Need advice of 86 GT Front Bumper Cover

tim_the_toolman · Dec 14, 2009

Need advice on 86 GT Front Bumper Cover

So the car went to the paint shop yesterday, and as I suspected the spider web in the original cover may very likely come back through the new paint. Im bummed as these arent easy to find and when you do they are about 300+. I found a repro on 50Resto. Any one used this piece in the past? Any advice on where I could find one, been searching and scouring but so far it looks like 50Resto is my only bet. Reminds me of finding those damn GT moulding back in the day....ugh!

GSP393 · Dec 14, 2009

I'm planning on soda blasting mine. I bought a sand blaster from Tractor Supply and a soda adapter from Eastwood.

tim_the_toolman · Dec 14, 2009

I thought of that but the cracks go into the plastic a little bit, just from age. It the cover gets bumped after there is a good chance they will come through the pain even with flex agent added. I just got off the phone with him and he is checking with Keystone to see what they have. But neither of us want to mess with a aftermarket part unless its refurbished original or OEM specs.

GSP393 · Dec 14, 2009

I called Keystone awhile back. If I had just one to do I would've sent it to them. I've got several, so it's cheaper for me to do it myself.

tim_the_toolman · Dec 14, 2009

Is that all they do? I guess I'm a little confused about the soda blasting honestly. And yeah I only have one, but I really want it perfect. Been waiting like ten years to get this sucker painted. How does that remove / fix the spider webbing? I have a blaster so.......

GSP393 · Dec 14, 2009

tim_the_toolman said:
Is that all they do? I guess I'm a little confused about the soda blasting honestly. And yeah I only have one, but I really want it perfect. Been waiting like ten years to get this sucker painted. How does that remove / fix the spider webbing? I have a blaster so.......

I don't know that it would do anything for spider webbing. Soda blasting is not as harsh as sand and won't pit or distort plastic or rubber parts, unless you're not careful. Flex agent should work once the old paint is removed. Look up Eastwood and read about soda blasting for more info.

tim_the_toolman · Dec 14, 2009

Yeah just did thanks....doesnt sound like the fix I need. These little cracks go into the cover a little bit. Crap, looks like Im dropping another 400 on the beast for pretty parts..... UGH

capriman86 · Dec 14, 2009

You could contact J & J Bumpers in RI, they specialize in fixing/restoring bumpers.
But unfortunately you would have to ship yours.

J&J Bumpers - OEM Replacement Parts

tim_the_toolman · Dec 15, 2009

That may be the way I have to go. Keystone will do it locally as well. time is part of the problem. Latemodel Resto has them but shipping is crazy high. Anyone know where else I can buy one?

LRSjmac · Dec 16, 2009

tim_the_toolman said:
That may be the way I have to go. Keystone will do it locally as well. time is part of the problem. Latemodel Resto has them but shipping is crazy high. Anyone know where else I can buy one?

Unfortunately shipping is expensive. If you do happen to find a better deal (total cost of part & shipping) advertised by a reputable company (ie- no ebay), we'll match it. Plus you'll still get the best service int he industry!

tim_the_toolman · Dec 30, 2009

LRSjmac said:
Unfortunately shipping is expensive. If you do happen to find a better deal (total cost of part & shipping) advertised by a reputable company (ie- no ebay), we'll match it. Plus you'll still get the best service int he industry!

Thanks man I appreciate it. So far the body guy says that Keystone can rework mine for 320 shipping included both ways. We shall see. I talked to him today and he hasnt got much more done on ht car yet.

tim_the_toolman · Jan 6, 2010

Well the body guy got bac kto me today. No dice on the bumper cover being refinished. Keystone said the plastic is too old or something..... Im super bummed. Now my only options are questionable reproductions for about 500 bucks, or a junk yard front end which is sure to be rough. All this over some friggen spider webs. Anyone have any ideas?

woob · Jan 7, 2010

I'm chiming in because I bought an lx front repro from LRS. Love the company, I still buy a lot of parts there, just not a fan of the bumpers because they do not say 'mustang', and my paint and body guy didn't like the fitment... I forgot how much the bumper was, but I couldn't find one in a junkyard that wasn't wrecked + $150 or so for freight shipping.

This is before I knew about swap meets.

LRSjmac · Jan 8, 2010

woob said:
I'm chiming in because I bought an lx front repro from LRS. Love the company, I still buy a lot of parts there, just not a fan of the bumpers because they do not say 'mustang', and my paint and body guy didn't like the fitment... I forgot how much the bumper was, but I couldn't find one in a junkyard that wasn't wrecked + $150 or so for freight shipping.

This is before I knew about swap meets.

Unfortunately, that was the only 87-93 Mustang LX Front Bumper Cover left after Ford discontinued the original. We didn't like it either, but there were no alternatives. Luckily there is one out now that is molded in the Ford Original tooling, licensed by Ford, & features the MUSTANG lettering in the front. We've since discontinued selling the other one.

tim_the_toolman - While the current 85-86 Mustang GT Front Bumper Cover may be considered a "reproduction", it is made right here in the USA molded in the Ford Original Tooling.

tim_the_toolman · Jan 8, 2010

tim_the_toolman - While the current 85-86 Mustang GT Front Bumper Cover may be considered a "reproduction", it is made right here in the USA molded in the Ford Original Tooling.[/QUOTE]

OK, you bring up a great point and the one that makes me hesitate the most. "Molded in original tooling". I get that, but does that mean the fit will be like original? That is my main concern. If I knew for sure that it would fit well and not look like an aftermarket part i would jump on it. I have had the cash saved to finish this car for a long time and thats not the issue. Not saying I want to waste any either, but I m pretty sure if I get one from LRS and it doesnt look good I am likely stuck with it too right? Whats your input on final fit vs. repair of the existing cover?

LRSjmac · Jan 8, 2010

tim_the_toolman said:
OK, you bring up a great point and the one that makes me hesitate the most. "Molded in original tooling". I get that, but does that mean the fit will be like original? That is my main concern. If I knew for sure that it would fit well and not look like an aftermarket part i would jump on it. I have had the cash saved to finish this car for a long time and thats not the issue. Not saying I want to waste any either, but I m pretty sure if I get one from LRS and it doesnt look good I am likely stuck with it too right? Whats your input on final fit vs. repair of the existing cover?

Molded in original tooling means that the bumper cover is molded in the exact same tooling that was used to make the Ford original ones back in the day. Exact same, not just one like it. Fit & finish are OE quality.

You are never "stuck" with anything you buy from us. Our customer service & returns policy are second to none in this industry. Every situation is different & each situation is handled with the utmost care & professionalism from our staff.

As for the repair vs. replace, only you can really make that decision. Without seeing the bumper in person it'd be hard to tell just how bad off yours is. However, I have seen good bodymen work wonders on old bumper covers & produced results that lasted for several (3-4) years before the cracks started showing through.

tim_the_toolman · Jan 9, 2010

LRSjmac said:
You are never "stuck" with anything you buy from us. Our customer service & returns policy are second to none in this industry. Every situation is different & each situation is handled with the utmost care & professionalism from our staff.

Thats a pretty convincing pitch. I met Shannon from LRS, 50resto at the time, quite a while back. I think he had just put the mod motor in the 4 eye car. Saw it at the 40th Anniversary Mustang Celebration in Nashville too. Simply put I plan on ordering a ton of stuff from you guys to finish this car, and already have a pretty extensive wish list on your site. Any chance of a bulk buying discount?

68keyblr · Jan 10, 2010

LRSjmac said:
You are never "stuck" with anything you buy from us. Our customer service & returns policy are second to none in this industry. Every situation is different & each situation is handled with the utmost care & professionalism from our staff.

+1, these guys are the best I've ever dealt with. I once mentioned in an email to their sales rep that I wasn't happy with a part (wasn't really a big deal to me) and they called me offering to take the part back.

tim_the_toolman · Jan 13, 2010

Thanks for the advice. I talked to the painter today. If we cant find a good way to repair it I will just go ahead and buy one from LRS likely.

tim_the_toolman · Jan 15, 2010

Well, that does it. I talked to the body fella again last night and we decided to try a repro cover from LRS. I will let you all know how it fits etc.

Need advice of 86 GT Front Bumper Cover

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