I am going to re-chrome the rear bumper on my 71 SS that has bumper guards. Should I leave off the bumper guards, or replace them with new ones.

Will my bumper have holes in it where the guards are now if I do not replace the guards?

Does anyone have an opinion of they like the look better with or without the guards?

I don't care for the look of the guards on this model, I've thought about adding them to mine but after looking at quite a few photos I've come to the conclusion that I don't really care for them, they disturb the shape of the rearend of the car where the curves of the body join the curvature of the bumper. JMO - you asked, I'm sure there are many who like them. Sometimes options are options and the more options the higher the value. Some cars look really good with guards.

Personally, I love the bumper guards on the 71. They don't stick up past the top of the bumper as far as some others. Actually I like bumper guards on all the Chevelles but especially the 71's.

To answer the original question: Yes, you will find holes in the bumper if you try to remove the guards. Some years they were clamped on (like the 68) but 71 was bolted. If you decide you don't want them, you will have to have the holes welded closed, or get a non-bumper guard, bumper..

I vote for the guards. I have front and rear on my sport sedan and my Elky will have them on the front graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I got cheap and had the holes filled in. It would have been an additional $35 each for re-plating, and another $40 for the pads. I will tell myself that I really did not like them that much.

I will have a set of driver quality bumper guards for sale. One of the pads is a little rough.