60 BE front bumper or no front bumper...

[198686d]

that is the question. What's the consensus on the most classic "look" of the BugEye. I have an opportunity to purchase a front bumper and along with the hardware to install it. I know bumpers were optional when the BE's came out. Looking for your opinions.

Thanks,

Dave in University, MO

 

[drooartz]

I like the bumpers myself. Really, it's a personal thing. Most you see won't have the bumper.

 

[Gundy]

I like bumpers too. Forward tilt bonnets rules them out for some
and many like the bumperless clean look. I also needed a place
to mount the fog/driving lights. I think bumpers do have a purpose and place in reducing front in dingers.
That said, the front lines of a BE are almost too classic
to "cover up".
Granny says "That's why they make chocolate and vanilla."

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I sold my front bumper and brackets recently. I finally decided that I would never use them. They can be used with front tilt bonnets without too much trouble.

 

[Whitephrog]

The new Whitephrog will have a newly chromed front bumper only because I'm anal about originality on this car. I preference is a bumperless front.

 

[Gray_Cat]

I like them, however I won't be using mine as I converted the bonnet to a front tilt. I know there are (is) conversion kit(s) out there that allows the bonnet to tilt forward and clear the bumber but I don't wnat to invest in that. I'm keeping the bumber though so any future owner can install it if they want.
Roy

 

[toysrrus]

Hi Folks,

On my `59 I Orig. had the Bumper & Over-riders. It appeared (To Me) as though they "Protruded" too much forward from the bonnet & just did`nt look right or I guess I`ll say; "Just not a clean look".

So; Off they came & I believe it makes the lines look cleaner & racier. "Racier"??

Regards, Russ

 

[jlaird]

All BEs came to the US with front bumpers. For others it was an option.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Roy, there is a DIY front tilt bracket set that allows the front bumper to remain. The plans are old and proven.

 

[Gray_Cat]

Trevor
Do tell? So maybe it's a bit easier and not as costly as I thought. Do you know where I can locate a copy of the plans?
Thanks!
Roy

 

[Trevor Jessie]

https://www.gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/tilthinge/tilthingeWS.htm

 

[Gray_Cat]

Thanks Trevor! That really is a simple conversion so my little BE can sport a front bumber after all.
Roy

 

[bugimike]

My front bumper was sacrificed in a contest between the car and a brick wall (A long story!)...I have since been bumperless, but certainly can attest to the functionality of the BE bumper...it WORKS!

 

[livinginthepast]

I prefer the look of the bumperless bugeye, but I am planning to keep the bumper on my car for the reason you cite - it was an option (well, for some apparently - but still) and it's an original part, so I hate to remove it.

It's all just personal taste in the end.

 

[JPSmit]

I must interject and say that for safety reasons you should have the bumper. It will protect you and your car just long enough to well and truly soil yourself before you hit that tree/ car/ truck/ rock

 

[Jim_Gruber]

No Bumper! It looks SOOOOOOOOOO much better without it.