69 Endura Front Bumper

[gbowman]

I'm sure this has probably been discussed numerous times, but was there any rhyme or reason for the Endura Front bumper option in 1969? I've seen them on Z28's as well as RS cars, although I don't know how to tell if they were an original option. Thanks.

[william]

Chevrolet did not market it by its trade name as Pontiac did. It was 'special front bumper' or 'color-matched bumper.' In Canada, 'Astro front bumper.' It was optional on any '69 Camaro; only 5.2% so equipped.

Without paperwork, no way to know if a car was built with it. Plenty have been retrofitted over the years.

[firstgenaddict]

But boy can you tell a repro... they do not fit anywhere close to correct.

[gbowman]

Are there any special considerations that need to be addressed when replacing a bracket bolt? I have found an original bumper that is missing one of the outside bracket bolts. Is it possible to weld another one in place without causing any further damage? Thanks.

[firstgenaddict]

What do you mean replacing a bracket bolt.
There are threaded inserts in the outside "wing" area of the bumper. where the bracket screws in.
IT would be difficult to weld anything in this area as there is a LOT of urethane.

[gbowman]

Thanks. You answered my question.

[firstgenaddict]

Having had a few days to ponder this...
Why is there a nutsert missing?
Accident?
Rust and upon bolt removal it pulled out?
If there is scaled rust on the endura backer bar do not even attempt this as the rust will bloom and cause issues later.
If the nutsert was ripped out in an impact the bumper is likely bent AND they are difficult to straighten -- You have to set it up in a jig which has mounting points the same as original - then use a hydraulic press with "cups" profiled like the bumper to straighten it with as little damage as possible. 

Assuming backer bar/internal bar appears good -
I would replace the threaded nut or whatever it is using the new panel bond materials, they are as strong as welds.

You can repair whatever urethane is removed using 3M or other brand automix urethane repair material.
Prime with spies hecker flexible primer and then paint.

I have modified a repro to fit like an original and have repaired a few originals, primed with spies and never had an issue with either.