1981 rubber bumper install
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2
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From: Fuquay Varina NC
I've been working on a frame off for a 1981 for about 4 years. Now in the process of reinstalling the rubber front and rear bumpers. The rear was my 1st indication that there was an issue when I could get the driver side lined up correctly with the body contours but the right side was off by about a 1/4". Pushed, pulled and cracked new paint but got it "close enough". The front bumper is way off. Started with the front center and got the lines on rubber bumper and body lined up and worked my way toward driver side. Once I turned the corner couldn't get it to line up at all. Again I pushed, pulled and even use a ratchet strap to pull it towards the tire. Got it close enough to attach the nuts to the retainer studs but not really happy with it. But it looks factory fresh compared to when I worked my way from the center toward the passenger side. Finally stopped pulling on it. It seems like it is at least 3/4" shorter than it should be. It is the original rubber bumper, though it was sanded and painted by body shop. It's been off the car for almost 4 years and stored in my walk up unfinished attic. I'm sure the hot and cold of the attic didn't help but any ideas of how to get it reattach without it looking like dog poo? Gaps big enough to slide a screw driver in and contour lines of bumper and body not really even close.
