NONN37

Hi I am doing bodywork on a 77 vette. I have new Flex bumpers to replace my og wavy ones.
The front bumper fits very nice, but i am having trouble with the grills.

Do they install before the bumper or after it is installed(insert behind or from the front)?
Are they supposed to be flush with inner red edge(floating behind the bumper)? or sit between the holes?(between red/blue)

It seems the mount brackets are too low so there is a gap at the top of the grill(they look to have a little adjustment).

**Im trying to get clarification on fitment before i paint the bumpers n scratch em up trying to install wrong. thanks.

ntfday

I had the same problem on my 76. I enlarged the openings as I couldn't figure out any other way to get the grills to fit. They are not recessed like original. I mounted them with stand-offs.

gjohnson

They fit slightly recessed like the above photo. Prefit them into the opening BEFORE you paint. They will take some massaging.On mine I had to grind on the lower inside corners and also refab the brackets

Rotonda

I also have a 77 with a flex glass bumper. I first mounted it onto the body and discovered the same difficulties you mention. Next, I began opening up the bumper by grinding it, especially in the radiused outside corners and the vertical edges. I finally got it where the grills could be snaked into the openings (they completely filled the openings) and sat indented and not flush with the front opening.

I began working with the stock mounting brackets, bending and lightly modifying them until everything lined up.

Finally I used West Systems epoxy, their 410 filler and fiberglass mat to extend (and strengthen) the lips of the opening I had ground. Car is in primer now, waiting on paint.