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Hello,
While replacing fuel sender on my 79 , noticed bumper cover retainers bolts rusted out, couple along the top the heads are gone. Is it possible to replace the retainers 1 at a time without removing the whole bumper.
I believe the bumper is original, it fits well other than the seam is starting to open at the top where the bolts have rusted thru.
I did find the tank sticker ( most of it , but not readable )
The original urethane bumper retainers are metal strips, with studs welded to them. The rear bumper was held on by 4 retainers, a left and right side strip, and a left and right top strip. As such, you cannot replace just one or two studs, you need to replace the whole retaining strip, that the broken or missing studs are part of. I don't know that you can replace any of the retaining strips, without removing the bumper.
There are "T" bolt style retainers available, but they're really just for use with fiberglass replacement bumpers. When used with a urethane bumper, they apply uneven pressure to the bumper cover, usually resulting in gaps where the bumper cover meets the body.
There is no glue or adhesive used with the retainers, but after being installed on a car for 30 or 40 years, they tend to stick to the bumper cover.
Below are pictures of a side and top rear bumper cover retainer.
Maybe my memory is faulty but as I remember it on my 79 the studs are down the sides only and the top have bolts that screw in and you can replace just those without removing the whole bumper cover.
The original urethane bumper retainers are metal strips, with studs welded to them. The rear bumper was held on by 4 retainers, a left and right side strip, and a left and right top strip. As such, you cannot replace just one or two studs, you need to replace the whole retaining strip, that the broken or missing studs are part of. I don't know that you can replace any of the retaining strips, without removing the bumper.
There are "T" bolt style retainers available, but they're really just for use with fiberglass replacement bumpers. When used with a urethane bumper, they apply uneven pressure to the bumper cover, usually resulting in gaps where the bumper cover meets the body.
There is no glue or adhesive used with the retainers, but after being installed on a car for 30 or 40 years, they tend to stick to the bumper cover.
Below are pictures of a side and top rear bumper cover retainer.
Hi gbvettes62
I guess my question wasn't clear, I was asking if each of the retainers could be replaced 1 at a time without removing the entire bumper cover.
I've answered my own question "LOL" No had to remove it to get them out, no a big deal. The original ones are "c" shaped that go around the flange of the bumper cover and as you said were stuck pretty good. I did get new ones as shown in your reply .
Thanks
Brian
Maybe my memory is faulty but as I remember it on my 79 the studs are down the sides only and the top have bolts that screw in and you can replace just those without removing the whole bumper cover.
Hi Priya
Your memory is right on, mine were just as you stated, but after almost 40 yrs. they weren't coming off too easy, really stuck, had to remove the whole bumper cover all the screws and nuts did come off though.
Your memory is right on, mine were just as you stated, but after almost 40 yrs. they weren't coming off too easy, really stuck, had to remove the whole bumper cover all the screws and nuts did come off though.
Bumper Retainers
