I have replaced my front bumper with a fiberglass. It fits good across the top, but has gaps on the sides. Has anyone else had this problem, if you have what did you do to correct it?

THANKS!

 

I had the same problem with my '73.

I took the bumper (mine was fiberglass or similar plastic) and cut the side mounts off of it about 1 inch in from the edge and then mounted them to the car. I then mounted the bumper to the car which will give you the correct positioning and distance to extend the sides.

I then laid several layers of 'glass and resin on the outside of the bumper sides filling in the gap. Remove the bumper and do the same for the inside. Sand, finish and paint and it fits PERFECT.

It is alot of work bit it wil end up looking like it was actually made for you're car Since they all have poor fit.

 

Thanks for the help! I hope I can follow up with what you told me to do.

 

Should have some pics to offer accurate advice (top and both sides). But, verify that the honeycomb or other parts underneath are not interfering with the bumper fit before filling. A different method is to fill the gap with Evercoat Vette Fill essentially making a mold. This method also insures that the body and bumper mounting surfaces match at the same angle. I'm not referring to the visible outside gap, but the gap inside where the bumper and body tighten together. If you were to do a cosmetic fill on the outside, then tighten the bumper to the body and close the inside gap between the 2 surfaces, the top surface of the bumper will distort from the pressure. It may not happen right away, but within a couple months you could have a crease in the top surface.
This process works better the first time with a helper. To fill the gap (assuming the top fits perfectly without force) cover the front surface of the body and the mounting surface where the filler is needed (and slightly beyond) with Saran Wrap. This will keep the filler from adhering to the body and protect the paint. Sand the gel coat off the bumper where the filler is needed and slightly beyond as well as the some of the outer surface. Clean the bumper with wax and grease remover. Vette Fill is kind thin so you need to work fast and carefull. Apply Vette Fill to the bumper mounting surface (one side at a time) and put the bumper in place against the body with very little pressure against the body. Use masking tape to hold the bumper in place and take off the excess filler with a bondo spreader. Let it dry.
Working on the same spot, force filler into the gap from the backside as well. You'll need to verify the gap between the parts is filled sufficiently, add filler to air pockets if needed. Now just finish sand and feather the outer portion. The gap problem is fixed and when you tighten the bumper to the body, there will not be any surface distortion.
The only disclaimer I can offer is, I don't recommend using fillers or fiberglass on "flexible fiberglass" bumpers. I always use standard fiberglass bumpers.

 

Thanks very much for your help!