[Formulajones]

Well maybe this will refresh someones memory and help us at the same time

Plastic valance is easy to spot with it's very unique openings.

Here is a shot of one I have still attached to a front bumper. It's been many years since I pulled it so I don't remember the year I pulled this off of. Maybe 71 or 72? I can't get a great shot at the rubber to see how it might be molded in this area because the valance is still attached and this unique opening covers it up. But you can notice what I was referring to as a "straight accross" metal section just behind the opening...



Here are 2 pictures of a metal valance with it's larger opening that exposes more of the lower bumper. You can see this one has a jagged metal frame with holes. I also took a shot of the molded area around the metal that you refer to as this one appears to be different from your pic. This one has the entire area exposed and then comes down on either side. Both sides of this bumper are done exactly the same way. Maybe this bumper is a 73? There has to be a specific year between these bumpers as they are obviously made differently as you can see.

[FunctionalShaker]

I don't remember ever seeing one with the edge like that. Maybe someone else can help clarify.

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

I don't remember ever seeing one with the edge like that. Maybe someone else can help clarify.

Me neither. I never really see many (if at all) 70-73 birds at car events to compare with. The ones I have seen are just straight accross in that area like the blue bumper I pictured. So I'm a bit curious.

[Transamric]

FWIW,...plastic valances started with the '72 model year. But there is engineering paperwork that shows Pontiac intended to start using them for '71's. I've never documented an original '71 with a plastic valance. Has anyone else seen one?

I'll check my assortment of bumpers (about 20) on this lower edge diff to see what I have.

[FunctionalShaker]

70 Assembly manual, sheet 12-8.1 of 4-3-70 (front lights) references the plastic valance panel.

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by Transamric

I'll check my assortment of bumpers (about 20) on this lower edge diff to see what I have.

Thanks. There must be some explanation for it. Either a one year only thing or maybe at some point GM used a different supplier for bumpers and had a short run of this style at one assembly plant,,lol. Who knows?

I'm told there is a difference between a 70 bumper and the 71-73, and that the 71-73 bumpers also weigh slightly more than a 70 bumper.

[FunctionalShaker]

We definitely know the 73 is different because of the extra bracing.

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

We definitely know the 73 is different because of the extra bracing.

Any pics of that? I'd like to verify the bumpers I have laying around. I only have the one with that oddly shaped lower portion I pictured above, and I never see other 2nd gens with it.

[FunctionalShaker]

I don't have any 73 pics.

[Formulajones]

Anyone else have any insight?

[Formulajones]

Don't tell me I stumped you guys

[FunctionalShaker]

It's difficult to get fellow enthusiasts to reply sometimes.

[keith k]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

It's difficult to get fellow enthusiasts to reply sometimes.

Maybe if you start a "1973 One Year Only Parts" thread, you'll have more luck?

[FunctionalShaker]

We got side tracked a little, but my initial query was regarding 70 endura bumpers. You've got a couple of seventies. If they have the original bumpers, what do they look like underneath?

[Formulajones]

Yes the 70 bumper was the original question, as I'm told they are different from 71-73. So I posted some pics of what I have here along with what I believe to be an unusual bumper, to see if someone could decifer them. Figured this is as good a place as any to post since we are on the subject, and it's fitting for the 70 only parts, to show the difference. I think that's the only thing this thread is missing,,,,pictures to help explain differences,,,,then make the darn thing a sticky

I'm guessing those pics must have stumped everyone, and now it appears I'd have to post them again (Photobucket doesn't keep my pics up long).

[Tazzz2]

I'll have to have a look because if memory serves me the 73 bumper had studs molded to the inside (back) of nose in the center (should still have my original one),,,, 70-73 didn't.. Also the 70-72 had little bumps on the return section of the center of nose where the grills insert and 73 didn't if I recall too...

[Held for Ransom]

I can't remember where I saw other pics of '73 noses, but these are on Hotrodizz' thread.

[FunctionalShaker]

There's that notch. Still looking for further info regarding pics at #198.

[keith k]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

We got side tracked a little, but my initial query was regarding 70 endura bumpers. You've got a couple of seventies. If they have the original bumpers, what do they look like underneath?

Both of my 70s have the big square areas where there's no endura like the pics in post #198.

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by Held for Ransom

I can't remember where I saw other pics of '73 noses, but these are on Hotrodizz' thread.

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

There's that notch.

Aha,,,,yes I see it. So I guess with this being a 73 bumper (although it's the only example so far) then that "notch" must be a 73 bumper thing? This may be another quick way to tell without having to look at the backside for the studs in the middle.