Dear Chuck and mid-60s Buick caregivers who are fussy about parts,
Comparative measurements of the used original bumper and the Fusick bumper are attached.
The Fusick reproduction is a much more substantial replacement than the CARS parts. I rather suspected I would end up ordering the Fusick bumpers, but you have made the case for me!
What are the dimensions of the OEM part (Jon) and the CARS part (Edouard) from the bottom to the bottom of the tang and from the bottom to the start of the taper toward the top?
Dimension from bottom to bottom of tang on CARS reproduction is: 3/16".
Dimension from the bottom to the start of the taper on the CARS reproduction is: 1/2".
Hardly a surprise, but the CARS reproduction is providing much less rubber to cushion the hood. When in doubt, I would feel better have at least as much rubber as came from the factory in 1965. I wouldn't be surprised if the excess dimensions you are observing on the Fusick reproduction is actually more accurate than Jon's NOS part. in ~50 years the rubber could have contracted a bit from drying. If Fusick has the OEM molds, it could be the actual standard to judge against.
Cheers, Edouard