72 front bumper
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 190
Likes: 30
From: Wollongong Great Southern Land
72 front bumper
Hi All,
Our 72 has original front chrome bumper, but it has had a body off chassis replacement, and Ive noticed there is quite a gap (in my opinion) between the inner chrome edge and the body, on the passenger side it seems to narrow to what looks more like how the gap should be. (see pictures)
taken a foot away from bumper, I would have thought it should fit a little more snug?
see the taper from middle to passenger side (toes came with the vet
Should there be that much gap? I may be a bit **** here but what measurement should the gap be between bumper and body?
Haven't taken it off yet but before i do is there a particular bolt/area that allows for adjustment?
cheers
Matt
Our 72 has original front chrome bumper, but it has had a body off chassis replacement, and Ive noticed there is quite a gap (in my opinion) between the inner chrome edge and the body, on the passenger side it seems to narrow to what looks more like how the gap should be. (see pictures)
taken a foot away from bumper, I would have thought it should fit a little more snug?
see the taper from middle to passenger side (toes came with the vetShould there be that much gap? I may be a bit **** here but what measurement should the gap be between bumper and body?
Haven't taken it off yet but before i do is there a particular bolt/area that allows for adjustment?
cheers
Matt
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 470
Likes: 31
From: Melbourne Victoria
Hi Matt,
I'll go measure mine and see if mine is similar or consistent all the way across. I'll try and get some pics for you too.
I just measured mine. Mine is a 72 also and is probably as original as you'll get these days. My car still has the rivet marks in the body in front of the bonnet, so I don't think it's ever been hit in the front.
On the sides mine measured between 15-20mm gap. Mine at the front all the way across measured about 5mm +/- 1-2mm.
Here a few pics.
I'll go measure mine and see if mine is similar or consistent all the way across. I'll try and get some pics for you too.
I just measured mine. Mine is a 72 also and is probably as original as you'll get these days. My car still has the rivet marks in the body in front of the bonnet, so I don't think it's ever been hit in the front.
On the sides mine measured between 15-20mm gap. Mine at the front all the way across measured about 5mm +/- 1-2mm.
Here a few pics.
Last edited by Corvetteoz; Jan 8, 2017 at 01:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 190
Likes: 30
From: Wollongong Great Southern Land
Thanks corvetteoz, My sides are about same as yours 17mm give or take, but your middle area looks a better fit than mine , the way it should look I think. Mine is 22mm taken a little left and right of the middle point.
So I guess if there aren't adjustment bolts then I'll have to take it off and "bend" to shape?
Must be hot in Vic at the moment, its nudging 28 celsius here, I heard from a bloke in Adelaide yesterday it was 41
So I guess if there aren't adjustment bolts then I'll have to take it off and "bend" to shape?
Must be hot in Vic at the moment, its nudging 28 celsius here, I heard from a bloke in Adelaide yesterday it was 41
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 470
Likes: 31
From: Melbourne Victoria
I would say there would an adjustment so you could just push it back another 10mm or so and re-tighten. I'm sure you could adjust or just route out the mount holes a little so it can slide back further.
Last night was hottest night for 10 years I think. Got down to 28C here at about 4am and was 30C at midnight. Cooled down today but yesterday was hot. I wanna do some work on my car too but waiting for it to cool down a little.
Last night was hottest night for 10 years I think. Got down to 28C here at about 4am and was 30C at midnight. Cooled down today but yesterday was hot. I wanna do some work on my car too but waiting for it to cool down a little.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,734
Likes: 299
From: Way too effing close to the city.......NRA Life Member!
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Couldn't the issue be (if you can't get it to adjust into spec) that maybe the nose had been lightly hit at some point and maybe the bumper straightened & re-chromed and had not been exactly straightened correctly......or even might be a re-pro bumper??
Back in the day, when I was restoring a 1969 Mustang BOSS 302, I was replacing the aluminum trim at the front of the hood (it had been lightly bumped and dented)....the FORD factory parts were not equal lengths on each side and didn't match the original part. I had to order 3 - 4 times to get one that was correct fit!! Pretty weird and sad since these were FORD parts, ordered from a FORD dealer. Just saying sometimes things just aren't in spec whether replacement dealer parts or aftermarket replacement parts?
BTW, both of the photos you post look great to me since I have a 76 Vette with no chromed bumper!!
Back in the day, when I was restoring a 1969 Mustang BOSS 302, I was replacing the aluminum trim at the front of the hood (it had been lightly bumped and dented)....the FORD factory parts were not equal lengths on each side and didn't match the original part. I had to order 3 - 4 times to get one that was correct fit!! Pretty weird and sad since these were FORD parts, ordered from a FORD dealer. Just saying sometimes things just aren't in spec whether replacement dealer parts or aftermarket replacement parts?
BTW, both of the photos you post look great to me since I have a 76 Vette with no chromed bumper!!
Last edited by OLE442; Jan 8, 2017 at 05:35 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,287
Likes: 4,376
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Matt,
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Typical bumper gaps.
All these bolts need to be LOOSE to move the position of the bumper.
Center brace at bumper
Center brace at front crossmember
Center brace at front crossmember and core support.
Front crossmember at frame extensions and end bumper bracket at frame extension.
These bumperettebolts must be loose too for the bumper to move.
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Typical bumper gaps.
All these bolts need to be LOOSE to move the position of the bumper.
Center brace at bumper
Center brace at front crossmember
Center brace at front crossmember and core support.
Front crossmember at frame extensions and end bumper bracket at frame extension.
These bumperettebolts must be loose too for the bumper to move.
Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 8, 2017 at 09:05 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
My 72 bumper fits the same as Alan's car and his is one of the nicest examples and notice that even on the ends the gaps are not the same width along the body. Mine are the same way. You have to understand that for around $5,000. back in the day that these cars were not perfect but the front gap on yours is too wide and can be adjusted back .
Last edited by bj1k; Jan 8, 2017 at 08:44 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
It is probable that IF you pull the bumper in at the center to close up the gap....because it is too much.....that your outer corners will splay out. I am NOT saying that they will...just that is is probable.
DUB
DUB
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Thanks!
Hi Matt,
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Typical bumper gaps.
All these bolts need to be LOOSE to move the position of the bumper.
Center brace at bumper
Center brace at front crossmember
Center brace at front crossmember and core support.
Front crossmember at frame extensions and end bumper bracket at frame extension.
These bumperettebolts must be loose too for the bumper to move.
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Typical bumper gaps.
All these bolts need to be LOOSE to move the position of the bumper.
Center brace at bumper
Center brace at front crossmember
Center brace at front crossmember and core support.
Front crossmember at frame extensions and end bumper bracket at frame extension.
These bumperettebolts must be loose too for the bumper to move.
BTW, Alan's bumper photos go in my AIM as reference for how bumpers are "supposed" to look!
Few thoughts:
*bolts on each end pretty much just finger tight to avoid cracking the fiberglass.
*I carefully bent my front bumper a very little bit to fit better on my 68, but I think you run the risk of cracking the chrome if not very careful.
*shim, fit, loosen all bolts, fit, shim fit, tighten bolts, repeat, play with it until you get it close enough, the bumpers were never perfect, just look at photos of lots of chrome bumper Corvettes for reference. I read somewhere, I think Richard Newton, that the pros mount the bumpers first and then fiberglass the rest to get a perfect fit, LOL's!
Hope this helps, I spend a few days playing with mine.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 190
Likes: 30
From: Wollongong Great Southern Land
[QUOTE=Alan 71;1593820236]Hi Matt,
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Thanks Alan, those photos and info are going to help immensely
cheers Matt
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Thanks Alan, those photos and info are going to help immensely
cheers Matt
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 470
Likes: 31
From: Melbourne Victoria
[QUOTE=72downunder;1593825962]
Hi Matt,
PM me your email and I'll send you a copy of the AIM for a 72.
Hi Matt,
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Thanks Alan, those photos and info are going to help immensely
cheers Matt
The position of the bumper is controlled by the both of the end bumper brackets, the center horseshoe bracket, the left and right frame extensions, and the front crossmember.
There are adjustments in all those parts that control and contribute to what the fit of the bumper is and what it's gaps are.
Do you have an AIM to refer to?
Regards,
Alan
Thanks Alan, those photos and info are going to help immensely
cheers Matt
PM me your email and I'll send you a copy of the AIM for a 72.
Last edited by Corvetteoz; Jan 9, 2017 at 01:59 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 190
Likes: 30
From: Wollongong Great Southern Land
Hey Guys,
Thanks for your help with this, managed to lesson the gap to 15mm at least it now looks uniform all round. There didn't seem much more room to move. I seemed to get the most movement from the centre brace at the crossmember and the centre brace connecting to the bumper, but it seems I'm now at the limit here without modifying the centrebrace/crossmember bolt holes. Might give it another go when I can spend more time on it. But its a lot better than it was before.
Photos will show the difference.
Thanks for your help with this, managed to lesson the gap to 15mm at least it now looks uniform all round. There didn't seem much more room to move. I seemed to get the most movement from the centre brace at the crossmember and the centre brace connecting to the bumper, but it seems I'm now at the limit here without modifying the centrebrace/crossmember bolt holes. Might give it another go when I can spend more time on it. But its a lot better than it was before.
Photos will show the difference.
Last edited by 72downunder; Jan 11, 2017 at 03:40 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,287
Likes: 4,376
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Matt,
Those photos show a real improvement!!!!!
You shouldn't have to elongate any holes even if you want the bumper closer.
Remember, the large center bumper brace bolts that bolt to the front crossmember depend on the position of that crossmember, (how far forward it is), and, that crossmember's position is controlled by the left and right frame extensions.
You need to also be aware that when that crossmember moves so do the mounting points for the core support and the bumperette lower brackets.
Regards,
Alan
Those photos show a real improvement!!!!!
You shouldn't have to elongate any holes even if you want the bumper closer.
Remember, the large center bumper brace bolts that bolt to the front crossmember depend on the position of that crossmember, (how far forward it is), and, that crossmember's position is controlled by the left and right frame extensions.
You need to also be aware that when that crossmember moves so do the mounting points for the core support and the bumperette lower brackets.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 11, 2017 at 09:44 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
'72downunder'
You did a great job and honestly...if the gap is the same all the way across the entire front bumper.... I would leave it alone. The reason is this...
Due to the brackets that are welded to the inside of the bumper on each outer corner. They will 'set' the gaps in those areas. AND having the very center be 'in' more just looks 'not right'. Especially IF your eye can see it....or it begins to NOT look good.
So if the gap is visually appealing and even across the entire bumper from end to end. I would say that it is DONE!
AND...IF you try again to get it a little bit closer. DO NOT be surprised that the very ends of your bumper will begin to possibly splay out and then they begin to look funky. This is where it begins to be a 'balancing act' and gettign it to where the visual is the best it is going to be.
DUB
You did a great job and honestly...if the gap is the same all the way across the entire front bumper.... I would leave it alone. The reason is this...
Due to the brackets that are welded to the inside of the bumper on each outer corner. They will 'set' the gaps in those areas. AND having the very center be 'in' more just looks 'not right'. Especially IF your eye can see it....or it begins to NOT look good.
So if the gap is visually appealing and even across the entire bumper from end to end. I would say that it is DONE!
AND...IF you try again to get it a little bit closer. DO NOT be surprised that the very ends of your bumper will begin to possibly splay out and then they begin to look funky. This is where it begins to be a 'balancing act' and gettign it to where the visual is the best it is going to be.
DUB