Refitting rear bumper

[Dicks]

I've gotten pieces rechromed, a new rub strip, and fasteners for my '72 rear bumper and now need to reinstall it. From 40 years ago, I remember getting a front bumper back on was quite a hassle. What is the proper sequence of assembling the pieces and getting everything tucked into place? Any experience?

[jgerock]

I R&R'd mine not long after I bought the car. Plan ahead and buy all new hardware. Most of the bolts on my car broke.

Take your time and have a helper before scratching the paint. Tape the quarter panels with blue painters tape for protection. Test fit the center section with loose end pieces to ensure the fit is right. Then remove the bumper, tighten the bolts at the outer edges of the center section and install the rub strip. Use a rubber mallet to help form the strip around the bumper corners.

[nbcbird]

From what I remember (for my '71) the difficulty with the front bumper is installing the brackets into the front frame rail. You need to install the captive bolts first and then maneuver the brackets into position IIRC. Install the rubber trim after the bolt/bracket holes are aligned. I have noticed that many early style front bumpers in this forum are NOT aligned in parallel with the rest of the knee molding (too low in the front).

For the rear bumper with wrap around ends, I also put a sock on the ends to avoid scratching the paint. Assemble the entire rear bumper with brackets and secure as a unit by bolting from the inside of the trunk. I loosely install the end bolts into quarter panels and then slide the ends of the bumper in first. Once again the position of the holes (in the quarter panel) for securing the ends are critical for good alignment.

[BillWilliams]

TAPE THE PAINT - yes I am YELLING

[jgerock]

TAPE THE PAINT - yes I am YELLING

Yup - especially on the pre-73's with close-fitting bumpers.