Just curious what the differences are. I noticed on the web, some have no brand markings, some have the Buick letters wrapped in a black rectangle, and some appear to have the Buick letters maybe in chrome. I have a 1971 and mine has no lettering. Just checking with the experts on the forum to make sure it is correct for a 71.
71 was only year (70-72) with no Buick lettering available on the bumper. Each year is unique. 70 is totally different and will not fit 71-72 fuel neck and has the big black insert with Buick wording although low level cars were different. 72 has the big rubber trim around the tail lights and small Buick script in chrome.
Yes, the '71 GS rear bumper was unique as it had no BUICK lettering. Only way to tell the car was a BUICK from the rear is the "By Buick" emblem under the GS emblem on the trunk. Only done this way in 1971. This is a '71 bumper with the optional N-25 Thru Bumper exhaust which was only available in '71 or '72.
70 is visually different than 71, 72. On a 70 bumper the Buick word is on a panel in between the two tail lights. 72 came with the impact strips surrounding the tail lights so the black usually jumps out at you when you see one. I think the only kicker would be if you had bumper guards on a 71, then you would have a small amount of black on a 71 as well.
Thanks everyone. Ray! a question for you. Looks like your sort of in my neck of the woods. Any suggestions on a chrome shop for my bumpers? I called Space Coast, asking 1100.00/ea... OUCH!
On a '71 vs '72 rear, the 4 carriage bolts around the license plate are spaced different. Doesn't matter too much, unless you are adding the bumper guard.
Tri-City Plating in Tennessee does good work at reasonable prices. Shipping cost is a factor, though: http://www.tricityplating.com/bumper-cores-price-list/?_sfm_make=Buick&_sfm_primary_year_range=68-72
