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Do anyone know what different there is between 68 and 69/72 Front Crossmember Frame Bracket. (this is the bracket that mounts to the Frame and that the V-Crossmeber mounts to)
Is it possible that this bracket is the cause why the gap between bumper and body looks as int picture ?
There are three parts that affect the position of the bumper: (All are 68 unic)
Horseshoe bracket
V-Crossmember
Crossmember Bracket
I'm pretty sure that the horseshoe and v-crossmember has the same measures. The question is the frame bracket, what differs?
((( My car is a project that I bought in parts, I know there is a lot of new parts and that some coming from a donor car. That's why I ask, as I don't really know if parts are for a 68 or not. )))
Last edited by Christofer; Feb 14, 2026 at 04:50 AM.
Reason: clarification
The differences are extra holes for additional bolts on the 69 but the actual dimensions should be identical.
The crossmember is most likely not the issue. Getting the bumper aligned “perfectly” can be a little tricky if you don’t know the best way to do it (as with anything else) but it’s not hard to get at least close. It’s hard to analyze from just that picture what’s going wrong.
The easiest way I found to do the bumper is by keeping all the frame extensions loose, or at least not tight to where you can move or adjust them a little. Just tight enough to keep them on. Then, in the case of yours, lightly tap the brackets with a rubber mallet to move them back. I have to be honest, I have never seen a bumper that far out of adjustment. They are usually sideways a little maybe, but that one looks out there. That looks like the corner bolts are just too long.
Hello,
I believe that the 2nd photo in post #3 shows the holes in the horseshoe bracket are slotted so have some room for adjusting the position of it which moves the center of the front bumper forward and backwards.
You then install the outer bumper brackets which mount ro the frame extensions and to the small corner brackets/bumper.
Regards.....
ALL these are all from a 71. There MIGHT be something that gives yo a clue.
Hello,
I believe that the 2nd photo in post #3 shows the holes in the horseshoe bracket are slotted so have some room for adjusting the position of it which moves the center of the front bumper forward and backwards.
Hi, thanks for engagement 🙂👍
we have loosened everything, and pushed it as far back as possible. Even removed all the corner brackets. The picture of my bumper is taken after everything is pushed backwards.
I still believe that it’s the bracket that mounts to the frame that is the problem.
I just needed help getting this theory confirmed, before I start looking for a correct 68 bracket.
Hello,
In looking at your photo I see pop rivets where I'd expect to see flat rivets.
Typically this means that some kind of work has been done to the fiberglass or the reinforcement behind it.
Might that be?
Is that the cause of the gap you're seeing?
Regards.....
Hello,
In looking at your photo I see pop rivets where I'd expect to see flat rivets.
Typically this means that some kind of work has been done to the fiberglass or the reinforcement behind it.
Might that be?
Is that the cause of the gap you're seeing?
Regards.....
Great spotted, All metal on this car is new.
That is not the issue, the corner bolts for the bumper fits. It is the crossmember that needs to move backwards.
The LONG OUTER extension bracket for 68 is also different then the 69 and the 68 version is not reproduced. The vendors that sell the 69 piece say you must modify a hole to make it work on a 69. Also, if you look at those pieces, the bolt holes are very oval for the purpose of adjustment. This bracket can be seen in Alan’s pictures in post #6.
Also, if your parts are reproduction there could be issues. I’ve been fortunate to only have to work with original parts on my cars. I have heard some stories of people having to modify after market parts to make them fit properly.
Again, it’s very hard to diagnose without actually seeing the car and all the components up close.
I talked to David Howard, our resident frame guru, about differences between years.
IIRC he said the holes in the brackets moved a couple times over the years.
He was getting ready to make 3 or 4 variations.
He even already had the blank non-drilled brackets.
But sadly that never happened.
Front Bumper Gap
