Replacing 74 rear bumper?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
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From: Manalapan FL
Replacing 74 rear bumper?
Well, received my new rear bumper facia today and promptly went to work. Removing the old bumper was a snap...some tin snips and presto! Instant access to the upper retainer bolts. Stuck my arm in the back like I was birthing a calf.
But my joy was short-lived when I tried to replace the nuts on the new retainers (with new facia in position). How the heck do you get to these nuts? I can't imagine some sausage-fingered GM assembly guy getting his hands/arms up over the taillight assemblies (which are riveted in) while holding a 3/8" box-end wrench.
Any ideas from the experienced?
No wonder everyone likes the metal-bumpers...
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
[Modified by 74FLCONV, 6:20 PM 12/31/2002]
[Modified by 74FLCONV, 6:21 PM 12/31/2002]
But my joy was short-lived when I tried to replace the nuts on the new retainers (with new facia in position). How the heck do you get to these nuts? I can't imagine some sausage-fingered GM assembly guy getting his hands/arms up over the taillight assemblies (which are riveted in) while holding a 3/8" box-end wrench.
Any ideas from the experienced?
No wonder everyone likes the metal-bumpers...
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
[Modified by 74FLCONV, 6:20 PM 12/31/2002]
[Modified by 74FLCONV, 6:21 PM 12/31/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Replacing 74 rear bumper? (74FLCONV)
I take it from your post that you're going to use the original type retainer. That makes the job a little harder but not impossible. When I did my 74 I dropped the spare tire carrier and this gave me a lot of room to work. It only takes about 15 minutes to drop it and it'll save your knuckles. I used nut drivers, 1/4 inch ratchets, open end and box end wrenches, and ratcheting box ends to get mine on. The trick is to use the right tool on the right nut and no two are alike. Work your way from the center of the bumper out. You may have to pull the sides in a little because they tend to spring out when the bumper is removed. Don't pull too hard but don't be afraid of bending them a little to line them up. It takes a little tweaking to get everything to match right but you can do it. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
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From: Manalapan FL
Re: Replacing 74 rear bumper? (vettfixr)
Thanks for the prompt reply. I'm putting the unfinished tail on so I can drive the car until ready for paint (read: until I can AFFORD paint). Not too worried about alignment at this time (that's what I'm going to pay the body shop for).
I did remove the tire/carrier assembly and that certainly helps. I was hoping for some "trick", but I guess this has to be done the old-fashioned way.
Perhaps I should use the individually-pieced retainers as sold in the catalogs?
Assortment of tools duly noted.
Happy New Year,
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
I did remove the tire/carrier assembly and that certainly helps. I was hoping for some "trick", but I guess this has to be done the old-fashioned way.
Perhaps I should use the individually-pieced retainers as sold in the catalogs?
Assortment of tools duly noted.
Happy New Year,
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Replacing 74 rear bumper? (74FLCONV)
I used the stock retainers and wish I had used the individual ones. The stock ones will sometimes throw the shape of the bumper off especially in the curves around the top of the fenders. My rear bumper is OK but the front one I installed has a bump in the corner caused by the stock retainer. If you don't mind spending the bucks go for the individual ones. I think it will save you aggravation in the long run.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Re: Replacing 74 rear bumper? (74FLCONV)
Thanks for the prompt reply. I'm putting the unfinished tail on so I can drive the car until ready for paint (read: until I can AFFORD paint). Not too worried about alignment at this time (that's what I'm going to pay the body shop for).
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,339
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From: Hampton Georgia
Re: Replacing 74 rear bumper? (Paul Borowski)
I am assuming that you bought a urethane bumper. :confused: If you bought a fiberglass bumper ,those retainers are a biatchhh!I suggest you paint it before you put it on .I like to paint every thing off the car .Thats how the general did it and there was a good reason for it. :seeya
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
Re: Replacing 74 rear bumper? (paintdaddy)
I'm only going to stick the bumper on so I can drive the car a few more months. I assume the body shop will remove, paint & properly fit the bumper (in whateve sequence they see fit).
I'm only concerned about getting that thing mounted without having to pull my arm out of its socket!
Thanks for the great answers,
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
I'm only concerned about getting that thing mounted without having to pull my arm out of its socket!
Thanks for the great answers,
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
