Difference in NOS vs Repo bumper

I just bought what is suppose to be an NOS rear bumper. The part number sticker is gone but the person I got it from, says they bought it 15 years ago as an NOS part.
I believe there is a difference in NOS vs Repo bumper but I can not remember what they are.
All hints are appreciated.
Thanks!!

I think its just gonna be the thickness. NOS Should be slightly thicker. I think I read in the year one catalogs the dies for the repro bumpers had A slight wave or A bump somewhere that showed up A little. 15 years ago would be A good indication that its A real deal bumper, I don't know if repro stuff was that big back then. I know rechroming was, I bought A rear bumper for mine that was rechromed.:)

Tommy:)

The NOS may be a little thicker, but neither are overly straight. Lotta waves on the top, but the originals weren't that great either. After all, they're just novas.:D

I put repro bumpers, front and back, on my 68 Chevy II.

There is a big weight difference and I think the NOS bumper affords more safety in the event of a crash.

However, I could not remove the dents and rechrome my original parts for the $300 that I spend on the repro's.

I had the original bumper on mine when I got it and it was just full of little marks and dents from the bumper jack being used on both sides. I really believe that the car was driven to the drag strip or "area that racing takes place" and jacked up with the bumper jack to swap street tires for slicks then back to street tires for the trip home. I kinda wish I would have kept the bumper but I sold it to A guy with A 68 that needed one.

Tommy:)

Thanks for the replies.
I thought there is an issue with the chrome on the repops?? Just something that's sticking in my head, maybe it is something else.

difference in weight is a big sign

ive seen a number of repops and bad rechrome jobs that show rust bubbles in couple of years..... i think this is one of those things where you get what you pay for.....

some repos rust as soon as you turn your back on them . I live in hawaii but I have some 38 year old factory bumpers that dont have rust . they just dont make things like they used too.
dont know if others have this problum .

My rear bumper got tapped in the middle and bent just enough that you can hardly get to the gas cap. What do you think...should I try to get it straightened or just replace it?:confused:

Dave

I believe the edge of the metal where is curves down from the corner and wraps around the sides is "rougher" on the original GM bumpers vs. a smooth edge on the repops.

I have a pair of NOS bumpers stashed away. I'll have to check them out again.

I thought the repops were stamped with the year, and originals not stamped, i could be wrong tho.

I bought a NOS front bumper for my 70. Bought a repro from nightshade for the 69. Chrome is better on the repro. There is a difference in thickness. Unless you are having your car judged by an expert. Save some cash and go repro. Earl

I believe that the repro front bumpers have a difference in the angles on the ends where the bumpers wrap around to the fenders. The repro bumpers don't have the same angle, and appear to be 'hanging down' a bit, even though they are bolted tight. I think the angle of the bumper should be the same as the angle of the eyebrow molding It's hard to explain. Maybe it's just in my mind - I don't know! I didn't realize much difference in weight though, (?).
M


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/BenjaminandSS4R.jpg

Marlin mentioned the angle on the edge......... feel that edge and compare it to a known GM bumper. The GM bumper will have a rougher / jagged edge.

Marlin mentioned the angle on the edge......... feel that edge and compare it to a known GM bumper. The GM bumper will have a rougher / jagged edge.

Be careful! If i did that on mine I would be going to the emergency room!

i have NOS on my 71. right side is smooth, left side is jagged as hell. Not impressed with GM quality as far as NOS bumpers go. I think the repos have better chrome also.