'72-73 bumpers (was: Length of '73 Imperial)

[Christopher Hoffman <imperial67@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The change was due to 5-mph energy-absorbing bumper regulations, which were
phased in over two years. In 1972, only the front bumper needed to comply.
Most 1972 cars had energy-absorbing front bumpers and rigidly-mounted rear
bumpers (hence the metal filler).

For 1973, the rear bumper needed to be energy-absorbing, too (hence the
flexible plastic filler).

Chris in LA

KerryPinkerton (pinkertonk@xxxxxxxxx) wrote:
> They both have fillers, the 72 was gray metal and the
> 73 was gray plastic.  Looks the same until you touch
> them.  Same size.  Don't know why they made the
> change.  My parts car is a 72 and the bumper guards
> and these fillers are the only differences I noticed.
> I'm sure there are some other small details such as
> the DAM- Ticking Chronometer in the 73...