Super Stock Cobalts - The NHRA Saga!

[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 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.

Please explain the difference between a Super Stock GT FWD, Cobalt rear bumper and a Comp Super Modified Cobalt rear bumper. The rule is the same. This issue is only with the Cobalt body; the Pontiac FWD cars have a different rear bumper design.

[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.

[LethalRat]

The only "issue" is that "much of the supporting OEM structure is removed" if it was not removed there would be no problem. Chevrolet has no problem on the tens of thousands of cobalts with the covers coming off.

Basically your saying we took out all the inner support structure and now the bumper are falling off. Wow! Why can't we use a bunch of dzus fasteners now?

[Carguy49]

Seems to me the fix is simple. Since many of the Cobalts are not having issues, the ones that are need to look at them and follow their example. Right. Whatever it takes to be safe and legal. Don't need parts coming off race cars on the track.

I have seen a few of these cars and they look fine cosmetically.