Front Rubber Bumper Advise

[loco340cuda]

I need some advise on my 70 Cuda restoration, the issue has to do with the front rubber bumper (elastrometric bumper).  The car originally came from the factory with a front rubber bumper but it was missing when I bought the car, it currently has a chrome steel bumper.  The car should be going into the body shop at the end of October to get the body work and paint finished and I need to make a decision if I am going to put another rubber bumper on it or not. 

The issue is that a new repo front rubber bumper is freakin expensive ($700) and I am already stretching to get the body work and paint paid for and I am deciding on whether or not to put another front rubber bumper on the car.  I really like the look of the front rubber bumper but I need to buy so many other things for the car that are missing that I am having a hard time getting with pulling the trigger to get one (mostly from a financial point of view).

I know it will hurt the value of the car a little but the original motor and tranny are long gone so i'm don't think this detail really matters that much.  So what do you guys think?  I'm torn because I like the look of the front rubber bumper but I already have a chrome bumper (does need to be rechromed) and that money could be spent elsewhere on parts.

Some time I really hate this hobby!   

[BIGSHCLUNK]

 

The issue is that a new repo front rubber bumper is freakin expensive ($700) and I am already stretching to get the body work and paint paid for and I am deciding on whether or not to put another front rubber bumper on the car. 
I know it will hurt the value of the car a little but the original motor and tranny are long gone so i'm don't think this detail really matters that much.  Some time I really hate this hobby!   

I think you said it all right here. 

[FY1Cuda]

I would vote to put an elastomeric bumper back on it at some time, but you don't have to do it now.  It's a separate piece that gets painted by itself, so go ahead and put the chrome one on when the car is painted, but make sure you have leftover paint for the rubber bumper.  Just an FYI on the bumpers:  If the steel bumper is the right contour to the car (but maybe dented), be sure to stress to the rechromer not to change the shape of the bumper--just tap out the dents.  They like to go crazy on straightening them, and then you'll never get it to fit the nose of the car.  About the elastomeric bumper, when you get it, it needs a LOT of prep work before painting.  The bottom is roughly sawn to fit the "70 valance, and the rest of it has bubbles and mold-release splotches  all over.  It then needs some coats of a very FLEXIBLE urethane primer before painting.  Could make a nice project for you.

[1 Wild R/T]

And here's the other side... As you've already said the chrome bumper needs to be rechromed anyway... That'll set you back $300 minimum so the rubber bumper is only an additional $400.. & if you try to add it later the paint won't match...   If your budget is so tight your sweating a $400 bumper upgrade what are you gonna do when the body & paint costs over run the estimate by 75-100%?  Sorry I know it sucks, this hobby use to be fun but it's gotten damn expensive.. If your not thinking of adding the rubber bumper later that sure save a few $$ but if your thinking of adding it later dig deep cause later you'll be happy you did...

[loco340cuda]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.  Right now I am leaning towards just getting the bumper and biting the bullet.