Second-Gen Camaro Bumper Swap - A Split Decision

Sucp 1110 Second Gen Camaro Split Bumper Install A Split Decision 003

The second-generation Camaro is becoming more and more popular as the choice for a build-up. Chevy totally redesigned the car but did keep a lot of what makes the Camaro such a cool car. Much like its older brothers, the second-gens have two different front-end looks available. While the first-gens received more treatment to the grille with hide-away headlights, the '70-73s got a change to the bumpers and nose assembly.

This is commonly referred to as the split-bumper design and came on the RS models (RPO Z22). The split-bumper front end has two small bumper pieces, or bumperettes, relocated turn signals, and an extended urethane nose. The non-RS models have a one-piece bumper blade and lower mounted turn signal/parking light lenses.

While doing a complete and proper split-bumper conversion would necessitate a new header panel, urethane nose, grille surround, lower valance, bumpers, right and left grille pieces, center grille divider, new parking light lenses, and some other odds and ends (approximately $1,800), you can get most of the looks for a lot less money.

Sucp 1110 Second Gen Camaro Split Bumper Install A Split Decision 004

1 Here is the 1970 Z/28 Camaro that will be receiving the new split bumpers and new grille. Even though the Camaro is a pretty mean looking car, the full-length bumper and light gray grille just doesn’t look too menacing.

1 Here is the 1970 Z/28 Camaro that will be receiving the new split bumpers and new grill

You see, even though the sheetmetal differs, the bumper brackets do not, so the split bumper pieces will bolt on without any modifications. If you have a good grille in your car then you can swap out the bumpers for just over 200 bucks, which is only 50 bucks more than replacing the stock one-piece bumper. If you need a grille like we did, then expect to shell out another $130. We looked to Classic Industries for our simple conversion parts. The black grille was nice and crisp, even coming with the stainless surround trim already installed. The bumperettes are all new and fit like a glove. The chrome finish was nice and smooth, and we were happily surprised they even came with new bumper bolts to hold them on.

2 Here are the parts we ordered from Classic Industries. We picked up a black grille (PN 3967175B, $129.95) and the ’70-73 RS front bumpers (PN K230, $209.99 pr). The grille comes complete with the outer trim already installed. The bumpers are an exact duplicate of the originals and even come with new bumper bolts.
2 Here are the parts we ordered from Classic Industries. We picked up a black grille (PN
3 Step one is to spray all the bolts with Royal Purple’s Max Film penetrating oil, or something similar, and let it soak in. After that, grab a 9/16 socket and loosen the bumper bolts on the bumper and the lower bumper guards.
3 Step one is to spray all the bolts with Royal Purple’s Max Film penetrating oil, or som
4 Even with penetrating fluid, things like this can happen. We ended up snapping off a few bumper bolts, so we’re even happier the Classic Industries bumpers come with new hardware.
4 Even with penetrating fluid, things like this can happen. We ended up snapping off a fe

5 With all the bolts out, you can lift off the one-piece bumper and either toss it in the trash or save it for the swap meet.
5 With all the bolts out, you can lift off the one-piece bumper and either toss it in the
6 Once the old bumper is out of the way, the grille can be removed. Six Phillips screws hold it in.
6 Once the old bumper is out of the way, the grille can be removed. Six Phillips screws h
7 The hood-release handle will stick out way too far and just look crummy, so it will need to be shortened and bent. The best way to figure out where to place the new bend is to slip in the new grille assembly, and mark the hood release flush with the grille.
7 The hood-release handle will stick out way too far and just look crummy, so it will nee

8 Take the grille back out and with a pair of locking pliers and some muscle, bend the hood release.
8 Take the grille back out and with a pair of locking pliers and some muscle, bend the ho
9 Then trim off the excess with a cut-off wheel and smooth out the cut edge with a grinder or file to remove any sharp edges. Remember, you will be grabbing this so it’s better you don’t leave it sharp.
9 Then trim off the excess with a cut-off wheel and smooth out the cut edge with a grinde
10 Now the grille can be reinstalled permanently.

11 The bumperettes attach right to the original bumper brackets. As you can tell in this photo, Classic Industries makes a quality piece, just look how smooth that chrome is.
11 The bumperettes attach right to the original bumper brackets. As you can tell in this
12 Since the bumpers come with new hardware, the rest of the installation is pretty straightforward.
12 Since the bumpers come with new hardware, the rest of the installation is pretty strai
13 Boom-$340 and a half-hour later we had the essence of a split-bumper front end. Not too bad for a simple mod that makes a huge visual change. Again, this is not a true-to-form RS conversion, but it still makes the front end look much more aggressive.
13 Boom-$340 and a half-hour later we had the essence of a split-bumper front end. Not to