1969 rear bumper mount

[Jim M.]

Getting to re-install my rear bumpers. When I took them off prior to re-painting the car I noticed that they are mounted directly to the body with nothing between the metal bumper and the fiberglass. Is this correct? It seems to me that a thin rubber washer or gasket between the body and bumper would be appropriate. Jim

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 rear bumper mount

Jim that's all that's there on some cars at that mount there are cracks from the pressure of the bolts. I think some where around 1973 they added a bracket on the inside mounted to the frame then to the fender bolt. Paul 18046

[Pat K.]

Re: 1969 rear bumper mount

Jim,

I just checked my car and it's the same way. The TIM&JG states "Rear bumpers have no shims. Check for proper fit of bumper face bar to body panel (0.48 to 0.52 or 1/2 inch)."

If there was a rubber washer or something else, then I think/hope the TIM&JG would state it.

Pat

[Jack H.]

Re: 1969 rear bumper mount

Yep, no 'gasket' was factory installed on C2 and early C3 cars between the bumper and body glass. I don't know about later C3 cars...

It's something the exterior judges look for because quite a few restorers want the car 'better' than factory original and often install thin cork or rubber gaskets between the bumper mount and the body panel.

The key here is the test of obviousness. If there IS a gasket installed and it can't be seen/detected, you'll escape deduction(s).

Some have used fische paper and trimmed it back such that it wound up being hidden well away from the outside edges of the bumper's mounting bracket.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1969 rear bumper mount

Hi Jim,
For my 71 bumper bolts I found some very thin, clear, nylon washers in the hardware store. I trimmed them to be a bit smaller in diameter and they're pretty difficult to detect.
Regards,
Alan

[Jim M.]

Re: 1969 rear bumper mount

Thanks Jack and all for the info. When I disassembled the car, mine did not have any sort of gasket or rubber washer between the body and bumper mount. Both side areas where the bumper mounted were broken out and there were cracks at the other bolt locations. Since i don't plan on having my vette judged and I'm guessing that I might go ahead and install some sort of gasket to help save the repaired areas from further cracking, etc. It seems to make a whole lot of sense I think.

[Tom S.]

Re: 1969 rear bumper mount

My 69 had no shims or gaskets when I took them off. But I to put some thin fiber washers on mine when I put them back on. You can't see them and I feel better about having them on there.