Do it yourself Elastomeric Bumpers for 1971 Charger

[Magnumcharger]

Howdy gang!
I'm considering putting Elastomeric bumpers on my 1971 Charger R/T. No, it's not coded for this option, but I really like the look. My car also wasn't optioned for the spoiler package, or 15" x 7" Rallye wheels, or a Rim-Blow steering wheel, or a right hand mirror for that matter, but they're all being added!

So my question is: has anybody ever tried to bond elastomer rubber to a stock steel bumper? I know of at least two outlets that can do this for Barracuda bumpers, so it can be done.

Any suggestions as to where to start? (ie: buying the proper elastomer materials?). I'm guessing its the same material on the 1968-69 Pontiac GTO?

[RallyeMike]

I was pretty sure that these were just paint (A54)    Never heard of elastomeric on a 71 Charger.

[Cncguy]

I believe it was Elastomeric  also.

[Cncguy]

Was available on 71 Roadrunner and GTX also.

[Stevearino]

Sounds like painting the bumper would be an easy way to get the look with out the hassle.

[polywideblock]

wasn't elastomeric more resistant to stone chips etc than paint 

[DAY CLONA]

Howdy gang!
I'm considering putting Elastomeric bumpers on my 1971 Charger R/T. No, it's not coded for this option, but I really like the look. My car also wasn't optioned for the spoiler package, or 15" x 7" Rallye wheels, or a Rim-Blow steering wheel, or a right hand mirror for that matter, but they're all being added!

So my question is: has anybody ever tried to bond elastomer rubber to a stock steel bumper? I know of at least two outlets that can do this for Barracuda bumpers, so it can be done.

Any suggestions as to where to start? (ie: buying the proper elastomer materials?). I'm guessing its the same material on the 1968-69 Pontiac GTO?

You got one of 2ways to accomplish this, either paint, or actually spray the bumpers with rubber, rubber coat from Rhodes American is the most commonly available in large gallon quantities, as is the required thinner, if you decide to rubber coat the B body bumpers, sandblast the chrome for a good etch, no need to remove the chrome for either process, just a good abraded surface, about 80 grit finish, spray the first coat and cover both the front and back of the bumper to make a good shrinked bonded surface, that's ready for more rubber top coats, then spray 3-4 thinned coats of rubber, allow about 1 day between coats, spray just enough for coverage, allow the coat to shrink, at least one day, 2-3 days is even better, too many coats, with too little flash/shrink time will result in cracks/tears,the bumper bolts get rubberized as well, but keep the thickness to a minimum, the Charger bumpers just get coated, no tricks/mods...the Plymouth front bumper however gets the rubber added "hooded" cover, so the bumper needs a series of holes drilled in the top to mount the hooded applique', if you have bumper jack slots, weld them up

If your painting the bumpers to simulate the elastromeric look, same treatment, sandblast, then DA the chrome with 80 grit, to soften the metals finish and edges, BC/CC because of the paint "thickness" imparts a rubberized look/thickness to the bumpers, remember rubber bumper cars (71) used the low profile head bumper bolts


Mike

[Magnumcharger]

Well, that's a better answer than I expected!
Thank you very much DAY CLONA!!

[Magnumcharger]

Day Clona, I've searched the web without any success...and cannot find the product you are referring to.
Do you have a number, or photo of the Rhodes American product?

[Nacho-RT74]

Original elastomeric bumper ( if you care to know the original look and finish )