Super Stock Cobalts - The NHRA Saga!

[SSDiv6]

Ever since my close friend Phil Cocuzza, who is like a brother to me, took possession of his new East Texas Super Stock Cobalt, the way the rear bumper is attached to the quarter panel has been a matter of controversy. This is the 3rd East Texas Cobalt that Phil has owned, and the rear bumper has been attached in the same way to the quarter panel as the current car. NHRA has never approached Phil regarding this subject on his previous cars. Phil got a call from our favorite NHRA Glendora tech person, letting him know that NHRA received a complaint from a racer and that a certified letter had been sent to him.

The problems with the Super Stock Chevy Cobalt FWD converted car’s rear bumper has been an issue for some time. When these cars are built, much of the supporting OEM structure is removed. Therefore, the chassis builders have to find a method to attach the bumper to the quarter panel. There have been several incidents in which the bumper has separated from the car, including one case were the bumper separated during the launch, hitting the external electrical shut-off while the car was on a wheel stand.

Having the rear bumper held with external fasteners to the quarter panel, is not a performance enhancement or advantage; esthetically, is difficult to see especially if the fasteners are painted the same color as the car. From my engineering viewpoint, I would consider it a safety item since it prevents the rear bumper from detaching and ending in the opponent’s lane or getting jammed on the wheelie bars or even hit the electrical shut-off like it has happened before.

I have personally observed some of these bumpers being held with pop rivets and even there are a few Factory Stock cars that have Dzus fasteners holding the rear bumper in place. Moreover, at the Fontana Division 7 race, a SS/GT car had its rear bumper held with duct tape. When brought to the attention of NHRA, they ignored it. An interesting fact is that I have observed at many races, including Indy, cars with missing grills and other body components such as ground effects. Still, have not seen NHRA approach the racers about it.

Although NHRA has been provided with photographs showing how other cars have been securing the bumpers to the quarter panel and also addressing the various previous incidents in which the bumpers have actually separated, they have not made a decision and as usual, they are taking their precious time while Phil waits trying to know if he can race the car or not. Nobody should be required to given permission to race at an NHRA event like Phil had to do for the Sonoma points meet. Or...is this another case of picking and choosing whom to go after.

Racers know Phil's character. He has always owned some of the best engineered and nicest cars that are competitive, setting many national records. Phil will never build an illegal car to shame his sponsors.

[Shawn S.Kvaas]

Did you ask Alf Wiebe how he has done it ?

[Adger Smith]

Isn't Wesley now the Go to Guy at NHRA of Stock/SuperStock?

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

When these cars are built, much of the supporting OEM structure is removed. Therefore, the chassis builders have to find a method to attach the bumper to the quarter panel.

I have never been under the rear of a Cobalt to see the OEM bumper structure. With that being said, why do they remove the OEM bumper structure? Is it too heavy? Is it in the way? Is it the best way to expedite the building process?
There has to be a reason why they (the builders) are doing this. I guess that I'll have to add this to my "things to look at in the junkyard" list.

[Crisco]

On the Cobalts that I paint for a well known builder, all the rear covers are held on by the factory fasteners in the factory locations. So, it can be done.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Crisco

On the Cobalts that I paint for a well known builder, all the rear covers are held on by the factory fasteners in the factory locations. So, it can be done.

The reason could be that every chassis builder has its own unique way and approach on building their cars especially when they are back-halved. I have seen different approaches and variations.

Also, how do you explain the incidents were the rear bumper has detached from the quarter panel? Let's consider that these cars, in their OEM configuration, were not originally designed to run the speeds they do at the track.

[Crisco]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

The reason could be that every chassis builder has its own unique way and approach on building their cars especially when they are back-halved. I have seen different approaches and variations.

Also, how do you explain the incidents were the rear bumper has detached from the quarter panel? Let's consider that these cars, in their OEM configuration, were not originally designed to run the speeds they do at the track.

These bumpers coming off may not always be the chassis builders fault. Did the owner take it off and not reinstall correctly? Did he/she not reuse all the fasteners? In a hurry for some reason? A lot of variables could go into this.

[Dale Hulquist]

I have an EasTex Cobalt "SuperStocker" and my bumper cover is attached with the factory fasteners, I think the difference in a comp car vs superstocker build is what i'm seeing.

[KRatcliff]

It's no biggie. Just have Phil write them back and tell the NHRA that they are "bumper pins."

http://www.nhraracer.com/content/gen...508&zoneid=132

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Crisco

These bumpers coming off may not always be the chassis builders fault. Did the owner take it off and not reinstall correctly? Did he/she not reuse all the fasteners? In a hurry for some reason? A lot of variables could go into this.

No, the racers that have lost their bumpers as I been told, had not removed and/or reinstalled their rear bumpers. There are some guys that I know that after seeing what took place, found other means to secure the bumper in lieu of the OEM fasteners.