71 Bumper Help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
71 Bumper Help
One of the corner bolt "connections" on the front bumper has lost the bracket for the threads (i.e. the bolt will go through the hole, but there's no threaded bracket to screw it in to). Is this something I can order from somewhere or do you guys have any other ideas? I was thinking a nut, but then realized there's about zero space in there, so I don't know how I'd do it. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
Yes, it's the bracket welded to the bumper. I think there's a recessed clip in there that provides the "threads" for the bolt to screw into. One side has it, the other is missing (right corner as you look towards the car standing in front).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
The actual piece welded to the inside of the bumper is still attached normally, it just has the hole for the bolt w/ no threads (so bolt goes through the hole fine, just doesn't lock/"thread" on anything). As far as I can tell from the other side there's a clip or something providing the threads inside the welded piece. Is that piece inside actually a clip or is it welded in as well? Hopefully that makes sense.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Contact Paragon.http://www.corvette-paragon.com/ They make reproduction bumpers and might be able to repair your original.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
That's what I was afraid of. A new bumper's $400 at Zip. It's really not a huge deal, so I guess I'll just wait until I want to spend that on a new bumper. But, that's probably going to be a while w/ all the plans I have!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I don't think you can get a nut in there as it looked REALLY tight. You should not have to buy a new bumper since you will be welding on the bracket and not the bumper itself. Just tac the nut so as to not overheat the chrome part.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
but heres an idea thats slightly bubba ,, maybe you could find a clip with a threaded side that is used for fenders and front shock mounts on earlier G.M. etc. and clip it over the exisiting bracket, you will still have to take the bumper off for that to happen because of lack of space to manuver the clip on, go and see what a body shop has to offer, or a parts store that sells to body shops. good luck 
Peace,,,Moosie
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Carbondale Pa.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Ann Arbor Michigan
http://www.mcmaster.com/
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,098
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From: west babylon new york
why can.t you just remove bumper and weld nut on ,bring to a shop if need be or use jbweld make a new thread or they sell a kit at most auto parts that restore threads on spindles where the caliper bolts strip it is an epoxy or a helicoil may work
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
My plan is to try the u-clip first; that seems like it would work and is easy/cheap...if it doesn't, oh well. If that fails, I have a friend w/ a weld shop who can probably weld a new nut on. If I end up having to go to option 2, would you just weld on a "standard" nut? I think there's enough room, but just want to make sure you didn't have to use some kind of "low profile" nut or something weird.