74 front bumper shock replacement

[73tiiDavidPA]

Hello,

 

Continuing to evaluate and pull the 1974 tii apart.  The front bumper was banged on the passenger side, and it looks like a perfect example of functionality.  The front passenger shock and end cover got killed, and the driver end cover also died having torn away from the bumper.  No apparent body damage and no damage to the actual bumper.  I think if I replace both shocks (to be safe) and both end covers I'll be good to go.  

 

1.  How hard are is it to replace the shocks?  (I haven't crawled around that far yet to see).  

2.  I'm assuming the 74, 75, and 76 shocks are all the same? (I'll be checking the part for sale next for end covers and shocks - message me if you have them to sell) 

[jrhone]

Shocks are easy. 2 bolts in the engine bay to pull the entire bumper and shocks off. 2 bolts hold the shocks to the bumper. Yes 74-76 are the same. Some actually drill the shock and release the fluid. Then you can have tuck the bumper if you want the bumper closer to the body. 

[KFunk]

You may have to wrestle the shocks quite a bit to get them out of the ancient rubber.  

[Captain Manly]

I have a pair already shortened if you are interested.

 

Justin 

[NYNick]

Have you considered dumping those bumpers altogether? I weighed mine once off the car. 70Lbs!

[73tiiDavidPA]

12 hours ago, jrhone said:

Some actually drill the shock and release the fluid. Then you can have tuck the bumper if you want the bumper closer to the body. 

 

JR, thanks for alleviating my concerns about replacing the front shocks (I don't mind a bit of wrestling) and letting me know they are the same.  It makes shopping a lot easier.  

 

As far a drill / release / tuck.... I'd rather go with the safety / body saving functionality.  I think my car would be a great poster child for just how well the bumpers work for a low speed impact.  No body damage that I've discovered yet, and even the bumper itself is fine, just the shock and rubber ends took a beating.  

[jrhone]

FYI...I think it will be easier to get the shocks out of you keep the bumper attached to them and remove the big bolts in the engine bay holding the shocks in place.  I used the bumper as leverage to wrestle the shocks out attached to the bumper...

[73tiiDavidPA]

7 hours ago, jrhone said:

I used the bumper as leverage to wrestle the shocks out attached to the bumper...

 

JR,

 

Thanks for the tip, I would have wrestled awhile and maybe not even come up with that solution.  I think I'll just bolt that bad boy back on to start, then pull.