Bryan,

Nice score. The front bumpers are different between 70 and 71, with supposedly early 71 cars getting 70 bumpers. The difference is in the lower lip and how it lines up with the front valence. I think 71 had a small opening than 70 IIRC.

Anyway, if the lower part lines up "close" to your valence opening you have the right one.

As for getting off old paint, I would wet sand it.

Morty