Bumper Filler: Rubber vs. Fiberglass

Hey guys,

I'm looking to get a new front bumper filler for my '87 wagon. I've been looking at the product from replica plastics http://www.replica-plastics.com/EditParts.aspx?Make=Chevrolet and called them and they told me that their fillers are fiberglass. Is there any disadvantage/advantage to using a fiberglass filler over a rubber filler?

Thanks,

Alex

Check your local salvage yard, you might beable to find one the same color.

Thanks but that doesn't really answer my question at all haha. I already called most of the salvage yards in my area and none of them have caprices, so it looks like I have to buy new here.

Does anyone have an opinion on the choice between a rubber and fiberglass filler?

Fiberglass will be stiffer. So if you hit something, it will break vs. bend.

The rubber will be harder to paint as it has to flex. But there are additives for the paint to allow this....

I need to replace my front filler also.

It looks like it is still available from GM.
The following link shows it is still available.

I would guess the OEM part is urethane not fiberglass.
The urethane part would have some flex and not crack like fiberglass would if bumped.

http://www.gmpartsdepartment.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214533&chapter=&sectionids=0,2276&groupid=51817&subgroupid=2765&componentid=2649&make=6&model=Caprice&year=1990&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

Correct, the OEM part is urethane which as old as it is, tends to start cracking and falling apart. The fiberglass part will last longer (as far as rot is concerned) but is more fragile and less forgiving. The new GM part above is the best bet as it is OEM.