Cow catcher

[Guest laverdj]

I recently purchased a 79 Avanti that came with the additional front bumper, commonly referred to as "cow catcher"

I am curious to know:

- what production years was this bumper installed on the cars?

- was it optional equipment?

- what was the reason they were added on?

Any other tidbits of information on this would be appreciated?

Thanks

Jean Laverdure

King City, Ontario

[SBCA96]

I recently purchased a 79 Avanti that came with the additional front bumper, commonly referred to as "cow catcher" I am curious to know:

- what production years was this bumper installed on the cars?

Mid 70's, my dads 78 had it also, someone else might have exact info.

- was it optional equipment?

No, it was mandatory.

- what was the reason they were added on?

You can probably thank Ralph Nader for that, the same guy that had the convertible

taken off the market in the U.S.. Its to protect us from ourselves. The Avanti bumpers

are like n1pples on a guy - just for show. They wont do a lot in a crash, and it was

decided that adding the second bumper (a 5 mph) one, would help. Since they had

raised the front on the Avanti II, they just added it under the stock one, since it was

now higher then designed. So in short - added to meet a 5 mph crash requirement.

Tom

Edited August 24, 2006 by SBCA96

[theGman]

I took mine off my '81. You can cut the mounting points back behind the grille opening to completely eliminate it.

Now, I have to buy an old style grille to cover up the 2 rectangular missing sections, but it still looks better.

Paul

PS: Ref the grille cutouts, I'm trying various options to avoid spending $200 on a new old grille, but haven't found anything completely satisfactory yet.

[SBCA96]

Now, I have to buy an old style grille to cover up the 2 rectangular missing sections, but it still looks better.

Perfect place to install fog lights.

Tom