, 08:14 PM
I have always liked the chrome bumpers had them on my 1973, not many years later on my 74 all black oh well my blue with black is a good color combination I can settle with.
Posted by: Arno914 Nov 30 2020, 05:30 AM
I put the rechromed bumper back on my 914 and noticed some lack of clearance for the original foglights. I had some alignment issues because the foglight housings almost had no space with their lower portion interfering with the back of the bumper.
I noticed that the "later" chrome bumper (which I had on the car for the last couple of years) has more clearance in this area. Note the picture.
Can someone confirm on this? Looks like the factory did this small change to allow for better adjustment of the fogs?
Greetings, Arno
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