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Something is not aligned correctly if the factory parts don't work...
Personally, I wouldn't grind the bracket or the radiator support.
Was the front clip replaced? Or was the radiator support removed?
In your video, it looks like the rad support needs to be loosened from the inner fenders and pushed back on the bottom.
Also, have you tried fitting the hood for hinge placement? Shims can help but the closer you get the radiator support the better the hood will match the surround.
So I guess I am suggesting getting the hood and wiper door installed, shimmed and adjusted first, then put the bumper on.
Also, you don't mention the spacing you currently have between the bumper and the fiberglass...I would look carefully at other cars (or ask guys on this forum) for the dimension from their bumper to the nose.
I would start by loosening the bolts holding the frame horn extensions (item 22) and the bolts holding the front crossmember (item 24) and see how much you can gain. I’ve rebuilt many chrome bumper cars and never had to resort to cutting/shaving like you describe in your video.
One thing I'll put out there is when I moved my bumper pretty tight, it caused an interference (and a really really close on the other side) between the headlight surround and the bumperette, as well as slightly touching the plastic headlight shields when opening so be aware when you put it all back together
Now there's a lot of stuff that's re-done and repop so it might be just the combination but maybe just keep an eye on that area as you put things together
M
Here is how i fixed mine. I followed this guy through his whole build. You will love this site for everything you needed to know about a Vette restoration.
Here is how i fixed mine. I followed this guy through his whole build. You will love this site for everything you needed to know about a Vette restoration.
Thanks for this link. It does confirm that I was thinking, which is that there is NO WAY I'm going to gain 1/2" simply by loosening some bolts. I need at least 1/2" more room and this guy moved his bumper mount by 3/4"
Something is not aligned correctly if the factory parts don't work...
Personally, I wouldn't grind the bracket or the radiator support.
Was the front clip replaced? Or was the radiator support removed?
In your video, it looks like the rad support needs to be loosened from the inner fenders and pushed back on the bottom.
Also, have you tried fitting the hood for hinge placement? Shims can help but the closer you get the radiator support the better the hood will match the surround.
So I guess I am suggesting getting the hood and wiper door installed, shimmed and adjusted first, then put the bumper on.
Also, you don't mention the spacing you currently have between the bumper and the fiberglass...I would look carefully at other cars (or ask guys on this forum) for the dimension from their bumper to the nose.
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I agree that one shouldn't need to cut parts, but I need at least 1/2" more space and the Rad support is pretty much locked into place by the bolt holes, which are not adjustable (just holes with no way to move it back).
The blog that was linked below shows one builder cutting the bumper support by 3/4" to get the bumper gap tight. Mine is at least 1/2" long, but I would settle for 3/8ths. I'm not trying to get the bumper flush, just a small gap. Right now, it's about 3/4 to 1" away from the nose. https://www.corvette-restoration.com...-installation/
the frame extensions come from the factory with oval bolt holes for adjustmemt. i don't see a major downside to egging the holes on the crossmember or bumper brackets or horse shoe. now, everything you move moves something else too. frame extensions and crossmember being moved back for the bumper's sake moves the rad support back. the nose is bolted to the rad support. hood hinges too. so i would consider looking at everything else closely. if it is where it belongs, alter the bumper brackets and horse shoe to move the bumper back and leave everything else in place. they are also relatively inexpensive and come off easy. and they don't show.
That is a replacement radiator support. I think that lip is made larger than the original. So I would not have a problem with cutting it until the horse shoe fit.That is a replacement radiator support. I think that lip is made larger than the original. So I would not have a problem with cutting it until the horse shoe fit. Trimming a little bit of the front of the horseshoe might be easier.
Bumper Support and Spacing Question
