Rear Chrome Bumper Install Advice
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 21
From: Greenville Ohio
Rear Chrome Bumper Install Advice
I'm working on a 1970 and when I removed the rear chrome bumpers, they were only held on by the two rear bolts (frame extension mount and the 'S' bracket mount). When I installed one of the chrome bumpers yesterday, I used the remaining mounting holes and even though I was careful, I still cracked the paint at the mount that uses the frame extension and the mount located on the side of the car. Now this is an old re-paint and at this time, the cracks are small but my questions is, should I leave it as is or should I use some type of rubber/foam spacer to help cushion the mount and avoid further cracking once I start driving the car?
Thanks for the help, Eric
Thanks for the help, Eric
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
There were no factory cushions between the paint and the bumper (at least in '70 anyway), but I'm considering installing them also. I'd like to maintain an original look without cracking the paint. On the rear perhaps something small enough to be hidden by the mount bracket. On the ends ... I'm not sure. They would be difficult to hide.
Please post what you decide.
Please post what you decide.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,601
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I'm wondering if nylon or Teflon would work....either buy it precut from a home-improvement store and trim it to fit----or buy a small "sheet" of it that is the thickness needed (clear/white/black) and cut it to the proper shape.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
you cant find mine even if you were looking for one...and why worry a gasket was not OE there, so why look. I think I used 3M trim cement to hold the gasket to the bumper and the thickness was that of the water outlet gasket...{thermostat housing to some}....I wasn`t about to *** my paint up
but whatever......
but whatever......
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The bumper mounts should only put pressure (have contact) on metal brackets/braces. You need to use metal shims, where necessary, to have ONLY metal-to-metal contact. The body is not supposed to be used as a support for the bumpers.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 21
From: Greenville Ohio
1970 doesn't have the side brace like the 71-73's had.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 32
From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21
I cut a gasket from an inner tube and glued it on the bumper before I installed it. You can't see it, either.
If your paint is cracking, you're pulling on the fiberglass
Reshim and align the bumper until you can tighten the bolt without stressing the body.
If your paint is cracking, you're pulling on the fiberglass
Reshim and align the bumper until you can tighten the bolt without stressing the body.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 21
From: Greenville Ohio
I agree with this statement. The bumpers are off now, so once I find a gasket, I will attempt to re-install them. Thanks
