I just purchased a 1974 vette, its looks and runs great. But I noticed the rear end is a one piece molding, it has a sticker behind the bumper of the company who fixed the rear end. I read that a 1974 had a 2 piece rear end held together with aluminum rivets. Did I get burned on this? Any info would be great.

 

As I understand it, the '74 was the first year the of no chrome bumpers at all. The rear cap section was a two-piece design in '74, and was chaged to a one-piece design with a pair of "bumperettes" in '75. I have seen other pictures of '74s with solid rear bumpers so who really knows. Those early rear ends tended to deteriorate so it may have been replaced at some point.

History of the chrome bumper removal:
- '72 had chrome front and rear
- '73 had soft front and chrome rear
- '74 had soft front and rear

 

74 was the first year for the two piece urethane bumper, they would warp and discolor. If yours is streight and the same color as the rest of the car your ahead of the game.

 

Is there a problem with the repair? Unless you are a stickler to originallity, it shouldn't matter that the rear was replaced.

 

Thanks guys for the info. You're right pg and justinellison. The rear-end and front end both were replace with brand new pieces. Everything matches perfect. The originals deteriorate and had to be replace. Thanks again..

 

Glad to here that you are happyer tonight. I have a 74 t-top. Had it for 6 years and I try to drive as much as I can, I have an 80 to 82 rear. it has a spoiler on the top, which I would have put on if if didn'tcome with it. That the nice thing about a Vette is that most parts interchange and you can make just the way you like it. If you are interested in seeing what it takes to restore a Vette, I found "How to restore & modify your Corvette"by Newton (MBI books) worth the money. You should also get the shop or service manual. With these books and some tools you'll save a bundle on repairs. Don't tell me your not handy with tools cause you will be. Its been so hot in N.C. that I haven't had the tops off once this summer. Enjoy your Stingray, let me know how much you enjoy your Vette.

 

Hey pg, I really don't drive my 74 or my 86 that much. With work and it being 100+, I usually just drive my regular car. But when I do drive it it's a blast. I'm ok with car repairs, my dad is a mechanic. He owns a shop and can fix just about anything. Corvettes are his pastime. He's restored and modified over 20 vettes in the last 10 years. His greatest feat was a 67 427 L88 very rare, from the ground up. Just awesome. Take her easy.

 

Can I move in with your dad? [8D]

 

No lie..My dad should have his own reality show like muscle cars on the spike channel. He just finished a 65 mustang for his friend..it's sweet..C-ya