[zreg]

I have a 73 Mustang convertible and would like to remove the front plastic bumper cover and replace it with a chrome bumper from a 71-72. Does anyone know if this involves a lot of work. I'm getting ready to buy the bumper, but I thought I'd ask in case this is going to be a lot more drama than it is worth. Thanks for any help?

[Dave]

Yes it is a lot more trouble than it is worth. The 71 and 72 have a different front bumper than the 73 due to Govt crah standards, which were implemented in 1973. ( I have a 71 and a 73 and have been able to compare a lot of differences) The bupmer setup on a 73 has those giant iron supports, that if you ran into something with that car the carr would probably plow right through. The 71/72 front end is much weaker, and has completely different parts. Ford had to make a quick change to comply with the new standards 5 mph.

I believe to change the bumper wold involve also changin sone ofthe front end sheet meta, and the grill shape is different as well, and may not lie up correctly or at all.

The 73 had a huge 1 piece bumper. The 71/72 had a smalll bumber a piece os sheet metal below that and then the turn signals on a lower valence belw that. Get a good look at a 71/72 parksed sid by side to your 73 and you wil see the differences