Are fiberglass bumpers and fenders legal for street use?

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11-29-2007, 06:02 AM

va240

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Are fiberglass bumpers and fenders legal for street use?

<Hypothetical question>

I have a car that originally came with metal bumpers and fenders. If I want to swap the bumpers and fenders to fiberglass is this a legal or illegal for street use?

If illegal has anyone here ever had any problems with fiberglass panels and passing inspection?

Just curious. Thanks for the help...

</Hypothetical question>

11-29-2007, 06:05 AM

Cobra4B

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Re: Are fiberglass bumpers and fenders legal for street use?

I'd assume that it's legal... most of my car is made of SMC (sheet molded composite) which is like plastic fiberglass, most truck hoods, and mustang hoods are made of it too.

11-29-2007, 07:34 AM

CivicDuty

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Re: Are fiberglass bumpers and fenders legal for street use?

Its legal, just dont remove or alter any reinforcment bars or anything that concerns saftey.

11-29-2007, 08:13 AM

Cereal Jones

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Re: Are fiberglass bumpers and fenders legal for street use?

I switched over all of the reinforcement pieces from my stock bumpers to my fiberglass bumpers and I passed inspection. You should be fine.

11-29-2007, 08:28 AM

Stroker-ace

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Re: Are fiberglass bumpers and fenders legal for street use?

As long as its not like a one piece front end that has no support you should be fine.

11-29-2007, 08:41 AM

Fabrik8

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Re: Are fiberglass bumpers and fenders legal for street use?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

I'd assume that it's legal... most of my car is made of SMC (sheet molded composite) which is like plastic fiberglass, most truck hoods, and mustang hoods are made of it too.

The 'SMC' in 'SMC composite' is Sheet Molding Compound. Similar to BMC, or Bulk Moulding Compound. You know how much of a composites geek I am..

As far as replacing body panels, if they're non-OEM, and they don't absorb impact as well as the stock panels, you're the only person who that will affect. There are no laws about replacement panels out of a different material that I've ever heard of.

Last edited by Fabrik8; 11-29-2007 at 08:47 AM.