71 front bumper question?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 6
71 front bumper question?
On my 71 the front bumper that goes all the way across the front has the two small bumper parts that go down and attached at the bottom of the nose of the car and they are not evenly lined up with the two small grills that have the turn signal lights in them. I have looked these over closely and have noticed the various attachment points and bolts that hold them in place. Is there a way to adjust these to all line up, are people using shims or something. I see lots of pictures where they are lined up very well and then others where they look perfect. Thanks for any advice. Also is it ok to ask as many questions as I do or are you supposed to follow just a certain number of questions.
Thank you
Johnny
Thank you
Johnny
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Yes, to a degree. Loosen the mounting points on the guards and tweak them to where you want them. Perfection might be difficult to obtain, but you could probably get them both even.
Possibly.
No limits on questions, but the more you learn about these cars, the more expert you become on your car, the less you have to ask.
Knowledge is power.
...are people using shims or something...
...Also is it ok to ask as many questions as I do or are you supposed to follow just a certain number of questions...
Knowledge is power.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
I'm dealing with this on my 72 right now too. From what I can gather line the bumper up first and get it perfect with the body lines then attach the right and left bumperettes. From there align the right and left turn signal grills. I have not attempted any shimming yet but I am far from done as I only have mine roughly in place. I hope someone with more experience shares their wisdom !
Sully
Sully
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
You can move most of those parts around enough so that they will line up reasonably well. But, there isn't enough adjustment to allow the grille pieces to eliminate all the 'gaps' between those pieces. Just make any gaps the same for both sides.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
alignment of these pieces
I think I read somewhere that if you do body work on the front end in this area, this is an area that you have to make sure is all lined up well before you glue up the fenders/hood surround&hood alignment.
And of course, St Louis had a more forgiving tolerance than most of us are interested in too
And of course, St Louis had a more forgiving tolerance than most of us are interested in too
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,236
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Johnny,
I agree that it's a combination of adjustments that need to be made to get the grill and bumper guard to line up.
There are 2 bolts on the bumper guards; upper and lower. The bottom bolt comes through the the fiberglas lower valance, but it's bracket is bolted to the forward cross member. That bracket can be shimmed if necessary to move the bumper guard up or down a little bit.
I start the bolts on the bumper guard, but leave them loose enough for the guard to be able to move.
I then start the screws on the grill, (It has a bracket too. It's in the center; that screw needs to be loose too.). I leave them loose too.
I align the guard and grill, and then begin to gradually tighten the bolts and screws. If things begin to move out of alignment I stop and put a shim where required.
It only takes a half a day to do each side!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I agree that it's a combination of adjustments that need to be made to get the grill and bumper guard to line up.
There are 2 bolts on the bumper guards; upper and lower. The bottom bolt comes through the the fiberglas lower valance, but it's bracket is bolted to the forward cross member. That bracket can be shimmed if necessary to move the bumper guard up or down a little bit.
I start the bolts on the bumper guard, but leave them loose enough for the guard to be able to move.
I then start the screws on the grill, (It has a bracket too. It's in the center; that screw needs to be loose too.). I leave them loose too.
I align the guard and grill, and then begin to gradually tighten the bolts and screws. If things begin to move out of alignment I stop and put a shim where required.
It only takes a half a day to do each side!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
