Rubber Bumper Conversion

[Blueghost]

Decided to go ahead and paint the 1978 Midget. Rubber bumper cars will always be rubber bumper cars. I understand the weight penalty of rubber bumpers. My sense is that the negative factors of rubber bumpers are really more aesthetics than performance (rubber is clearly much heavier). I’ve seen a few rubber bumper removals, and none of them look good. Does anyone have pictures/plans/drawings/part numbers for a clean metal bumper conversion?

Turn signal holes, grill, and bumper mount are different. Are there any other surprises to be aware of?

Thanks, Blueghost.

 

[Guest]

One day I may cast something for that.

 

[JPSmit]

Your wish is my command. Let me begin by saying that the hardest is actually the rear since they cut the bottoms off under the tailights to fit the rubber bumper. My car came like this so, making the decision about sheet metal was easy. I just ordered a chrome bumper valance and two rear quarter panel repair plates. (NOTE - I didn't actually do the work!)



This is the car with repair sections in place. In my case I also had my body guy remove the side indicators as well as the reverse lights. I do still have a reverse light but it is a motorcycle signal light under the bumper.



The front is simultaneously easier and harder. You can almost do a straight swap, however, there are air ducts under the bumper, and the holes for the signal lights were expanded and the rubber bumpers come out through the grill opening. A few people have bolted their new grill to the bumper mounts. I had mine cut and capped. So in this picture, you see the capped old bumper mounts, the vent holes filled, and new holes for the bumper mounts. My body guy "thickened" the holes for the bumper mounts so that if you look closely, they turn in around the bumper and therefore look factory - rather than just a hole in the sheet metal. Not pictured are the fenders. I had the signal light holes completely filled and used beehives instead as I think it presents a cleaner and more classic look. Oh and, the grill just bolts right in - I bought my grill from Tony back when and the surrounding trim for ebay UK. It is an early 60's grill but I used an early 70's bumper set - mostly because I like the rear split bumper.




Finally the new brackets for the bumpers. These bolted to the brackets for the tie down straps - and are really just a piece of pipe with a nut welded to the end - and the flange for mounting.



Happy to provide more information if necessary.

 

[JPSmit]

PS - you can get fibreglass "rubber bumper fronts" - used for racing but, a much lighter alternative.

https://www.preformresources.com/Spridget-Body-Parts.htm

Likewise, I have heard of people "hollowing out" their rubber bumpers - taking out the metal to lighten the load.

 

[Blueghost]

JP, Thanks for the great information and pictures. You have confirmed what I have been thinking - that is that it can be done well, but takes a fair amount of work/time. My midget is a my daily driver, and summer is no time to have it down. I might remove side marker lights, side chrome, and paint lower black strip same color as body.

Thanks, Blueghost

 

[Guest]

Likewise, I have heard of people "hollowing out" their rubber bumpers - taking out the metal to lighten the load.

MIne have saved my rear at least once. While I hate them, I see them as a necessary evil for DD use.

 

[jlaird]

Enjoyed the pics.