how come they dont make them outta rubber?

[240sxDann]

I dont know, I was just thinking, looking at drifting pictures, a lot were of like cracked bumpers and stuff. Why not make body parts (i.e. bumpers, sideskirts, hood maybe?) out of a stiff rubber, that will hold its shape under the pressure of like wind, but will bend and flex back into shape after a crash? Think it'd be possible? I'm sure it would save a bunch of money on broken bumpers and stuff from sliding into things on accident.



btw..me= and a lot of things sound better to me then they do to anyone else. LOL!

[WrxJC]

i think weight might be an issue with rubber....not to mention safety of the driver comes b4 safety of the car parts. BUT i could be wrong

[240sxDann]

safety is most deffinitly an issue. But plastic breaks fairly easily, its the stuff under there (frame, roll cage, etc etc) that protects the driver. And yea I guess weight would be a big issue. Didn't think of that.

[hummerman88]

companies most likely have thought about them.....but they make more money with breaking parts because they know ya gotta buy another one.
buy bumper
break bumper
replace bumper

Company makes money

[hystericfox]

Plus the cars look like they've been flogged properly if parts are missing.

[240sxDann]

Originally Posted by hystericfox

Plus the cars look like they've been flogged properly if parts are missing.

lol true true! And yea, I really did respond this fast, I'm really bored!

[2point4DSM]

I always cringe when I see front bumper covers made of fiberglass knowing that it takes very little to crack and deform them. I am totally against the idea of fiberglass bumper covers.

On the other hand most OEM bumper covers are made of a flexible plastic that holds up pretty well. At least in my experience they are good enough for simple parking spot fender rubbing.

Normally they start to rip and tear when the parts behind them start to give. And the reason the parts behind them give is a safety feature that helps prevent energy being transferred to the cabin of the car.

I have a feeling rubber isn't used because it would be harder for paint to look right on it and last. Not to mention it is will be heavier in order to keep a certain shape and more costly than the materials they are using now.

[wgknestrick]

Lexan plastic should be used, but is probably way too expensive. Just look at the abuse it takes on RC cars....amazing